[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 31 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. BRUCE McMILLAN

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a constituent, Dr. 
Bruce McMillan, director of the Illinois State Museum, and congratulate 
him on his retirement.
  Dr. McMillan began his career at the Illinois State Museum in 1969 as 
associate curator of anthropology. Since becoming director in 1977, Dr. 
McMillan has guided the museum through an expansion from two to six 
facilities throughout Illinois.
  The Illinois State Museum serves the State of Illinois through its 
excellence in interdisciplinary research and its commitment to 
innovation in exhibits and education. With collections in the natural 
sciences, anthropology, and art, the museum tells the story of the 
land, life, people, and art of Illinois.
  Dr. McMillan has brought to his work a true passion for research, 
travel, and the outdoors. Those who know him best call him a natural 
leader who inspires those around him to do things they would never try 
on their own. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. McMillan has led yearly field 
trips for friends and colleagues, including one to the dry shelters of 
Arkansas that has become legend amongst his friends.
  Known to be a sports enthusiast, Dr. McMillan has played in the 
Springfield senior softball league for years and has admirably 
represented Illinois in the Senior Olympics. He is supported by his 
wife Virginia and his three children in all of his many varied 
pursuits.
  Through his decades of service as director of the Illinois State 
Museum, Dr. Bruce McMillan has promoted discovery, learning, and an 
appreciation of Illinois' heritage. Under his leadership, the Illinois 
State Museum has become one of the premier State museums in the 
country, and the legacy he has created will continue to benefit the 
State of Illinois in the years to come.
  Mr. President, I congratulate Dr. Bruce McMillan on his many 
accomplishments throughout his long and successful career, and I wish 
him many more years of happiness and accomplishment in retirement.

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