[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF ROBERT LUTHER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
celebrate the career of retiring Lake Land College President Robert K. 
Luther. Dr. Luther concluded his exceptionally accomplished 18-year 
tenure on June 30, 2006.
  Before coming to Lake Land, Dr. Luther served on Governor Jim Edgar's 
Integration of Workforce Education task force and Governor George 
Ryan's Illinois Workforce Investment Board. Upon arriving at the 
college, Dr. Luther faced many challenges in reforming and improving 
the college's educational system and atmosphere, including reversing a 
substantial budget deficit and shrinking student enrollment, as well as 
beautifying a deteriorating campus.
  Today, the college operates on a stable budget and is considered one 
of the most beautiful places in central Illinois, but Dr. Luther 
considers his greatest accomplishment to be increasing the college's 
headcount enrollment by 113 percent since his arrival.
  Dr. Luther has helped to create many of Lake Land College's 
successful off-campus programs. Lake Land is the largest provider of 
postsecondary education to correctional centers in the State of 
Illinois, and the college now offers over 160 online courses. In 
addition, Dr. Luther has been an exceptional fundraiser, increasing 
Lake Land's annual scholarship fund six fold, from $50,000 to $300,000.
  Citizens of the 15th District of Illinois honor Dr. Luther for his 
innovation and leadership at Lake Land College. He has done a great 
service to our community and greater central Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
career of Lake Land College President Robert K. Luther.

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