[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF J. MICHAEL DURNIL 
               DURING HIS TENURE AT ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2008

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity 
to recognize the significant contributions of J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D., 
to Roosevelt University. Dr. Durnil will leave Roosevelt University, 
where he has devoted his talents and energies for the last 15 years, 
for the newly created position of Senior Vice President for GLADD, the 
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in Los Angeles.
  Throughout his career at Roosevelt, Dr. Durnil has been a staunch 
advocate for students, especially those who are the first in their 
family to attend Roosevelt, a protector and promoter of the 
university's image, reputation, and history as an institution of higher 
education founded on the principles of social justice and academic 
excellence, and a devoted cheerleader for Roosevelt University at both 
the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses.
  During his time at Roosevelt, Dr. Durnil rose quickly through the 
ranks, beginning as Dean of Students, serving as the Campus Executive 
Officer for the Schaumburg campus, and eventually being promoted to 
Vice President for Administration and Assistant Secretary to the Board 
of Trustees. In spring 2004, he was honored as an American Council on 
Education Fellow, a highly prestigious appointment made

[[Page E932]]

only to the Nation's top college and university leaders. He spent the 
next academic year at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
  Upon his return in 2005, he was named to the newly created position 
of Vice President for Governmental Affairs and University Outreach, the 
position he will leave on May 28, 2008. Making a strong impact from the 
start, Dr. Durnil oversaw the creation, direction and implementation of 
strategic activities focused on governmental, community, public and 
external relations for the university.
  Through Dr. Durnil's efforts, Roosevelt University gained national 
and international recognition as a major sponsor for the 2006 Gay 
Games, which were hosted by the City of Chicago. From serving as a 
registration site for the 140,000 participants to hosting a mayoral 
press conference on campus to providing housing for athletes, Roosevelt 
University was a major part of this event, thanks to Dr. Durnil. His 
hard work and penchant for developing productive and solid 
relationships in Springfield and Washington, DC, has resulted in a 
strengthened presence and recognition for the university with elected 
officials.
  With deep appreciation and admiration for his efforts, I thank Dr. 
Durnil for his service to Roosevelt University and the city of Chicago 
and wish him well in his new endeavors.

                          ____________________