Distinguished Service Medallion 2012
MICHELE M. THOMPSON
Dr. Thompson served the University with distinction for more than
three decades with integrity, grace, and loyalty. She began her career
in 1977 as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on the
Urbana-Champaign campus. She later moved on to high-ranking positions in
the Office of the President, with responsibilities that ranged from
developing employment policies to critical initiatives such as
long-range energy planning. She served as chief of staff for the
committee that recommended consolidation of the University's two Chicago
campuses -- the Chicago Circle campus and the Medical Center campus. On
August 21, 1990, Dr. Thompson began her appointment as Secretary of the
Board of Trustees and of the University, until her retirement on
January 31, 2012.
Board of Trustees Minutes
March 15, 2012
AWARD THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES' DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALLION
TO MICHELE M. THOMPSON
On July 18, 1973, the Trustees Distinguished Service Medallion was
created to recognize individuals whose contributions to the growth and
development of the University of Illinois, through extraordinary service
or benefaction, have been of unusual significance.
Today, the Board is proud and honored to add Michele M. Thompson to our esteemed roster of medallion recipients.
Dr. Thompson served the University with distinction for more than
three decades, and her unending integrity, grace, and loyalty advanced
our richly deserved standing as a world leader in education, innovation,
and service to society.
She began her distinguished University career in 1977 as Assistant
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, handling affirmative action
concerns of faculty, staff, and students on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
She later moved on to high-ranking positions in the Office of the
President, with responsibilities that ranged from developing employment
policies to critical initiatives such as long-range energy planning.
During those years, she played a key role in University history,
serving as chief of staff for the committee that recommended
consolidation of the University's two Chicago campuses -- the Chicago
Circle campus and the Medical Center campus. The merger was approved by
the Board on November 19, 1981, and created the University of Illinois
at Chicago, a world-class institution that continues to grow in
enrollment, prestige, and academic and research excellence.
On August 21, 1990, Dr. Thompson began her appointment as Secretary
of the Board of Trustees and of the University, and served until her
retirement on January 31, 2012.
Dr. Thompson was keenly aware of her critical role as Secretary --
supporting the Board and Administration in their governance of the
University, interpreting Board policy to the public, acting as the
University's official record keeper, and serving as an advisor to the
President.
Her duties were as endless as the legions of people she served, a
list that included four University Presidents, dozens of Trustees, and
untold faculty, staff, students, and citizens who did business with the
Board during her 21 years as Secretary.
Dr. Thompson made it look easy, tackling each task with remarkable
skill, a tireless work ethic, a steady hand, and a gentle smile.
In gratitude for her invaluable contributions, the Board of Trustees
takes great pride in presenting the Trustees' Distinguished Service
Medallion to Michele M. Thompson, a dedicated, admired, and beloved
member of the University of Illinois family.