Dear students, faculty, staff and friends:
On June 30, we will say a bittersweet goodbye to University of Illinois at Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch after nearly a decade of distinguished leadership that has lifted UIS to its place as our state’s top-ranked regional public university.
Her send-off into a richly deserved retirement will be far quieter than we hoped. Just as it has with all of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into our plans to publicly celebrate Susan for everything she has done.
But it is only a delay. When COVID is under control and large gatherings like the one Susan will attract are allowed again, we will bring her back and honor her in person for her countless contributions – new programs, new facilities, new opportunities for students, new connections with the community, new world-class faculty, expanded athletics and record philanthropy.
In the meantime, we have prepared a short video with tributes from a few of the many people whose lives she touched across campus and beyond. We hope it shows her just what a mark she has left. If you get a chance, drop a note to share your thanks, too, and to welcome Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney as she steps in to build on Susan’s legacy.
Sincerely,
Tim
