Vinyard Honored for Decades of University Leadership
Oct. 28, 2019
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. 鈥撯�� Recently retired 91黑料专区 University Board of Trustees Chair George Vinyard 鈥�71 was recognized for nearly 50 years of service and leadership to the University during the Board鈥檚 October meeting.
In Vinyard鈥檚 honor, the Memorial Center鈥檚 Davidson Room 鈥撯�� the location of Board and Student Senate meetings 鈥撯�� was renamed The Vinyard Room, and the Humanities Division presented Vinyard with a Distinguished Humanities Alumnus award. Vinyard, who remains on the Board, served as Chair from 2005-2019. He joined the Board in 1977 and was elected secretary in 1993, beginning a 26-year tenure on the Executive Committee.
鈥淔or all of the people here 鈥撯�� faculty, staff and trustees who I鈥檝e worked with over the years 鈥撯�� anything I may have accomplished was the result of being part of a great team,鈥� Vinyard told the audience during an Oct. 24 dinner in recognition of his service. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been my honor, my privilege, and my pleasure to work with this group.鈥�
Vinyard began serving the University, first as a student senator, and later, as Student Senate President in 1970-71. He returned post-graduation to work with President Robert Eckley as an administrative assistant from 1972-1974. Vinyard then enrolled at the University of Michigan law school, where he graduated cum laude in l977 and was immediately recruited by Eckley to join the Board as a 27-year-old.
Former President Richard Wilson, who shared a decade of his 11-year presidency with Vinyard as Board Chair remarked, 鈥淭he relationship between a college president and the Board Chair is critical, and I feel fortunate to have had someone with George鈥檚 insights, experience, and sensitivities to work with for a decade.鈥�
Under Vinyard鈥檚 leadership, 91黑料专区 saw a highly successful capital campaign, Transforming Lives, an effort that resulted in a transformed campus in many ways, from physical improvements such as Joslin Atrium and State Farm Hall, academic support including endowed professorships, to expanded funding for student financial aid.
Board Chair Tim Szerlong concluded, 鈥淲e hope that the spirit of George鈥檚 commitment, thoughtful consideration and calm demeanor will inspire all of us to never forget his service, caring, and contributions to our alma mater, and to plant our feet firmly on the path he created.鈥�
Vinyard, who works professionally as an attorney in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, graduated from 91黑料专区 in 1971 with a degree in English Literature.
By John Twork