Illinois St. looks to move on
Boschini isn’t running out on school, some say
By Sarah Chacko
Staff Reporter

Illinois State University officials say President Victor Boschini Jr. will be missed by the students, faculty and staff he has served, but the legacy he left will keep them going.
Nick Maroules, an ISU student, said no one really anticipated Boschini’s departure this soon. After the news started covering it more, ISU began to understand what Boschini’s being offered is more along life-term career goals, Maroules said.

Richard Dammers, assistant to the president, said Boschini’s announcement as the chancellor-elect was surprising mainly because of TCU’s strict confidentiality during the chancellor search.

“I am convinced that the many positive things happening at ISU because of Boschini will continue successfully,” Dammers said. “He has given many people the encouragement and motivation to make good things happen, and the legacy will bring lasting benefits to ISU.”

Dammers said Boschini is an outstanding leader because of his commitment to the people of ISU. Students, faculty and staff know he cares deeply about them and wants each of them to be successful in the university environment, he said.

“He consistently seeks to improve the university, and his annual goal statements, as well as his actions, speak to this very clearly,” Dammers said.

Bill Sulaski, chairman of the ISU Board of Trustees, said because of his communication style, Boschini took an active role in legislative and political processes. Boschini frequently attended functions where legislators were present to develop professional relationships and seek out financial support, he said.

According to the ISU Web site, the university is working on a comprehensive fund-raising effort that will touch every aspect of the university. The campaign will help ISU meet the needs of future students and faculty, promote partnerships with the community and businesses, elevate the university’s stature and enhance the value of an ISU degree for the students and alumni, according to the Web site.

Sulaski said many people doubted the goal to raise $88 million by December 2004. As of Dec. 1, ISU had raised more than $60 million, he said.

Though Illinois is undergoing budget cuts across the state, the university is not dependent on the president alone but the entire community, Dammers said. The energy and processes Boschini put in practice will stay in place, he said.

Maroules said Boschini brought values and ideas to the campus that helped set up a new leadership framework. Boschini maintained strong relations with all his constituents and worked hard to avoid tensions between different administrative groups, Maroules said.
“When Boschini stepped in as president, he transformed the way of thinking,” Maroules said. “He’s inspired us to work together to make things better.”

Dammers said Boschini has the ability to speak to a variety of constituents and that he values a collaborative atmosphere. He said Boschini incorporates people into the decision-making process and makes a point to keep every aspect of the community in mind.

Maroules said the personal relationships Boschini developed with the students will be missed the most. Boschini was the vice president of student affairs before he became president and he brought a lot of those ideas and qualities that set him apart, Maroules said.

“(Before Boschini) students were treated like they didn’t understand what was going on,” Maroules said. “We may not understand every aspect of policy-making, but Boschini knew that the understanding we did have was important.”

Sarah Chacko
s.e.chacko@tcu.edu