Executive Director, William Shilts

Bill, we invited you to take a few minutes to speak about the Institute. But first, we want to take this opportunity to say something important to you. We want to express our deep appreciation to you. The new opportunities that offer themselves to the Illinois State Geological Survey, the other Surveys, the Institute, and the University because of your tireless efforts to make the merger happen are truly countless. The potential for a future in which the Surveys will thrive is open to us, thanks to you. I know you've been working too hard to bask in that glory, but it is time for us to pause and let you do that.

As a small token of our appreciation for your prominent role in making all this happen, we present to you the ISGS Special Recognition Award for 2008. It reads: "William W. Shilts, Ph.D., in appreciation of your vision, determination, and actions while Chief of the ISGS that led to the merger of the Scientific Surveys with the University of Illinois and creation of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability." We thank you.

Updated 9/16/09 AW