Date: October 11, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, October 11, 2007 – Warner Saunders, co-anchor of the NBC-5 weekday evening news broadcasts, will emcee the installation ceremony of Dr. Elaine P. Maimon as president of Governors State University. The ceremony takes place on November 3, at 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.
The ceremony will celebrate the university’s history and its future. It will include a processional of representatives of universities from across the nation, elected officials, community leaders, and educators. Dr. Maimon will offer her vision of the university, its vital role in the region, and its commitment to offering accessible educational opportunities.
“We are very pleased that Warner Saunders will be here to help us commemorate the installation of our new president,” said Dr. William Nowlin, Chair of the Installation Planning Committee and Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “An installation celebrates the university through community participation and Mr. Saunders is an important and integral part of the Chicagoland community.”
Saunders’ versatile career in television journalism has impacted many facets and issues important to region. He has won 19 Emmy Awards for news, sports, documentaries, children's programs, conversation talk shows, and community town meetings. His documentaries and special segments have shed light on a variety of issues including and South Africa and Nelson Mandela. Negro League Baseball, Chicago street gangs, the lives of school drop-outs.
His commitment to the community extends back to his days as a Chicago public school teacher, youth worker, and Boys Club Executive Director. He has won numerous awards for his extensive community service. Saunders has also taught at the college and university levels.
The installation ceremony is free and open to the public. It will be followed by an informal lunch and ice cream social to which the audience is also invited.
“Both the ceremony and the reception give us the opportunity to celebrate the university, our future, and our place in the community. People will see the beauty of the campus and our unity of purpose,” added Nowlin. “We are very proud to have Warner Saunders emcee the event.”
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois, 60484. For more information about the installation, call (708) 534-4105 or visit www.govst.edu/installation.
