College of DuPage Remembers Bev Fawell
The College of DuPage will fly flags at half-staff this week in honor of former COD Trustee Beverly J. Fawell, 82, who passed away on June 22.
A retired State Senator, Fawell served on the College's Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2007. Her tenure was highlighted by a number of milestones, including the College's seamless conversion from quarters to semesters, advancement of the its comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, significant progress in COD's Academic Quality Improvement Program and the hiring of Sunil Chand, the College's fourth President.
Fawell served as an Illinois State Senator for more than 20 years. Shortly after retiring, College leaders honored Fawell's contributions as a legislator, renaming 22nd Street, officially changing the Glen Ellyn campus address to 425 Fawell Boulevard.
“Senator Fawell's continuous support of College initiatives and unending support for higher education showcased her commitment to the success and experiences of students and to the growth and welfare of the residents of District 502,” said College of DuPage Board Chairman Erin Birt. “Her legacy lives on in this institution and she will be greatly missed.”
First elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1981 and then to the Illinois Senate in 1983, Fawell was the chief advocate for legislation to provide more affordable housing options for seniors by promoting state licensing of assisted-living homes. She also was a voice for the state's community college system, suburban school districts and the mentally disabled.
As head of the senate's transportation committee, Fawell is credited with bringing needed road-building dollars to the DuPage area. She also introduced the bill that created the I-355 tollway and served as chairman of the Illinois Tollway Advisory Board.
Fawell was elected to a six-year term on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees April 3, 2001.
A visitation is scheduled for 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Road, in Wheaton. Funeral Services will be held at
11 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at St. Mark Episcopal Church, 393 Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions are appreciated to NAMI- DuPage, 2100 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL 60187, (630)752-0066. For more information, visit: www.williams-kampp.com or call (630) 668-0016.