Craig Willis was only at Eastern Michigan University one year. He was lauded as if he had been here 20.
Such was the outpouring of emotion for a man who, after inheriting a campus culture mired in controversy a year ago, stabilized EMU's environment and did what he said he would do — set the table for incoming president John Fallon, who takes the EMU helm July 18.
Willis and his wife, Dr. Marilyn Willis, were feted during a farewell program in the McKenny Union Ballroom June 21. The two received "retirement" rocking chairs to enjoy the mountain view from their Pennsylvania home during retirement. President Willis also received an EMU letter jacket from the athletics department and was granted "honorary alumnus status" by the Board of Regents.
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ENOUGH, ALREADY: Eastern Michigan University
President Craig Willis urges the crowd to stop with
its applause during a farewell reception for Willis and
his wife, Dr. Marylyn Willis (above right), in the
McKenny Union Ballroom June 21. |
"I'm just so amazed to see so many people here and I was so touched when you stood up when I came in," Willis said and added, in his typical trademark humor, "You know, Marilyn, when I die, you need to put me on ice so you can charter some buses from here to my funeral."
Willis said his EMU journey has been characterized by two words: embracing opportunities. Those opportunities included reaching out to students, faculty staff, alumni and friends; focusing on critical programs, activities and services; and celebrating the University's strengths.
During his tenure, Willis and his wife hosted 77 events for 4,581 guests at University House. The two often were fixtures at numerous student, faculty, staff, community and athletic events.
Willis mentioned many highlights, including the groundbreaking for the new student center, the 25th anniversary of the Undergraduate Symposium, approval of a new general studies program that will provide students more scheduling flexibility and the successful completion of 61 out of 74 faculty searches.
"I've never seen a president so quickly endear himself to the community," said Jim Vick, vice president for student affairs. "I don't know of any student government group that has warmed up so quickly to the president and the president's spouse. Day in and day out, he has put students first and students recognize that."
Student Body President Bobby Murkowski agreed, citing his fondest memory of Willis was that he took his first campus meeting with student government leaders.
"Over the last year, he has rebuilt faith and pride in this University, laying the path down for the new incoming president, John Fallon," he said.
Murkowski presented Willis with a number of gifts from student government, including a parliamentary procedure guide, an alumni T-shirt, a box of golf balls and an EMU coffee mug.
Faculty Council President Daryl Barton emphasized six positive characteristics about Willis using each of the letters in his last name. One of the L's in his last name stood for "likable."
"His open and friendly attitude, and willingness to meet with anyone contributed to his overall likeability," Barton said. "At the many Regents Advisory Committee listening sessions, we heard that the next president should be 'Willis-like.'"
Although he was only here a short time, Interim Provost Don Loppnow said Willis did leave a legacy.
"I think Craig Willis has really helped us restore our confidence in the office of the president and in the leadership of this institution," Loppnow said. "And we very much appreciate that as part of the legacy."
As I have said on many occasions, I wish EMU and the Willises had found each other sooner," Willis said. "Eastern Michigan University will always have a special place in our hearts."
