EIU Media Relations

Humorist, Faculty Forum Next on Pre-Inaugural Event Calendar

John Cassis smiled when he heard the name of Eastern Illinois University 's new president.  As a pre-game motivational speaker for the Chicago Bears (1983-1995), Cassis recognized the name "William Perry" as a familiar one.

Cassis understood that the two men were not the same individual.  He did give a hint, however, that the coincidence might become fodder for his talk commemorating the official inauguration of William L. Perry as president of Eastern Illinois University.

Cassis will begin speaking at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, in EIU's Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union, as the next pre-inaugural event at the university.  As an athlete, minister, publisher, and company founder, he will share many humorous stories and ideas on how to sit back and take a deep breath while turning life's challenges into opportunities.

Pre-inaugural events will also continue at 7 p.m. Tuesday with a Faculty Forum on Academic Freedom.  Eastern's Faculty Senate and University Professionals of Illinois, EIU Chapter, invite all interested persons to attend this event, set to take place in 7 th Street Underground, located in the MLK Jr. Union basement (east wing).

Panelists are to include Rob Miller, University Counsel; James Tidwell, journalism; Charles Delman, mathematics and computer science/UPI; Jocelyn Tipton, Booth Library/president, Illinois Association of College and Research Libraries; Karen Swenson, political science; and Ryan Morrison, sociology undergraduate student.

Admission to both Cassis' talk and to the forum is free and open to the public.

Perry, who assumed the role of EIU's president on July 1, will officially take his oath of office at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in the Grand Ballroom.  This event, too, is open to the public.