Gros Louis is excellent choice

May 5, as hundreds of graduates say farewell to IU, Bloomington Chancellor Kenneth Gros Louis will also be saying goodbye. He will be the speaker at this spring's commencement, attending his last graduation as chancellor before he retires July 1. No choice There could not be a more appropriate speaker than Gros Louis.\nIn his IU career, which has spanned more than 30 years, Gros Louis has worked with students, faculty and staff to create the best possible University environment. Before he became chancellor, Gros Louis served as chair of the English Department and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He laid the foundation for the success of those programs. \nHe has served on many national organizations for education and humanities, and he has lectured internationally on the Bible as literature. Gros Louis has lived in the world, and his advice on commencement day will be useful to everyone in the audience, especially the graduates who are about to experience the world for themselves. He leaves behind a mark on the University that will make his shoes hard to fill. \nGros Louis is an excellent speaker and has brought his personality and humor to audiences across campus. He is charismatic and personable, which will make his speech even more special because it will be geared toward the students with whom he has had a special relationship over the years. His speech will mark the end of a long and fruitful journey, and will mark a major change in the University community. \nPerhaps most important, Gros Louis has a connection with the students. Whether it was speaking at the Wright Quad 50th anniversary celebration, having students to his house or taking them out for dinner, he acknowledged students' opinions were important. Knowing how they felt about the University was important to making it better. \nGros Louis knew it wasn't enough to see the students on campus. He sought students out in the places where they hang out to better understand the student experience in Bloomington. \nThe University is lucky to have had an administrator like Gros Louis serve the IU community for 36 years. The graduating students are fortunate to have such a distinguished speaker to end their time at IU. We look forward to the words of advice Gros Louis has for all of us, as he says goodbye to a great career and we say goodbye to a great University leader.\nStaff vote: 15 - 0 - 0\nYes - No - Abstain