By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Heartland Community College is paying tribute to its retiring president, naming the campus quad after him and also awarding him an honorary degree.

Rob Widmer said he’s overwhelmed that his name will forever grace the quad at the campus in north Normal.

“It’s really at the heart of the campus, and life and vibrancy of the campus,” said Widmer.

“It will even be more so now that it’s populated with trees, and benches, and mingling areas,” Widmer added.

Trustees Chair Gregg Chadwick said it’s a fitting honor because Widmer has had a big impact on development of the campus during his five years as president and prior to that as vice president of business services.

“It was really part of a strategic plan and process in how the campus would be developed and the buildings that were added in the 2000’s,” said Chadwick.

“Rob was really instrumental in pushing us forward and being aggressive in developing our campus,” Chadwick also said.

At Friday night’s graduation ceremony, Chadwick presented Widmer with an Honorary Associate in Arts Degree. It’s only the third honorary degree awarded in the college’s history.

Widmer retires at the end of June, to be replaced by Madison Area Technical College Vice President Keith Cornille.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].