By Joe Ragusa
NORMAL – Illinois State is celebrating 159 years as a university.
Founders Day started with a reception for ISU’s biggest donors and the annual bell ringing ceremony where members of the ISU community rang a replica Old Main bell.
The events continue in the afternoon with a convocation ceremony, honoring several members of the Illinois State community.
Julie Dobski is receiving a honorary degree this year. She’s the wife of ISU trustee Bob Dobski and the two own several McDonald’s restaurants around the area.
Julie started the Little Jewels Learning Center in 2004 to help care for children not old enough to attend school and she also works with several organizations in the community, like the United Way, the American Red Cross and the Baby Fold.
“I think we’ve been very successful here. We work hard and we play hard,” Dobski said. “I think there’s no better way to support the community than to participate in it and make a difference in the lives of so many.”
Dobski said she didn’t know she would be honored Thursday until ISU President Larry Dietz called her two months ago.
“When he called, I thought ‘oh boy, he’s going to want me to be on a committee or something,’” Dobski said with a laugh. “(Dietz) said, ‘How does Dr. Dobski Sound?’ and I said, ‘Sounds great.’ Of course, the tears started rolling. It’s such an honor.”
Dietz said Dobski is the “real deal.”
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
