[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 9446] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF J. MICHAEL DURNIL DURING HIS TENURE AT ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, May 15, 2008 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D., to Roosevelt University. Dr. Durnil will leave Roosevelt University, where he has devoted his talents and energies for the last 15 years, for the newly created position of Senior Vice President for GLADD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in Los Angeles. Throughout his career at Roosevelt, Dr. Durnil has been a staunch advocate for students, especially those who are the first in their family to attend Roosevelt, a protector and promoter of the university's image, reputation, and history as an institution of higher education founded on the principles of social justice and academic excellence, and a devoted cheerleader for Roosevelt University at both the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses. During his time at Roosevelt, Dr. Durnil rose quickly through the ranks, beginning as Dean of Students, serving as the Campus Executive Officer for the Schaumburg campus, and eventually being promoted to Vice President for Administration and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees. In spring 2004, he was honored as an American Council on Education Fellow, a highly prestigious appointment made only to the Nation's top college and university leaders. He spent the next academic year at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Upon his return in 2005, he was named to the newly created position of Vice President for Governmental Affairs and University Outreach, the position he will leave on May 28, 2008. Making a strong impact from the start, Dr. Durnil oversaw the creation, direction and implementation of strategic activities focused on governmental, community, public and external relations for the university. Through Dr. Durnil's efforts, Roosevelt University gained national and international recognition as a major sponsor for the 2006 Gay Games, which were hosted by the City of Chicago. From serving as a registration site for the 140,000 participants to hosting a mayoral press conference on campus to providing housing for athletes, Roosevelt University was a major part of this event, thanks to Dr. Durnil. His hard work and penchant for developing productive and solid relationships in Springfield and Washington, DC, has resulted in a strengthened presence and recognition for the university with elected officials. With deep appreciation and admiration for his efforts, I thank Dr. Durnil for his service to Roosevelt University and the city of Chicago and wish him well in his new endeavors. ____________________