Illinois State Rep. Katherine Cloonen of the 79th District recently visited the main campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais to present an official resolution from the Illinois House of Representatives honoring the university’s School of Music. 

In part, the resolution states: “Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Ninth General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we honor the Olivet Nazarene University School of Music for their distinguished accomplishments in music and their commitment to serving their community.”

“I’m honored and thrilled to be able to present this resolution to Olivet,” said Cloonen, who is a music educator herself. “For a university to be on the cutting edge of technology in its School of Music is so exciting. I know the students are excited to learn in this way. It’s great to be able to spotlight what Olivet is doing.”

The resolution was enacted to recognize the most recent achievements and distinctions in the School of Music, including:

• Apple Distinguished Program designation for 2014 through 2016 for the iLearn@Olivet initiative
• Invitation to the 190-member Marching Tigers band to perform at the 30th annual New Year’s Day Parade and Festival in London, England, in 2016
• More than 500 students from all majors across campus participating in the Marching Tigers, three concert bands, two orchestras, a big band, two jazz combos, five choirs, and more than 15 chamber ensembles
• 100 percent job placement for graduates of the music education degree program

Olivet President John C. Bowling accepted the resolution on behalf of Olivet.

“What has been recognized here didn’t just happen,” Bowling said. “This is the result of Dr. Don Reddick’s leadership as dean of the School of Music, and the dedicated work of the men and women on our music faculty.”

--Olivet Nazarene University