A Tribute to Former State Senator Forest D. Etheredge
For Immediate Release, June 2004
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at
(630) 907-5033
Members of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) are greatly saddened by the loss of Forest D. Etheredge. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
A courageous pioneer of education, Mr. Etheredge served as president of McHenry County College and Waubonsee Community College when they were fledgling institutions. His entrepreneurial spirit was never more apparent than when, as State Senator and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he boldly championed funding for the creation of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. In later years as an IMSA Board of Trustee member, he continued his unwavering support of the Academy’s work to raise the level of math and science teaching and learning in the State of Illinois.
Forest Etheredge embodies the traits we strive to instill in our community. He was a trailblazer in unproven territory, a champion of bold ideas and a crusader of educational excellence. We will continue to be inspired by his vision and leadership and we are forever grateful for his life-long commitment to improving the lives of Illinois citizens.
Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally- recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 17,000 teachers and 26,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from services of The Center@IMSA, the Academy unit that provides statewide professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.