UIS hosts 98th Illinois General Assembly House Inauguration

The University of Illinois Springfield's Sangamon Auditorium was the site for the inauguration of the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. A crowd of over 2,000 people packed the auditorium to watch lawmakers take the oath of office.

“We’re very happy to have them. The University of Illinois is a leader across the state, nation, and world and we’re glad to exhibit that today,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch.

This is the fourth year that UIS has hosted the inauguration, which brings lawmakers from around the state and their family members to campus.

“UIS has a unique location because it’s at the center of state government. That allows us to be part of activities like this and also to provide educational opportunities to students,” said University of Illinois President Robert A. Easter.

UIS offers numerous internships at the capitol and in state agencies, which allows students to gain valuable experience. There are currently hundreds of UIS alumni working in state government.

“I graduated from here, so it’s always good to get back on campus and see things,” said State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal. “I’ve had an opportunity to come out with Ron Michaelson and talk to a couple of classes about once a year. It’s always good to be out here.”

The inauguration was particularly special for Tyler Scherer, a senior political science and communication major at UIS, who watched his mother begin her career in state government at his school.

“It’s been a wonderful place to get an education,” State Rep. Sue Scherer said about UIS.

Scherer has been taking advantage of her son’s internship at Cook-Witter, Inc., a legislative consulting firm in Springfield.

“It’s funny, but I’m calling him because he’s doing an internship,” said Rep. Scherer. “I’ve been calling him all week. What’s going on with this bill? What’s going on with that bill? Where are they at? What’s really happening?”

Tyler worked hard on his mother’s campaign, using the abundance of opportunities he gained from his UIS education to help her get elected.

“It’s been a long journey, but it’s definitely paid off right now,” said Tyler.