President Lou Hencken received an honorary resolution from the Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday.

Everyone applauded as Assege HaileMarriam, chair of faculty senate, handed the president his resolution framed in black.

John Stimac, faculty senate recorder, first read the resolution aloud. It recognized Hencken’s “outstanding service,” “wide-range of administrative positions” and “unwavering dedication to Eastern Illinois University and its students.”

Hencken said he appreciated the plaque and added, “I’m not finished. There are more things I want to do.”

After the senate honored Hencken, the presidents’ council updated the senate on construction, academics and future plans.

Eastern is currently working on $5 million in construction projects, said Jeff Cooley, vice president for business affairs.

Although construction on campus has gotten in the way of some students, Cooley said 50 percent of the Doudna Fine Arts Center is complete. The center needs $7.5 million in order to provide equipment and furniture for the 240 square foot interior.

According to Cooley, Eastern has received $6 million and are working on receiving the last $1.5 million in funding.

Students can also expect to walk freely through the south end of the Booth Library, within a month, he said.

“We are going to get these fences down as soon as possible,” Cooley said.

Eastern just received $673,000 in funds from the state of Illinois, and hopes to receive more in 2007, he added.

Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs, also spoke about academics thus far.

“We are off to a great start in terms of an academic year,” Nadler said.

One of the major enhancements this year was PROWl, an orientation program that received an increase of student volunteers, he said.

Faculty Fellows also added to a successful beginning, Nadler said.

Sixty faculty volunteers were assigned to different resident halls to create interaction between the faculty and students by initiating conversation and helping with luggage, he said.

Hencken added that a mom said she had worried about move-in day for months, but in the end it went very well, which Hencken jokingly said he would take credit for.

“When people see you (faculty) outside of the class, they are more willing to talk to you,” Hencken said.

The meeting ended with Hencken discussing his plans for the future.

“Ex-presidents are meant to be seen, not heard,” Hencken said.

However, Hencken plans on continuing to teach, with a possible Foundations course, he said.

Hencken said he and his wife debated on moving for several years, but then realized “all his friends are here.”