University/College:  JOHN T. OERTLING, Eastern Illinois University

Thank you for this opportunity to visit Eastern Illinois University and your new Doudna Fine Arts Center and for this opportunity to present this award from the Illinois Theatre Association.  For those of you who are not familiar with the ITA, we are a statewide organization that brings together theatre professionals from all areas of theatre to advocate for the theatre arts.  We have divisions that include high school, elementary and middle schools, professional and community theatres, and college and university theatres.

Each year each division chooses an individual or organization within their area to receive an outstanding acheivement award. This year the University/College Division has selected John T. Oertling to receive their award. This was announced at the ITA's annual convention in September and I am here tonight to present the award to Mr. Oertling. The following are the acheivements that the division co-chairs noted as their reason for selecting Mr. Oertling:
 
-extensive experience in educational and professional theatre in North Carolina before coming to Illinois
-eleven years a Chair of Theatre Arts at Eastern Illinois University
-overseeing the growth of the Eastern program to over 60 majors
-receiving full NAST accreditation for the program
-revising curriculum and making several new hires to the program
-specifically noted was his oversight of the renovation of the Doudna Fine Arts Center in a time of statewide economic uncertainty. And after having a tour of the center I can attest to the aesthetic beauty and excellent functionality of the facility.
 
In accepting the award from the ITA Mr. Oertling said, "I accept this for all teachers in higher education who work each day to develop young talent and support the arts accross campuses in Illinois." As one of those teachers I would like to thank him for his tribute and I am honored to present the 2009 ITA University/College Division Excellence Award to John T. Oertling. 

Norm Engstrom (ITA President Elect - on right) presents the award to John T. Oertling (on left) on November 14, 2009 at EIU's production of Tempest.