Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and celebrate the life of someone who served as a pillar of his community and beacon of light to the students of the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, Dr. William Patterson. Dr. Patterson was a professor and community mentor who was dedicated to bettering the lives of the young people around him. During his time as an associate professor at the University of Illinois School of Music, Dr. Patterson worked with the Moyer Boys and Girls Club and created new initiatives for Black middle school, high school, and college students, like the Hip Hop Xpress Urban STEM Lab. Dr. Patterson's impact on our community cannot be overstated. He was known for always being fully present until the work was done. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate Dr. Patterson and his work, work that we must honor by continuing to follow his example of leadership and excellence. May his legacy live on to empower and inspire young people to blossom into bright, civic-minded leaders for generations to come. ____________________”