CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The dedication of the Cline Center for Democracy will take place from 1:30-3 p.m. Monday (Oct. 29) at the center's new home, 2001 S. First St., Suite 207. The center previously was known as The Center for the Study of Democratic Governance.
A gift from Richard G. Cline and his wife, Carole J. Cline, created the endowment that resulted in the name and location change. The dedication of the Cline Center will be held in conjunction with the third annual Northern Trust Forum on Democracy, Globalization and Societal Welfare.
"We are looking forward to the dedication," said political science professor Peter F. Nardulli, the director of the center. "It is a great and rare opportunity to honor these generous donors and alumni who have shared so much with us. Also, the conjunction with the forum will really make it a special occasion. Dozens of students and others will be involved to help us commemorate the event. "
Designed with a global focus, the center has as its primary mission the enhancement of democracy through study and open dialogue. The center aims to generate a stream of ideas, research, and information that will address ethical, structural, and procedural issues affecting democracy and to inspire new generations of students to strengthen civic life in the U.S.
"We will continue to work in areas of public engagement and the sponsorship of research on democratic governance," Nardulli said. "We will be able to support students and faculty even better than before."
The Clines have been involved with the U. of I. for more than 50 years.
Richard G. Cline was named the chair of the U. of I. Foundation's board of directors and a co-chair of "Campaign Illinois," a fundraising drive that collected more than $1.5 billion.
The center was established in 2004 through the initiative of Nardulli, who also is a professor of law, and Jesse Delia, who then was the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
For more information, visit www.clinecenter.uiuc.edu.