January 13, 2004
SIUC surprises John Moody with special honor; 'President Emeritus' title awarded for 1st time
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A small delegation from Southern Illinois University Carbondale traveled to Carmel, Ind., today (Jan. 13) to honor retired Eli Lilly & Co. executive John E. Moody for his tireless service to the University and the SIU Foundation.
The delegation, headed by SIUC Chancellor Walter V. Wendler, presented Moody with a resolution naming him the first ever 'President Emeritus' of the SIU Foundation Board. He also received the Foundation's Medal of Distinction.
Moody served as the Board's president from 1996 to 1999, longer than any other individual.
"You can never underestimate the power of alumni who give back to future generations," Wendler said. "John Moody has made very significant contributions to this institution and to the SIU Foundation and we are very appreciative."
Accompanying Wendler were SIUC Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Rickey N. McCurry, former SIU Foundation Presidents Marsha G. Ryan, Jim Gildersleeve and Paul L. Conti, along with SIU Foundation Board legal counsel John Huffman.
"John Moody has meant so much to this University and to the SIU Foundation Board," McCurry said. "His contributions are unparalleled. I'm honored that we had this opportunity to give him this well-deserved recognition. It is only fitting that John would be recognized as the recipient of the Medal of Distinction and the President Emeritus designation."
The SIU Foundation's executive committee approved bestowing the honor on Moody during its fall meeting in October. Moody has provided exceptional leadership and service to the University since he earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business and economics in 1966. He has returned to campus repeatedly, speaking to ag students, chairing a task force created to examine saving costs by sharing services across the SIU system, and as a member of the Leadership, Governance, and Organization Committee for "Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment."
He was a founding member of the Foundation's Chancellor's Council, a member of the Paul & Virginia Society, and a member of the Agriculture Development Team.
His wisdom, insight, guidance and integrity brought stability, strategic direction and credibility to the SIU Foundation, helping it reach its current strength.
In May 2001, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Agriculture and served as the University's commencement speaker.
Moody's career at Eli Lilly spanned 34 years.