Congratulations to Carl Kasten, a longtime freind of the Department of Economics and distinguished graduate of Illinois State University. He was recently named to the 2006 College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in recognition for his professional accomplishments and service to the University.
Carl Kasten received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University in social sciences in 1966 and received his law degree in 1969 from the Northwestern University School of Law, where he was a recipient of the Wigmore Key. He is a former member of the Illinois Board of Regents and is senior partner in the law firm of Phelps, Kasten, Ruyle, Burns, Sims, and Meyer P.C. in Carlinville. He is a member of several bar associations, including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association on whose Board of Managers he previously served.
Kasten was appointed to the first Illinois State University Board of Trustees in 1996 after serving on the Board of Regents. He was elected the Board secretary in 1996, was elected Chairperson of the Board of Trustees in 2003, and currently serves as the Board liaison to the Illinois State University Alumni Board.
Over 120 friends, family, and former colleagues gathered in the Old Main Room on Saturday morning to witness the induction of eleven new members into the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. The new Hall of Famers and members of the audience laughed, cried, and cheered as inductees were introduced by their former professors, colleagues, and even a spouse. “This ceremony was both impressive and moving,” said Dean Olson. “We learned not only of our inductees' accomplishments as professionals, but also of their trials and triumphs as individuals.
The one thread that ran throughout the ceremony was the importance of Illinois State University in all of their lives. "The College and University can be proud to have produced such a wonderful group of alumni and friends.”
Activities surrounding the induction included a formal welcoming reception for all inductees hosted by the College, and a dinner hosted by President and Mrs. Bowman at the University Residence on Friday. On Saturday morning, the College hosted inductees and their guests for breakfast followed by the formal induction ceremony during which each inductee was introduced by someone of their choosing.
