President Maimon Pens Tribute to Warner Saunders
Governors State University mourns the recent loss of award-winning NBC journalist Warner Saunders. A 2008 Honorary Degree Recipient and Emeritus member of the GSU Foundation board, Saunders was integral to the university community.
In memory of Saunders, GSU President Elaine P. Maimon wrote this tribute commemorating his dedication to the university.
Warner Saunders is one of those rare people who shape their time on earth and leave a lasting legacy. NBC5 brought Warner into our homes every week day night to keep us informed about Chicagoland and the world, always through the lens of social justice.
Warner honored Governors State University by serving as the master of ceremonies at my presidential installation in November 2007. He told me then that in the 1960’s, he had served on the planning committee for our university. He emphasized that one of the purposes for this new, innovative public institution was to provide for Chicago students the option of a beautiful, tranquil campus conveniently located at the end of the Metra Electric line. Warner will continue to be with us as we recruit enthusiastically in Chicago public schools. We were proud to make Warner a GSU alumnus with a much deserved honorary degree.
Now as Governors State develops its Community Media Center, Warner Saunders will be our patron, inspiring students and faculty members to follow the highest ethical standards for journalism in the media age. Rest in peace, dear friend, you live on at Governors State.
Elaine P. Maimon
President, Governors State University