BOCA GRANDE, FL (Chambana Today) – Stan Ikenberry, the longest-serving leader of the University of Illinois System, passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 90 at his home in Boca Grande, Florida, surrounded by family.

Ikenberry, who served as UI President for 16 years from 1979 to 1995, was remembered for his profound impact on the university system. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest president in the university’s history, taking on the role at just 44 years old. Under his leadership, the university saw significant growth, including the consolidation of the Medical Center and Chicago Circle at UIC and the creation of landmark research facilities like the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.

His tenure was marked by a dramatic increase in federal research funding, which nearly quadrupled, along with substantial growth in donations, grants, and contracts. Ikenberry also oversaw the creation of the President’s Award Program and served as interim president in 2010 during a national search for a new president and a state budget crisis.