ROBERT L. WATSON, ATTORNEY

Village of Brighton Attorney, 1969-current

PROCLAMATION PRESENTED ON APRIL 21, 2021

Robert Watson recently finished his final term on the Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees, concluding 40 years of service as the college’s longest-tenured trustee. Since joining the board in 1977 and serving as board chairman from 1983-20219, Robert’s leadership has been characterized by determination, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the students, school, and community he continues to serve.

Robert oversaw programs that led to momentous growth for Lewis and Clark Community College, spearheading initiatives to increase college enrollment and capital development and ultimately generating approximately $150 million in capital projects that transformed both students’ lives and the local economy.

Robert’s distinguished career in public service includes tenure with the U.S. State Department, work for the Illinois Attorney General, and election as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. As an attorney, Robert both practiced privately and dedicated himself to pro bono legal work on behalf of his communities, service that allowed for the establishment of the Brighton-Betsey Ann Fire Protection District and Southwestern Area Ambulance Service, supported myriad local boards and committees, and furthered the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation’s work on behalf of low-income and senior Illinoisans.

Robert’s legacy persists through his ongoing service on behalf of his communities and through the inspiration he has provided to all those who have had the opportunity to work under his leadership.

Therefore, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, express my deepest gratitude for Robert’s abiding work on behalf of the people of our state, and I offer my best wishes for his continued success and joy in the years to come.

JB Pritzker
Governor, State of Illinois