Rauner unveils Bicentennial logo

Gov. Bruce Rauner convened the first meeting of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission on Thursday and unveiled the celebration's official logo at the Old State Capitol.

The co-chairs of the Bicentennial Commission, Gloria Castillo and SIU President Randy Dunn, were also announced.

“From Kaskaskia to Vandalia and now Springfield, this has been a long time coming, and I am honored that you can be a part of this effort to honor our past while paving the way for our future,” Rauner said in a statement. “From our rich history to our rich soil Illinois has changed over the last two centuries but our focus is still much the same.

“We’re still deeply rooted and invested in our children’s education, moving Illinois forward through innovation and technology and working together to make our great state the best place to live in the country.”

At the meeting, Rauner and Bicentennial Office Executive Director Stuart Layne unveiled the official bicentennial logo.

The logo was created and donated by Ben Olsen, of Schaumburg PR agency 3 Monkeys and Aardvark Studios. The navy and gold design with 21 gold stars represents Illinois’ entry as the 21st state in the union.

The colors are a nod to the State of Illinois’ official seal.

“The sunburst in the middle of the state outline portrays the impact Illinois has made on the country and the world over the past two centuries and the bright future we aspire to for the next 200 years,” Layne said.

The Bicentennial Commission includes 40 members approved by the governor, 11 appointed by legislators and several non-voting state agency representatives.

Dunn, who was superintendent of the Chester school district from 1991 to 1994, has been SIU’s president since May of 2014.

Locally, Randolph County Tourism is spearheading the Bicentennial plans.

For more information on the state’s efforts, visit the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration website at www.illinois200.com.