Mayor declares day to honor CELL director

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, left, presents a “David Dresslar Day” proclamation to CELL Executive Director David Dresslar on Wednesday at Dresslar’s home.

Dave Dresslar, executive director of UIndy’s Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning since 2008, got a big surprise Wednesday when Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard stopped by his house.

Ballard presented the longtime educator and school reform advocate with a plaque declaring Nov. 5 to be “David Dresslar Day” in the city. Dr. Dresslar is battling leukemia and recently informed colleagues and community partners that he is taking an extended leave of absence to undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Dr. Janet Boyle, CELL’s assistant executive director since 2011, has been named acting executive director in his absence. Among other duties, Boyle has had primary responsibility for CELL’s work with the Early College school model around the state. Under her leadership, CELL will continue collaborating with regional workforce development partners, exploring the creation of a statewide polytechnic network, expanding STEM collaborations between K-12 educators and higher education institutions and supporting teacher quality efforts statewide.

The CELL staff is collecting cards and notes from well-wishers to show support for Dresslar throughout his surgery and lengthy recovery period. Messages may be sent to:
CELL
University of Indianapolis
1400 E. Hanna Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Attn: Kyleigh Gerlach – DDCC

Note: If multiple notes or cards are mailed together, they do not require individual postage, as they will be delivered to the family in sets.