Farewell to Deans Casey and Suchar

FAREWELL TO DEANS CASEY AND SUCHAR

Rachel Marciano

 DECEMBER 03, 2014

Donald Casey and Chuck Suchar

Cortelyou Commons was buzzing with faculty and staff on the afternoon of Nov. 17, as Deans Don Casey and Chuck Suchar prepared to give their farewells before they retire at the end of the year. Each received a Via Sapientiae Award, DePaul's highest honor for faculty and staff, for their tremendous contributions to the university.

"The number of accomplishments these men had a hand in during their time at DePaul is nothing short of extraordinary," says David Miller, interim provost for DePaul and dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media.

Casey first arrived at DePaul in July of 1995 to fill the position of dean for the School of Music. During his 20 years of leadership, the school took great strides both academically and philanthropically. Casey immediately began cultivating relationships with Chicago's music scene, which created an environment that attracted world-class faculty. He raised performance standards and developed a more enriching academic experience for students. The dean also more than tripled the number of available endowed scholarships, which made the music program more accessible to students.

Because of his leadership and influence, several of the school's ensembles are now widely regarded as among the best in the country. Casey even helped initiate "Christmas at DePaul," the annual concert that has become one of the university's most loved holiday traditions. In addition, his encouragement led to the Community Music Division providing musical instruments and instruction to 150 children in the Lawndale neighborhood.

"In all things, DePaul leads with the heart," Casey says about his time at the university. "That's why it's felt like home since the moment I walked through the door. I'm so very grateful that DePaul found me."

Suchar started his career at DePaul as an undergraduate student 50 years ago. Similar to many of DePaul's current students, Suchar brought a unique cultural heritage to the university. "I was born in the Soviet Union, but spent the first four and a half years of my life in a displaced persons camp in Germany," he says. "DePaul was the first major step in achieving my American dream -- of making something of myself."

Since his graduation, he has spent 43 years in various positions throughout the university. In addition to teaching, Suchar held many administrative roles, including director of the University Honors Program, division head of behavioral and social sciences, chair of sociology and anthropology, associate dean and ultimately dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

As a scholar, Suchar combined his passion for photography and sociology to help pioneer the field of visual sociology. In 1996 he earned DePaul's Excellence in Teaching Award, but his influence branched beyond the classroom and into administration. As associate dean of LAS, he co-founded the Discover and Explore Chicago program, which this year celebrated its 20th anniversary. The program helps freshmen not only adjust to life in Chicago, but also provides them with academic success skills. The curriculum also has been a model for similar programs at universities across the country.

"It's been a tremendous ride, and all I can say is thank you, DePaul," Suchar says.

Source: Newsline Online, December 4, 2014