In Memoriam - Jill O'Brien

 

Jill O'Brien, professor emeritus in the College of Communication, passed away on June 30. She served DePaul University for 34 years, in the Department of Communication and then the College of Communication, in roles that included associate dean of the college, chair of the department and the second communication studies program director.

During her career at DePaul, O'Brien made substantive contributions to the development of the communication program, including expanding the curriculum to include organizational and interpersonal communication, generating the first concentrations in the communication curriculum, authoring the constitution of the newly formed Department of Communication and the restructuring and professionalization of the DePaul radio station.

O'Brien also developed the first adjunct-faculty orientation program, which became a model for other colleges at the university.

Even as she prepared for retirement, O'Brien made substantial contributions on the University Committee on Academic Policy. She will always be remembered for her wonderful laugh, her great sense of humor and her tremendous work ethic.

Finally, upon retirement in 2014, O'Brien received the Via Sapientiae Award, the highest honor DePaul can bestow upon a member of the university community, in recognition of her distinctive and extraordinary contributions.

Source: DePaul Newline Online, July 8, 2021

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Jill Louise O'Brien, PhD, OP (formerly Sr Job) of Chicago, IL died peacefully in her home Wednesday afternoon, June 30, 2021. Jill's parents John J & Jean V. (née Pellettieri) O'Brien preceded her in death. Jill is survived by her two siblings: John D O'Brien, Dr. Judith A O'Brien (the late Malcolm) Heyworth and three beloved nieces: Catherine Heyworth, Christina Heyworth, Caroline Heyworth. Family, faith, learning and teaching were Jill's passions. 

Jill had a big personality. Her wonderful laugh, gift for funny storytelling, quick wit, and deep loyalty will always be remembered by those lucky enough to have known her. 

Jill's formal education began at Queen of All Saints elementary school, Regina Dominican High School and Siena Heights College in Adrian MI where she took vows as a Dominican (1968), Her formal education continued at Loyola University (Chicago) and then the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) where she earned her doctorate in Communication (1974). Jill's list of lifelong learning achievements and certifications are innumerable. Jill taught many levels of students ranging from 1st graders (Toledo, OH) to college students at Murray State U (KY)and then undergrad, grad, post-grad & professional students through DePaul University, (Chicago) where she was on the faculty for over 34 years. During her long career she was instrumental in expanding the Communication class offerings through their English Dept. When a Dept. of Communication was created Jill authored it's constitution, generated the first concentrations in the new department's curriculum and served as it's second-ever chairperson. She was also responsible for restructuring and professionalizing DePaul's radio station. DePaul eventually launched a separate College of Communication (2008) with Jill developing many of it's new programs & initiatives including a first ever orientation program for adjunct faculty which became the model for other colleges. Even as she prepared for retirement Jill served on the University Committee on Academic Policy. After her retirement Jill became a recipient of DePaul's Via Sapientiae Award - the highest award which can be conferred upon a member of the DePaul community to recognize distinctive and extraordinary contributions to the university throughout a professional career. 

Jill also had a full private life which included volunteering enormous amounts of her time, energy & boundless talents to her work for the Dominicans. This included serving on the Advisory Board of Dominican University 's McGreal Center. She was the Central Province archivist and in 2013 crafted the Lay Dominican Oral History project (LDOH). Jill was honored to represent Dominican Laity for the entire USA in Rome for the 800th anniversary of the death of St Dominic (2017). Jill touched thousands of lives during her lifetime. 

In her home during her last days on earth a priest from her longtime parish (QAS) anointed her, Rainbow Hospice followed her, closest family cared for her & sat vigil in person as countless others added their prayers for the angel of peace to watch over Jill and lead her to the reign of God. St Catherine of Siena said "be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire". Jill did just that. Services and interment private. Burial Mt Carmel Cemetery. Prayers, masses, & sharing of a memory on her memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com and www.legacy.com would be appreciated. For further information contact Smith Corcoran Funeral Home at 773-736-3833

Source: Chicago Tribune, July 11, 2021, page 36

Book Club June 2

 Most members of the DES Book Club enjoyed McCullough’s detailed, wide-ranging account of Americans in Paris from the 1830s to the close of the nineteenth century.  Many readers commented on McCullough’s easy, graceful style; they were impressed also by his thorough research and his use of sources like letters and diaries to illuminate the individual lives of his American subjects.  And of course they were impressed by the range of fields this work covers—medicine, technology, art, literature, and the many Americans who were transformed by their studies in Paris. In particular, the accounts of artists were vivid and compelling.  A few readers felt that the work covered too much detail, so the effect was scattered; they felt McCullough had assembled material without achieving a unified narrative with an “arc” or controlling idea.  But in general there was admiration for McCullough’s achievement and his ability to convey the energy and wonder of these encounters with Paris.  We all agreed that the paperback would benefit from better maps, especially to encourage an understanding of the extensive changes in Paris during these years. 

At the close of the meeting, Nancy Rospenda reminded everyone to send her any contributions to the newsletter—especially accounts of how we spent the year of the pandemic.  Contributions should reach her by June 30 for the next issue of the newsletter.

Our next book will be The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Our next meeting will be August 4 at 11 am, Central Daylight Time. The zoom link opens at 10:30 to permit everyone time to connect and say hello. If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.

We enjoy catching up with our former colleagues and enjoy welcoming new members to the group. Zoom meetings have provided a great way for us to connect virtually during this time.

In Memoriam - Frank Wukitsch

April 18, 1941 - January 26, 2021

Frank E. Wukitsch, 79, passed away on January 26, 2021 in Geneva. Frank was born on April 18, 1941 in Chicago to Frank and Dorothy (nee Schlesser) Wukitsch. He was united in marriage to Susan (Bonnie) Zimmerman on April 30, 1968 in Basel, Switzerland.

Frank will be remembered for his love for his family, the theatre and old tools.  Frank’s father, a tool and die man for the Chicago Stockyards, instilled a love for woodworking and tools at a young age.  Frank would often go with his father to job sites and learned woodworking from a master.  After four years in the army (stationed in Germany), Frank went to work for the Raytheon Company working on missiles.  While in Germany, Frank and Susan were introduced by a mutual friend and were married two months later in Basel, Switzerland.    Returning to the United States, Frank received a Masters Degree in Theatre and went on to teach theatre at the Latin School in Chicago and The Goodman School of Drama/The Theatre School- DePaul University.  His many students talk of his “quiet but powerful sense of calm and generous heart” and his giving of his sandwiches is legendary.   

Frank instilled in his young children a love of the arts, and specifically, the theatre.  Many a weekend was spent on the train going into Chicago to see one of the children’s shows at the Goodman Theatre and later The Theatre School- DePaul University.  Lisa and Gil carry on that love of the arts and the theatre in their jobs as music teachers, pit orchestra directors, and drama directors.

After his retirement, Frank and Susan could be found antiquing, always bringing home that “new” antique tool or another book or piece of china.  Frank volunteered with Preservation Partners of Fox Valley, helping to restore some of the old machinery and giving tool talks to weekend visitors.  Frank spent time with his adult children, helping Lisa to build scenery for her school and helping Gil to rebuild his old barn.  Frank enjoyed visiting the farm animals with his granddaughter, Ava, and talking Legos with his grandson, Grant.

Frank leaves behind his wife, Susan, his children, Lisa (Chris) Wukitsch and Gil (Danielle),Wukitsch, his grandchildren, Ava Wukitsch and Grant Wukitsch, his brothers, Tom (Margaret) Wukitsch and Bob (Barbara) Wukitsch, his sister, Lori (Nick) D’Asta, many cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, many friends, and countless students.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Wukitsch, and his stepmother, Grace Wukitsch (nee LeBanco).

All services will be private.

In honor of Frank, please consider a donation to Preservation Partners of Fox Valley or The Theatre School- DePaul University (Wukitsch Spare Sandwich) Scholarship Fund .

Arrangements entrusted to Moss Family Funeral Home St. Charles 630-584-2000 or www.mossfuneral.com

Source: Moss Funeral Home, accessed April 20, 2021

Book Club, April 7

Opinions were divided during our discussion of Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House. Some readers responded enthusiastically to the rich characterizations and family dynamics in the novel, while others found the characters’ obsessions with the house itself a puzzle or a limitation.  Our conversation started with an observation that the novel is narrated entirely by Danny Conroy, yet it is dominated by women and their concerns.  We considered the relationship of sister and brother, Maeve and Danny.  Maeve’s insistence that Danny attend medical school, to spend down the inheritance that would otherwise go to the children of Andrea, their stepmother, seems an elaborate kind of vengeance.  While the banishment of Maeve and Danny by their stepmother from the house (and Maeve’s response) seemed rather unconvincing to many of us, others saw it as one of many borrowings in the novel from fairy tales; at various points, the novel seems to echo tales of wicked stepmothers, children left to find their way in the forest, and magical castles.  

The Dutch House itself evoked a range of reflections and comments.  The role of the large front windows, both architecturally and as an ironic “transparence,” led to observations about actual Dutch houses and the odd presence of the original Dutch inhabitants through their portraits and possessions.  The servants who seem almost part of the furnishings, starting with Fluffy, were all richly drawn and interesting in themselves.  Andrea’s obsession with the house, and Maeve’s persistent return to watch the house from outside, suggested its power. Only when a party given by the new owner, Danny's daughter, celebrates new beginnings, does the house appear to have found its rightful owner.  The family, despite Maeve’s death, also appears more coherent in those final scenes, though the novel’s ending remains ambiguous.

Our next book will be The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David Mccullough. We will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, June 2. Meeting starts at 11 am Chicago time. However, the Zoom link will be open at 10:30, to make sure everyone can  establish a good connection.

Please contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough if you have any questions.

We enjoy catching up with our former colleagues and enjoy welcoming new members to the group. Zoom meetings have provided a great way for colleagues not in the immediate vicinity of the Lincoln Park Campus to participate. 

In Memoriam - John Kordek

 

Ambassador John F. Kordek (Ret.)  of Arlington Heights

Retired U.S. Ambassador John F. Kordek was born on June 9, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Harriet (nee Rogalski) Kordek. He died Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at home with his loving wife by his side.

Following graduation from Weber H.S., he joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years on active duty with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) 818th Air Division of the 8th U.S. Air Force.

When he completed his active military service, he graduated from DePaul University with a PhB in 1964. Kordek is also a graduate of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University. The Ambassador also studied at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and graduated from three languages (Serbo-Croat, Polish, and Spanish) and area studies programs from the State Department's U.S. Foreign Service Institute.

Recruited while a college senior at DePaul for the U.S. Foreign Service. He worked for 26 years with the USIA, ICA, and the U.S. State Department, attaining the rank of Career Minister and then U.S. Ambassador.

Kordek served in Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Venezuela, Botswana, and Washington D.C. He also worked in numerous other countries as part of official U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy delegations. One of his first jobs in the Foreign Service in 1965 was to escort Louis Armstrong, who was visiting the former Yugoslavia as part of the U.S. State Department Cultural program overseas.

Ambassador Kordek held many senior positions in the U.S. Foreign Service, including Acting Deputy Ambassador DCM) at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw during the rise to power of the Solidarity movement and the visits of Pope John Paul II to Poland.

During President Reagan's presidency, Kordek was the USIA Director of European Affairs and then the Counselor of the Agency, the highest career official in USIA.

He participated in the Geneva and Reykjavik summit meetings between President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev and numerous international negotiations, including those with the Soviet Union, Poland, Germany, and other countries.

President Reagan nominated Kordek as a U.S. Ambassador in 1988, and the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed him. During the Reagan Administration, he briefed senior officials, including Vice President Bush, and participated in several key National Security Council meetings at the White House chaired by the president.

During his foreign service career, Kordek was nominated for diplomatic positions by every American president, from Lyndon B. Johnson to Bill Clinton.

Following his retirement from the U.S. Foreign Service, Kordek joined DePaul University, where he worked for 15 years as Associate Vice President and taught courses on WWII and the Holocaust. He also lectured at many universities and organizations.

President Clinton, in 1995, appointed Kordek to two five-year terms to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council in Washington, which oversees the operations of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Kordek served on the Council's Executive Committee and the Committee on Conscience, which monitors genocide worldwide.

Clinton also selected Ambassador Kordek to be a member of the U.S. presidential delegations to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau NAZI death camps. He traveled with, among others, on these delegations with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel.

Kordek is the recipient of many honors, including a presidential award from President Reagan for "..., sustained superior conduct of U.S. foreign policy"; Distinguished and Superior Honor Awards from the State Department, ICA, and USIA.

The Ambassador is also the recipient of the "Via Sapientiae Award," DePaul University's highest faculty-staff honor. It was awarded to Kordek for his work to educate generations of students and faculty "....about the horrors of bigotry and the promotion of the value of dignity and respect for all people."

Ambassador Kordek served on several boards of directors when he returned home to Illinois, including the Illinois Humanities Council and the Chicago International Visitors Center. He chaired the Chicago-Warsaw Sister Cities program and was co-chair of the National Polish American - Jewish American National Council.

Kordek is a world traveler. His foreign service assignments took him to the four corners of the world. In retirement, he and his wife continued their travels visiting all the earth's continents. He loved opera, classical music, and jazz. And was a voracious reader of world history.

John is survived by his spouse of 56 years, Alice (nee Kleczynski); son Andrew (Elizabeth) Kordek; daughter Catherine (Lynn) Stover; grandchildren Joshua Kordek, Henry Stover, and Will Stover; brother Phillip (Theresa) Kordek and sister Judy (Chester) Pasowicz.

A Memorial Service for John will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.

Book Club February 3

 We had a lively discussion of Caste. Many found the work powerful and compelling, but less informative than Wilkerson's earlier The Warmth of Other Suns. We applauded her use of compelling personal stories and analogies that lent force to her analysis. Her comparison of the problem of caste as the weak foundation of the house of American society helped highlight the need to confront and understand systemic racism. And the account of the black schoolboy denied the use of the local swimming pool brought home the thoughtless cruelty of racist culture. Some noted problems with the parallels drawn between the Nazi "final solution", the Indian caste system, and American racism, seeing critical differences between these three systems. Others noted that the term "caste" could equally apply to ethnic distinctions and was used too broadly here. We identified some instances of superficial source material, but agreed that the younger readers could read and learn from Caste. We agreed that all readers could take away valuable lessons and new awareness from this work.

Our next book will be The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. We will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, April 7. Meeting starts at 11 am. However, the Zoom link will be open at 10:30, to make sure everyone can  establish a good connection.

Please contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough if you have any questions.

We enjoy catching up with our former colleagues and enjoy welcoming new members to the group. Zoom meetings have provided a great way for colleagues not in the immediate vicinity of the Lincoln Park Campus to participate. 

 

In Memoriam - Donald Banik

Don Banik worked in Security at the Lewis Center. He always had a smile on his face. Rest in peace, Don.

Donald J. Banik, US Army Veteran, at rest February 10th at age of 86; Beloved husband and best friend of Mary Ann, nee Wowczuk for over 54 years; Loving dad of Michelle (Ed) Snorewicz, Dawn (Jim) Cooke, Maribeth (Nicole) Conway, Donald (Collen) Rost Banik and David Banik; Cherished grandpa of Emily, Jacob, Matthew, John and Danny; Fond brother of Dolores (late Stanley) Koslowski; Dear brother-in-law of Collette (late Robert) Kampendahl; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Visitation Monday, February 15th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Curley Funeral Home, (Kubina-Tybor Directors), 6116 W. 111th Street, Chicago Ridge. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, February 16th at St. Linus Church, 10300 S. Lawler, Oak Lawn for 11:00 a.m. Mass. Private interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery. Due to Covid concerns social distancing rules will be observed and masks are required. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate considering a memorial donation in Don’s name to St. Linus’ St. Vincent de Paul Society preferred. For Funeral info 708-422-2700, or www.curleyfuneralhome.com

To send a message to the Banik family or share condolences: https://www.curleyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donald-J-Banik?obId=19964765

Source: Chicago Tribune, February 14, 2021, page 33