In Memoriam - Hank Rodkin

Hank Rodkin, a recently retired executive-in-residence in the Department of Marketing and a tireless mentor who counseled hundreds of students on their careers, died suddenly May 27 at the age of 75.

Rodkin came to DePaul in 1990 as an adjunct professor after a long career in marketing that included the Tribune Co. and Procter and Gamble Co. and took him to more than 60 countries.

An executive-in-residence since 1995, Rodkin leveraged his international experience by serving as the executive director of the Driehaus Center for International Business for several years.  He also formed the Center for Professional Education.

He developed a class on brand management and was one of the few Commerce professors to develop a Discover Chicago course for incoming freshmen.  Although retired, Rodkin still taught part time.

For the past eight years, Rodkin worked with Zafar Iqbal, associate professor of marketing, on a popular job search seminar that walked students through the process of getting a job.

"Hank had an insatiable desire to use his life experiences to help students make progress in their careers,"  Iqbal says.

Robert O'Keefe, professor of marketing, worked with Rodkin on an award-winning article for the Marketing Management Association. O'Keefe received confirmation that an extended version was to be published in The Marketing Management Journal this fall and shared the news with Rodkin the day before he died.

"He was delighted, and we both looked forward to seeing the issue," O'Keefe says.  "It breaks my heart that he was denied the chance."

Rodkin is survived by his wife, Maggie, children and grandchildren.

Commerce Exchange, DePaul, Summer 2011, Vol. 15, No. 3

Service Awards Luncheon, May 24, 2011

Over 300 members of the DePaul Community were honored at the 23rd Annual Distinguised Service Awards Luncheon held at the Chicago Cultural Center.  A number of retirees attended and enjoyed seeing colleagues, hearing both Fr. Holtschneider remarks and the reflections made by the three speakers -- and sampling the food which was quite good!

Al Erlebacher smiles with Morgan MacIntosh Hodgetts (10 years)

Sr. Jane Gerard listens intently to Fr. Holtschneider's remarks

Jerry Goldman, Nancy Rospenda and the table centerpiece!

Dick Houk gives Nancy Rospenda a big welcome. 
Tom Hojnacki (30 years) looks on

Tom Mockaitis (20 years) shares a conversation with
Al Erlebacher and Sally Chappell

Al catching up with Ellin Kelly

Jack Leahy talking to Joe Kinsella (20 years)
and Bonnie Hirsch, VP for Finance

It was a wonderful event done with style!

Academic Building moves towards completion

The new academic building going up at Belden and Kenmore is nearing completion as can be seen in these photos taken May 24, 2011.

The building is planned to be completed for Winter Quarter, 2012.  The rendering shows how lovely the building and the area will look once completed and with Kenmore Avenue closed between Belden and Fullerton.

 

Click here for additional information on the building from an earlier post.  Also, see photos from last October to see how fast the construction is proceeding.

DES Luncheon, May 20, 2011

DES members enjoyed a wonderful lunch on May 20, 2011 at the Cortelyou Commons.  We were fortunate to have Fr. John Richardson as our guest speaker who shared his remembrances from his over 50 years at DePaul University.  He noted, with the exception of Dick Houk, he had been at DePaul longer than anyone else in the room!  In addition, a representative from Blue Cross/Blue Shield presented information on the current prescription drug program.  We were also pleased to meet Brad Helgeland, the recipient of our third DES Scholarship.

We were delighted to welcome four individuals to the DES Luncheon for the first time: Jim Seri, Education; Milt Shulman, Accounting; Martha Faulhaber, spouse of Robert Faulhaber, Economics; and Fr. Richardson, past president.

More information on the May 20 DES Luncheon can be found in the following posts.

Photos: David Sims and Elaine Beaudoin

Fr. Richardson Shares his Remembrances

The DES members were delighted to hear Fr. Richardson share some of his insights and remembrances of his years at DePaul. He noted DePaul’s history is often spoken of in the context of building acquisitions, student head count, academic offerings, etc., but the true history of DePaul is in its people and their insights, risk-taking and commitment to the institution.

He spoke of  McCormick Seminary and how he had worked very closely with the Seminary administration to encourage them to keep their institution in Lincoln Park. At the time, little did he know that when McCormick Seminary moved to Hyde Park, DePaul would purchase a large portion of their property. He also noted he had very heartily encouraged the city to put the Chicago Public Library in the old Goldblatt building and when that didn't come to pass, he found DePaul looking to purchase the building. He shared the difficulties of navigating with the city, federal government, and the University regarding the acquisition of the building we now call DePaul Center. He told us he has titled his memoirs “The Playful Hand of God” and it has recently been sent to the printer.

In addition, he recounted how much he loved the experience he had while in Kenya absorbing its culture and traditions. Although he was in his 70s when he left for Kenya, he was re-energized by the opportunity to teach young men. He told of writing many of the works from which the seminarians studied.

Fr. Richardson spoke of the work he is doing now assisting with the Capital Campaign and said he is looking forward to the possibility of teaching at DePaul in the fall.

Those in attendance at the May 20 DES Luncheon enjoyed hearing Father so positive and full of life.

Photo: David Sims

DES Awards Third Scholarship

Dick Meister, Brad Helgeland DES Scholarship recipient and Denny Shea

At the May 20 Luncheon in the Commons, Denny Shea introduced Brad Helgeland a graduating senior in the College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) .  Brad thanked the DePaul Emeritus Society members for making it possible for him to finish his last quarter at DePaul.  He said he wasn't sure where the money was going to come from and for a time thought he would not be able to complete his education this year.  He told the members present how extremely appreciative he was of the scholarship -- that it truly was a gift.

Denny Shea thanked the DES membership for its generosity noting over $14,000 specifically had been raised  for the DES Endowed Scholarship so far this year.  A final giving report for FY2011 will be made available after the close of the fiscal year.

Photo: David Sims

DePaul's Prescription Program - 2011

Lisa Feddema, BC/BS rep

The DES members at the May 20th DES Luncheon were pleased to hear Lisa, a representative from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, explain DePaul’s pharmacy program currently in place.

Effective January 1, 2011 the cost of purchasing pharmaceuticals are:
    • Retail: 30 % coinsurance, $10 minimum - $75 maximum (34 day supply)
    • Mail Order: 30% coinsurance, $20 minimum - $150 maximum (90 day supply)
    • Specialty Drugs: 30% coinsurance, $10 minimum - $75 maximum (30 day supply)

She noted that using generic drugs may significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. If you are taking a brand drug, consider asking your doctor if a generic drug is an option for you. There are two types of generics:
    • Generic Equivalent – is made with the same active ingredients at the same dose as the brand counterpart. You can expect the same results as with the brand medication.
    • Generic Alternative – is often used to treat the same condition, but has different active ingredients from the brand drug or its generic equivalent, so overall results may vary.

Lisa provided some examples of what a retiree would pay out-of-pocket using various scenarios and shared examples of some generic equivalents that will be available in the coming years including Lipitor, Nexium, and Plavix.

In addition she shared information on Triessent, Prime’s Specialty Pharmacy program, which provides education and guidance from experienced professionals on managing conditions such as multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, hepatitis C and rheumatoid arthritis.

She encouraged us to make use of BlueAccess for Members at www.bcbsil.com It includes information on:
    • Formulary
    • Rx OTC List
    • Dispensing Limits

She also directed us to the Prime Website at www.myprime.com where we could:
    • Use a Pricing Calculator
    • Search for Generics
    • Register for Mail Order
    • Refill Mail Order Scripts
    • Find a Pharmacy

Alice Farrell, M&V; Rosa Perez and Diana Chin, HR

A handout from the presentation was made available to all in attendance.  Several members of the Benefit's Office were also in attendance to answer any questions the retirees might have.  Rosa Perez, DePaul AVP Benefits, told the retirees if they had further questions not to hesitate to contact DePaul’s Human Resource Office.

The retirees were most appreciative of the information received on the prescription program.  Thanks to Rosa and her staff.

Photos: David Sims

DuSable Trip

Harvette Grey and Jack Leahy organized a tour for the DePaul Emeritus Society to the DuSable Museum in Hyde Park the morning of the May 20, 2011 Luncheon.  Twenty members participated and had a wonderful -- albeit too short -- time.  Evelyn, a docent at the museum, was a great tour guide for two most interesting exhibits in the museum.

Freedom Now
The centerpiece of the Ames Auditorium is the “Freedom Now” mural, created in 1965 by Robert W. Ames. It was originally carved in panels so that it could travel around the country. It has now been installed as a single piece and is the backdrop to the auditorium.  This profile-relief wooden mural, chronicles the history of Africans arriving to North America in 1619 and their evolution of becoming “African Americans”. The mural begins this journey by observing various complex social structures and diverse aspects of life on the African continent prior to European colonization. The mural also highlights the “Middle Passage” and the African presence in building the American landscape.  Evelyn provided the participants with an excellent detailed description of this beautiful carving.

Sixteen Pieces: An Exhibition of Sacred Yoruba Art
The concept for "Sixteen Pieces" originated with Babalawo Olalekan Babalola, of the Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust in the U.K.  His idea was to have different artists interpret in a visual form, the main verses from the sacred Yoruba literature, Odu Ifa.  Taken together, these visual works give insight into the Yoruba worldview of life, death, transformation and rebirth.  Each painting interprets a specific body of literature that deals with the human experience as seen by the Yoruba.

The group then had sometime to wander through the museum and, of course, stop in the gift shop before boarding the trolley for the ride back to DePaul.  Their was so much to see, everyone felt an individual return trip was in order.

Unfortunately, we couldn't photograph in the museum, but the pictures below capture the trip from DePaul to the DuSable.  Our trolley conductor, Mike, shared with those on board a fascinating story about the South Side and some of its prominent persons as we traveled.  And, Alex, from Mission and Values, kept track of us all.

Harvette and Jack - thanks so much for organizing a great excursion.

DePaul's New Art Museum

Faculty and staff invited to preview new Art Museum

Faculty and staff are invited to the May 23 sneak peek of the DePaul Art Museum’s new $7.8 million home at 935 W. Fullerton Ave., just east of the CTA’s Fullerton “L” stop. The open house will run from 4 to 6 p.m.

“The reception is an opportunity for faculty and staff to see the new building, but we hope it also will stimulate ideas for how the collection and exhibitions can be used in teaching and for programs and events that could be held in the space,” said museum director Louise Lincoln.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to vote on which of three artworks by contemporary Chicago artists the museum should acquire as part of its permanent collection. The choices are Dawoud Bey’s “Muhammad,” Angel Otero’s “Volar,” and Suellen Rocca’s “Dream Girl.”

The museum will open to the public in September 2011 with “Re: Chicago,” an exhibition that will re-examine the careers and artistic reputations of Chicago artists over more than a century. The exhibition will run from Sept. 17, 2011 to March 4, 2012.

At 15,200 square feet, the new three-story building more than doubles the space the museum previously occupied at the Richardson Library and includes space for class use, programs and events. The building’s mechanical systems are tailored to provide appropriate conditions for the care of artwork. A second-floor bay window facing the Fullerton “L” station will allow the museum to “communicate” with commuters through messages and artwork.

DePaul has applied for LEED silver certification for the building based on its energy-efficient features, such as its partial green roof; reflective roof coatings; proximity to public transportation; water-efficient landscaping; stormwater system design; and energy-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation.

Construction of the new art museum reflects DePaul’s broad commitment to the arts and parallels the university’s Performing Arts Campaign, which aims to improve the physical space for theatre and music education and performance.

“For our students and our community, direct access to the arts is an essential component of education,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president. “Our new facilities for theatre and music will offer audiences an opportunity to see tomorrow’s performers in the making, and the new museum will let visitors, art and artists interact in novel ways. Art encourages the exploration of ideas in visual form and encourages new ways of thinking. That’s what a university is all about.”

Find more information about the program or museum here or call (773) 325-7506.
Newsline, May 16, 2011

NOTE: The DePaul Emeritus Society will be provided a private tour of the New Art Museum following our Fall DES Luncheon on October 21, 2011.

In Memoriam - Irwin Lazarus

Irwin Lazarus, age 84; loving husband of Diana Lazarus, nee Brodsky; devoted father of Mitchell (Marilyn) Lazarus, Daniel (Shinde) Lazarus, Cathy (Barbara Boyts) Lazarus, Martin (Barbara) Lazarus; adored grandfather of Seth, Brett and Jacob, Sajji, Samra and Savitri, Angela, Mary, and Roseanna; dear brother of Shirley (the late William) Gill. Professor emeritus of DePaul University School of Commerce . Brother-in-law of Lawrence (Iris). No funeral services will be held. Memorials in his memory to the Special Gifts Theatre, P.O. Box 2231, Northbrook, IL 60065 or The Cradle Society, 2049 Ridge, Evanston, IL, 60201 would be appreciated. Shiva will be Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. For information please contact Chicago Jewish Funerals. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

Chicago Tribune, April 21, 2011

You can leave a message in his Guest Book at Legacy.com

Change of Venue for May 2011 DES Luncheon

The DES Luncheon on May 20 has been moved to the Cortelyou Commons.  Individuals who have responded to the luncheon will be contacted by phone or email.

The DuSable trolley will still leave from the Student Center, northeast corner of Sheffield and Belden by the statue of Monsignor Egan, at 9:15 a.m.   The trolley will bring everyone back to the Commons for lunch.

Sorry for the confusion.

Election Results 2011

Congratulations to Jerry Goldman, Phil Kemp and Elaine Beaudoin for being elected to the DePaul Emeritus Society Steering Committee.  Jerry and Elaine will serve three-year terms and Phil will finish out Jack Leahy's term, serving a two-year term.

At the May 4, 2011 DES Steering Committee the following officers and committee chairs were elected for the 2011/2012 year:

Chair: Elaine Beaudoin
Vice Chair: Dick Meister
Secretary/Treasurer: Nancy Rospenda

Benefits Committee Chair: Jerry Goldman
Communications and Membership Committee Chair: Nancy Rospenda
Philanthropy Committee Co-Chairs: Denny Shea and Dick Meister
Special Events and Projects Chair: Phil Kemp

Steering Committee Terms:

Elaine Beaudoin 2011-2014
Jerry Goldman 2011-2014
Phil Kemp 2011 - 2013 (finishing the last two years of the term)
Dick Meister 2009 - 2012
Nancy Rospenda 2010 - 2013
Denny Shea 2009 - 2012