Note from Fr. Richardson

Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M., Chancellor

DePaul University

August, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

This has been a meaningful summer for me, liturgically returning to God the soul of an especially dear friend of almost sixty years, and presiding at the wedding of a remarkable young couple whose family will bring glory to God for many decades to come.

As my years lengthen to almost four score and ten, every day brings me word of illness among my Vincentian confreres and other friends of many years whose age is increasing along with my own.  On the one hand, the infirmities of the aged sadden me; on the other, it brings me hope that God is giving us longer life so we can be of more help to others, that our love, friendship and mutual dependence can grow stronger.  These attributes give our lives much deeper meaning.

Life here at DePaul continues to be most enjoyable.  Since so much of my life has been invested in the University, every step of progress in learning and research, public recognition signaled by community support, and the unbelievable development of both our Lincoln Park and Loop campuses are most heartening.  I value the closeness I still have with many of the faculty, administration and trustees of the University.  Our President, Father Holtschneider, recognizes the importance of the social cement which holds us together personally, and so schedules many gatherings that build a community of talented people who know and appreciate each other.

My official involvement in the University continues to be in the Development activities, building ever stronger ties with our alumni, benefactors and retired faculty/administrators.  My ties are more important with the friends of my own era who worked with me years ago to help build the great University that is DePaul.  I have some misgivings when I speak of the financial support these friends can continue to give the University by including us in their estate planning.  Invariably, however, these friends are most understanding of my mixed role of personal closeness and pocket-picker.

In just a few weeks DePaul will be dedicating the magnificent new home for our Theatre School.  The building, on the western end of our Lincoln Park Campus, is unbelievable.  Some forty years ago, when we adopted the Goodman School of Drama from the Art Institute, we promised the theatre students and faculty that we would one day provide a physical facility worthy of their fame.  We have now met this promise.

With multitudes of Catholics – and non-Catholics - around the world I am heartened by the words and conduct of our new Pope Francis.  I pray that his leadership will effect a spiritual and moral renewal in all parts of our universe.

To each and every one of you my fond regards.

Your dear and close friend,

John Richardson