Book Club Meeting, October 10

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez was our book for October. We agreed that Marquez was a magnificent storyteller, able to weave the tales of Buendia family over the century they lived, loved, and died in the mythical town of Macondo. Some of the characters sought love, others sought solitude as shown through Marquez' adept use of reality and fantasy in this classic of magical realism. The novel showed its characters moving as if they were swimming through time as lives moved together or fell apart. Some really appreciated the technique, others found it somewhat challenging to follow. But we agreed on its importance as a novel.

Our next book will be Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.    Here is a link to a review from The New York Times.  We will meet Wednesday, December 5 in Room 115 of the Richardson Library. Remember that we now start our group at 11 am.  We gather at 11, with discussion from 11:30 to 12:30, so please bring your brown bag lunch!  For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.

We will continue to review the titles on our list for consideration for upcoming discussions. Please let Kathryn, Helen, or anyone else in the group, if you have a favorite book you would like to share with your DES colleagues. As you can tell from the posts, we are interested in a wide range of fiction and non fiction. We enjoy our sessions thoroughly and always have room for more people and more insights.

Photos from the Fall 2018 DES Luncheon

A grand time was had by all. Thanks to the Office of Mission and Ministry for their sponsorship; the Office of Events Planning for orchestrating a lovely luncheon venue; and, to the DES Steering Committee for coordinating the program on Preservation Chicago presented by its Director, Ward Miller.

Enjoy a few photos from the day.

In Memoriam - Howard Sulkin

In Memoriam

Dr. Howard A. Sulkin, 1941-2018

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership mourns the loss of Dr. Howard A. Sulkin, the Institute’s President and CEO from 1984 to 2009.

Dr. Sulkin was a specialist in organization theory and adult education, who received his MBA and Doctorate from the University of Chicago. During the 25 years of his presidency, Spertus Institute greatly expanded its offerings to foster learning through both traditional means and through arts and culture.

In 2007, he realized the dream of opening a magnificent new building for Spertus Institute, designed to serve the growing needs of students, participants, and visitors. This building has been recognized with local, national, and international critical acclaim including an array of architectural awards. Architect Mark Sexton called Sulkin a great client. “He started with the big idea that the building was a gift to everyone who would live in or visit Chicago. That’s a profound way of thinking for an institution — usually it’s more about the institution and less about the impact.”

Sulkin was passionate about forging partnerships and collaborative relationships with organizations in the Jewish world, the arts and academic communities, and with those pursuing interfaith understanding. He served as Board Chair of Chicago Parliament of the World’s Religions, was on the planning committee for the 1993 Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, and traveled throughout the world on behalf of the work of the Parliament.

Prior to his tenure at Spertus Institute, Sulkin was a Vice President and founding Dean of the School for New Learning (SNL) at DePaul University. A competency-based educational program for adults, SNL was and remains an important initiative, having become an internationally aclaimed leader in self-directed learning.

To his dear wife Connie, his children, grandchildren, and many friends and colleagues, all of us at Spertus Institute extend our deepest condolences.

Y’hi zikhrono livraha. May his memory be for a blessing.

Source: Spertus Institute website, October 26, 2018
Photo: Dan Rest from grand opening of the Spertus Institute building

In Memoriam - John P. Masterson

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death last week of John Masterson a professor emeritus in the English Department.  John taught at DePaul from 1959 until his retirement in 1987.  From 1972-1977 he served as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  He was a member of the DePaul Emeritus Society.  Dean Masterson is survived by Jean his wife of 62 years, siblings, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Memorial visitation Saturday, October 27th, 9:00 am until time of memorial mass 10:00 am at Divine Infant Church, Newcastle & Canterbury, Westchester, IL.

May he rest in peace.  Our deepest sympathies to the Masterson Family.

Source: Mission and Ministry email, October 21, 2018

Photo: DES Luncheon, October 21, 2011

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John P. Masterson, beloved husband of Jean for 62 years; loving father of Mary Beth (John) Riordan, Michael (Roberta) Masterson, Maureen (Sam) Pulia, Laura (Shane) Benning; dear grandfather of Katy, James, Sean, Ashtyn, Montana, Joe (Melissa) and Steve (Gianna); great-grandfather of six; fond brother of the late: Mary (Al) Marinari, Sr. Kathleen S.P.S.M.W. and James "Edward" (Elsie) Masterson; brother-in-law of Gerald (the late Jessie) Wegrzyn; uncle of many. Retired Professor Emeritus at DePaul University. Memorial visitation Saturday, October 27th, 9:00 am until time of memorial mass 10:00 am at Divine Infant Church, Newcastle & Canterbury, Westchester. In lieu of flowers, memorials to University of St. Mary of the Lake preferred. Arrangements entrusted to HURSEN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Funeral info: 800-562-0082 or www.hursen.com.Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on Oct. 21, 2018

In Memoriam - Cynthia Summers

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death last week of Cindy Summers who worked in Student Affairs at DePaul for more than thirty years.

Cynthia Summers worked at DePaul University from 1983 to 2014 in a variety of positions. In her final two years at DePaul, Cindy was asked to serve as the interim vice president for Student Affairs from August 2012 - July 2014. Prior to that she served as an Associate Vice President for student advocacy and community relations, overseeing the Center for Students with Disabilities; Adult, Veteran and Commuter Student Affairs; University Counseling Services and the Dean of Students Office. Cindy also served as dean of students and director of Student Life, coordinating the areas of Student Activities, Student Centers, Food Services and Residence Life in her early years at DePaul.

Cindy was a key leader in the successful growth and development of the Student Affairs division at DePaul, as well as the growth of the physical campus. In 1985, Cindy oversaw the building of a new student residence, University Hall, which was a key component of the university's master plan during its time of strategic growth. She also served as an original member of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, helping to establish a positive relationship between DePaul and the surrounding campus neighborhood.

Cindy's dedication to students and their success resulted in numerous new programs and services over the years. She played a key role in creating DePaul's Veteran Affairs office, the office of Health Promotion and Wellness and the expansion of University Counseling Services. In her role as Dean of Students she revamped the University's student conduct process and also created the Student Care Team, a group of professionals dedicated to meeting weekly to review student cases and discuss how best to handle them for both the student's and the community's well-being.

Cindy was a true-blue Blue Demon who served as a long-time Athletic Board member and a Mens Basketball season ticket holder for over 30 years.

Cindy had a significant impact on so many students and staff and was instrumental in the growth and development of many young professionals who are now successful professionals in the field. Her Vincentian legacy will live on at DePaul and within the Student Affairs profession for many years to come. Cindy will be greatly missed by many in the DePaul community as a great friend and colleague. Her love of DePaul, her positive attitude, can-do spirit and love of quotes are just a few ways in which she will be fondly remembered.

Cindy is survived by her husband Bruce.

Visitation for Cindy will take place on Friday, September 28th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster Avenue. Visitation will be followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. Lunch to follow. May she rest in peace.

Source: Mission and Ministry email, September 9, 2018

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CYNTHIA'S OBITUARY

Cynthia M. Summers, 64, of Chicago, Illinois, died September 7, 2018, at her home after an extended illness, with her husband Bruce at her side. She was born on January 1, 1954, in Morris, Illinois to Donald and Nancy (Michaels) McCarter, who preceded her in death.

Bruce and Cindy were married in 1977 and enjoyed over 40 years together. Cindy is the beloved sister to three brothers: Alan (Linda Schiel) McCarter, Riverside, IL: Christian (Lori Ingmanson) McCarter, Ottawa, IL: and Gregory (Leticia Bastida) McCarter,Aurora, IL. She is a loving aunt and great inspiration to 14 nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews. Cindy attended Nettle Creek Grade School, a small farm school. At Morris High School Cindy was a cheerleader. She continued that enthusiastic support cheering her brothers over the years at Motocross racing and decades of Chicago Marathons, Chicago professional sports teams and her beloved DePaul Blue Demons. Her brothers could always count on seeing Cindy at mile 12 where they were greeted with cheering and a bag of sliced oranges.

Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Masters of Science in Education from Illinois State University. Her professional academic career began at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, from there she moved to the Student Services Department at Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois before joining the staff at DePaul University in 1983. Cindy was employed there for over 31 years until her retirement as Associate Vice President for student advocacy and community relations. In 2014, Cindy received the Via Sapientiae Award from DePaul, the university’s highest honor for faculty and staff. In her career she held the positions of Interim Vice President, Dean of Students, and Director of Student Life. Helping students reach their fullest potential was at the center of everything Cindy did. She was an admired mentor to her colleagues, helping them understand the profession, its values, and priorities.

As a leader in DePaul’s Division of Student Affairs, Cindy played a primary role in establishing a Student Emergency Assistance Fund to help students in time of need. The fund assists
students when they are experiencing a financial crisis that impedes their academic progress. She also played a key role in creating the Student Veterans Department at the University, which is a service center in support of DePaul students who served in the military. Cindy was instrumental in developing and growing the office of Health Promotion and Wellness. The office provides comprehensive programs and services that address health related issues that students must learn to manage throughout their lives. She also served as an original member of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, helping to establish a positive relationship between DePaul and the surrounding campus neighborhood. The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators was proud to call her a member. Cindy was a longtime avid supporter of DePaul Blue Demon athletics who served as an Athletic Board member. She was a season ticket holder for over 30 years, which showed her true school spirit and respect for the contributions student athletes made to the university.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic
Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, at 10:00 AM. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will
follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, commemorative donations can be made in Cindy’s honor to the DePaul
Student Emergency Assistance Fund or the DePaul Veterans Fund at the DePaul Giving
website: https://alumni.depaul.edu/GiveNow/Home. Please list the fund of your choice in the
“Other Funds” section and place Cindy’s name in the “Special Instructions” box. Donations can
also be mailed to the address below. Please specify your preferred fund.
DePaul University
Advancement Gift Processing
1 E Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604

The family gives special thanks to JourneyCare Hospice for their kind and loving support.
Cindy’s beautiful life will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

If you would like to leave a message for Cindy's family, you may click on the link below in the source and then click on the "Guest Book" button.

Source: Nelson Funeral Home website: https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/cynthia-summers?lud=2A8239EA8AF424915C67E79670E42E86&fh_id=14777

School for New Learning - The Future

A FUTURE FOR THE SCHOOL FOR NEW LEARNING TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO EDUCATION

Photo credit: Jamie Moncrief

Over the past 18 months, DePaul has invested time and resources to thoroughly examine the adult learner landscape— and the School for New Learning’s role in it—to determine what must be done so DePaul can continue to lead in this competitive area.

This study involved comprehensive review from the independent Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, as well as two internal task forces that included SNL faculty. SNL has a 45-year history that commanded respect and careful consideration from those serving on the task forces. I thank everyone involved for their thoughtful participation in these studies.

Yesterday, I joined SNL Dean Donald Opitz to share with SNL faculty and staff a general plan that is built around the results of those studies. The research and recommendations have made it clear that the best way forward is for DePaul to adopt a unique, new model that will build upon the strengths of SNL and yet expand its mission and scope of operations to be more responsive to new markets.

Over the next year, SNL will undergo a large-scale reorganization, renaming, and rebranding; a broadening of its mission and function; and changes to its faculty and staffing structure. The name approved by Faculty Council, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), will go into effect July 1, 2019.

SCPS will be a bold departure from the current SNL model. The new model will move away from offering competency-based, individualized degree options and move toward the growing adult market for credit-hour based, market-responsive professional studies degrees and stackable credentials.

It will offer a comprehensive, innovative approach to continuing and professional education, making available programs and delivery modalities to provide access to a broad range of students within SCPS and other DePaul colleges and schools. Its unique infrastructure will leverage cross-college collaborations to promote existing college-based, adult friendly degrees and certificates. It also will house a university-wide Office of Prior Learning Assessment and will coordinate summer programs aimed at high school students and summer session at DePaul.

The school, as restructured, will include a faculty and staff model—yet to be finalized—that provides the flexibility the unique SCPS model demands. To achieve this model, existing SNL tenured faculty will be offered a voluntary buyout and retiree-eligible staff will be offered an early retirement incentive. When details of these voluntary programs are available, they will be shared with eligible SNL faculty and staff members.

Currently enrolled SNL students will be supported throughout the completion of their degree programs.
A dean will continue to provide leadership for the school, and a Faculty Advisory Board will be formed drawing on faculty from participating colleges to support cross-college collaboration and curricular development.

In the months ahead, we will continue to work on details of the SCPS structure, a plan for the integration of new elements, a marketing plan, and the faculty and staffing model. Updates from the dean or the Office of Academic Affairs will be shared as more answers are available.

I am grateful to Dean Opitz for providing leadership during this transition. As a participant in both task forces that provided input into this decision, he is well-positioned to work with his long-time colleagues as the reorganization of the school progresses.

I am confident that when the reorganization is complete, SCPS will build on the university’s and SNL’s longstanding commitment to providing adult learners access to higher education through curricular structures that serve lifelong learning needs.

Source: Newsline, Provost Marten denBoer  /  September 7, 2018  /  Posted in:  CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY

Book Club Meeting August 1

Church of Spies: The Pope's Secret War Against Hitler by Mark Roebling proved to be a challenging read. While the premise that Pope Pius XII was working against Hitler during World War II was intriguing, we agreed that the author did not completely prove his thesis. There was so much data on various individuals involved that the book provided more confusion than clarification. In short, there was not a satisfying answer to the question posed. The book did provide us with a lively basis for conversation, as it raised questions about the complexity of the role of the Church in the world, both then and now. We also agreed that once the author began to near the end of WWII, some of his points were resolved by the circumstances of history.

Our next book will be One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.     Here is a link to a review from The New York Times. We will meet Wednesday,October 10 (note the date, it is the second Wednesday) in Room 115 of the Richardson Library. Remember that we now start our group at 11 am.  We gather at 11, with discussion from 11:30 to 12:30, so please bring your brown bag lunch!  For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.

We will continue to review the titles on our list for consideration for upcoming discussions. Please let Kathryn, Helen, or anyone else in the group, if you have a favorite book you would like to share with your DES colleagues. As you can tell from the posts, we are interested in a wide range of fiction and non fiction. We enjoy our sessions thoroughly and always have room for more people and more insights.

Book Club Meeting June 6

A Gentleman in Moscow was the 25th book read by our group! Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced in 1922 to remain confined in the Hotel Metropol as punishment for writing a poem unfavorable to the revolution. The novel delightfully follows this gentleman with his charm, grace, and compassion, as he lives out the next three chaotic decades isolated inside, but luxuriating in the world of companionship, civility, and humor within the Metropol. Count Rostov responds to difficulties with grace and humanity. Amor Towles created in Rostov a gentleman who delights in defeating the system with charm, one who accepts his confined circumstances and eventually overcomes them through his wit and spirit. We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and discussing it.

Our next book will be Church of Spies: The Pope's Secret War Against Hitler by Mark Riebling.  Here is a link to a review from History Net. We will meet Wednesday, August 1 in Room 115 of the Richardson Library. Remember that we now start our group at 11 am.  We gather at 11, with discussion from 11:30 to 12:30, so please bring your brown bag lunch!  For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.

We will continue to review the titles on our list for consideration for upcoming discussions. Please let Kathryn, Helen, or anyone else in the group, if you have a favorite book you would like to share with your DES colleagues. As you can tell from the posts, we are interested in a wide range of fiction and non fiction. We enjoy our sessions thoroughly and always have room for more people and more insights.

Fr. John Richardson relocates to Perryville, Missouri

DEPAUL HONORS THE REV. JOHN T. RICHARDSON AS HE RELOCATES TO PERRYVILLE, MISSOURI

The Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M., spoke at the 10th annual Emeritus Society Luncheon on May 24. The university honored his legacy at DePaul before he relocates to Perryville, Missouri in June. (DePaul University/Kathy Hillegonds)

After 64 years at DePaul, the Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M., has decided to relocate to St. Mary's of the Barrens, a Vincentian retirement residence in Perryville, Missouri. Fr. Richardson joined DePaul in 1954 as dean of the Graduate School. He served as the 9th president of DePaul from 1981-93 and chancellor from 1993-2017, at which time he became chancellor emeritus.

"Fr. Richardson was one of the first people I met when I came to DePaul, and I'll always be grateful for the time I shared with one of the university's most respected and renowned leaders," says A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., DePaul's 12th president.

During his tenure as president, Fr. Richardson led an historic expansion of the university. He raised the university's academic stature and strengthened DePaul's impact on the city of Chicago. Under his leadership, the university embarked on its unprecedented $100 million Cornerstone Campaign, resulting in major expansions of DePaul's campuses in both the Loop and Lincoln Park. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the Blackstone Theatre, which later became the Merle Reskin Theatre, as well as the purchase of the Goldblatt's department store building, now known as the DePaul Center. Construction on the university's first free-standing library on the Lincoln Park Campus also began during his presidency.

"For more than half a century, DePaul has been blessed with Fr. Richardson's leadership, wisdom and guidance," Dr. Esteban says. "His vision and focus on the university's Catholic, Vincentian mission to provide a quality education to students of all backgrounds made DePaul the excellent institution it is today. We thank him and wish him much peace and happiness as he settles into his new home in Perryville."

The university celebrated Fr. Richardson at the 10th annual DePaul Emeritus Society Spring Luncheon in May.

If you would like to send a note of appreciation to Fr. Richardson, you may write him at:

The Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M.
St. Mary's of the Barrens
1701 W. St. Joseph St.
Perryville, MO
63775-1599

Source: Elizabeth Clements, Newsline, June 15, 2018

In Memoriam - Philip Kemp

Dear Colleagues,

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Phil Kemp. Phil served in both administrative and academic positions from 1968 until his retirement in 2007 from the College of Business. He passed away on May 28 at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife, Pat, three children, two grandchildren, and many family and friends.

While serving as Director of the Graduate School of Business, Dr. Kemp completed his studies and was awarded the DBA, doctorate in business administration, by Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Kemp taught courses in Marketing Management and Business Administration. He was the founder and director of PET, the Program for the Enhancement of Teaching, creating opportunities for faculty members to exchange ideas for continuous improvement and to understand and incorporate contemporary technologies into their courses and by so doing actively reinforce DePaul's mission as a teaching institution. The AACSB, America Association of Collegiate Schools of Business recognized Dr. Kemp's contribution to the areas of teaching and assessment by inviting him to conduct seminars for college administrators at national meetings. His ideas were published in a number of peer reviewed academic journals.

As a result of his impact on the faculty, staff, and students at DePaul, he was recommended by his peers and received the Spirit of DePaul award in 2004 for his exemplary embodiment of leadership and service in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and DePaul's highest honor in recognition of faculty and staff contributions to the university, the Via Sapientiae Award in 2007. Outside of his career, Phil enjoyed family gatherings, golfing and commenting on any Chicago sports team. He was an avid volunteer with Misericordia and at the Special Olympics. Phil was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and active member of St. Irene's parish in Warrenville, IL.

A Life Celebration will be held at St. Irene's Parish, 28w441 Warrenville Road, Warrenville, IL on Saturday, June 23 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Edward and Lucille Kemp Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at DePaul University at https://alumni.depaul.edu/GiveNow/Home.

Our sympathy goes to the family, friends, university colleagues, and former students who mourn the loss of Phil. May he rest in peace.

Thank you.

Source: Mission and Ministry email, June 1, 2018
Photo: DES Luncheon, May 24, 2018

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Kemp, Philip R.

Dr. Philip R. Kemp, 73 of Warrenville, IL, passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018. He was born September 21, 1944 in Evanston, IL to the late Edward and Lucille (Osko) Kemp. Beloved husband of 44 years to Patricia (Dackiw) Kemp. Loving Father of Jennifer (Roger) Diercks, Michele and Matthew Kemp. Grandfather to Colin and Evan Diercks. Brother to Glenn and Larry Kemp.

Dr. Kemp's career at DePaul University spanned over forty years. During those years he served in both administrative and academic positions. Dr. Kemp taught course in Marketing Management and Business Administration. Outside of his career, Phil enjoyed family gatherings, golfing and commenting on any Chicago sports team. He was an avid volunteer, Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and active member of St. Irene's parish in Warrenville, IL.

A Life Celebration will be held at St. Irene's parish in Warrenville, IL on Saturday, June 23rd at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Edward and Lucille Kemp Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at DePaul University at https://alumni.depaul.edu/GiveNow/Home

Source: Chicago Tribune, June 17, 2018, page 38.

2018/19 DES Steering Committee

Congratulations to Jeanne LaDuke and Susan Kosinski for being re-elected to a three year term ending in 2021. Also, congratulations to Betsy Soete who joins the Steering Committee for the first time. 

The 2018/19 DES Steering Committee:

Don Casey, 2019

Kathryn DeGraff, 2020

Jerry Goldman, 2020

Marty Kalin, 2019

Susan Kosinski, 2021

Jeanne LaDuke, 2021

Nancy Rospenda, 2019

Betsy Soete, 2021

Thank you all for serving on the Steering Committee and keeping DePaul retirees engaged.

DES Luncheon May 24, 2018

Nearly 100 retirees and spouses enjoyed a lovely afternoon renewing friendships, enjoying a delicious lunch, and hearing an interesting presentation on comic book movies and popular culture.  Enjoy the photos from today.

Book Club Meeting, April 11, 2018

The life of Jane Franklin, sister of Benjamin, was told by Jill Lepore in Book of Ages. We discussed the incredibly hard life of this woman, who managed to live to the age of 81, while watching children, grandchildren, other family members, and her friends die around her. Her life of dedication to domestic life as contrasted to that of Benjamin's in the wide world provided our central topic of discussion: how and why to write such a life as hers, based on few documentary sources.  We were intrigued by the way Jill Lepore was able to gather and shape Jane's life from the meager facts recounted in those sources. The contrast between Benjamin's life in the historical world with Jane's in the domestic world was balanced against Jane's unflagging desire for knowledge, teaching herself to read and write despite seemingly crushing domestic responsibilities and tragedies. We ended our discussion considering how history is written about great men from documents, but the history of the obscure (often women) may have to be written as fiction.

Our next book will be A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles.  Here is a link to a review from the New York Times. We will meet Wednesday, June 6, in Room 115 of the Richardson Library. We have changed the time from 1:30 pm to 11 am.  Discussion begins at 11, so please bring your brown bag lunch!  For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.

We will continue to review the titles on our list for consideration for upcoming discussions. Please let Kathryn, Helen, or anyone else in the group, if you have a favorite book you would like to share with your DES colleagues. As you can tell from the posts, we are interested in a wide range of fiction and non fiction. We enjoy our sessions thoroughly and always have room for more people and more insights.

In Memoriam - Barbara Bressler Garson

Dear Colleagues,

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Barbara Bressler Garson.  Barbara joined DePaul in 1984, and after many years as a law professor in the College of Law, she retired in 2017 as an associate dean of Experiential Education and the director emeritus of its Center for Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology.  Barbara founded the nation's first technology and intellectual property clinical program in 2000. The program assists artists with legal services to protect their creative work.  Barbara passed away at the age of 67, and is survived by her husband, two brothers, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

A service will be held this Friday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Howard Bressler Memorial Campership at Congregation Shalom, https://www.cong-shalom.org/ 

Our condolences go to the family, friends, colleagues, and former students who mourn the passing of Barbara.  May she rest in peace.


Source: Email Mission and Ministry, May 2, 2018
Photo: Glenview Patch, May 2, 2018

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Barbara Bressler Garson, 67

Services will be held Friday for the Glenview resident and founder of the country's first intellectual property clinic for creative artists.

Professor Barbara Bressler Garson, of Glenview, passed away this week at the age of 67. She was the beloved wife of Jerry Garson, the cherished sister of Steven (Susan) Bressler and Daniel (Donna) Bressler, the adored daughter of the late Jack and Janice Bressler and the proud aunt of Faye Lynn, Douglas, Eric, Emily and the late Howard and many great nieces and nephews.

A service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.

After many years as a law professor at DePaul College of Law, Barbara retired as an associate dean of Experiential Education with emeritus status and the director emeritus of its Center for Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology.

According to DePaul, Barbara founded the nation's first technology and intellectual property clinical program in the country in 2000. The program assists artists with legal services to protect their creative work.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Howard Bressler Memorial Campership at Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Milwaukee.

Source: Johan Meadows, Glenview Patch Staff; May 2, 2018 2:16 pm ET

Spring DES Luncheon

Mark your calendars for the May 24, 2018 Spring DES Luncheon. Watch for your invitation.

DES Member, John Watts, to be honored by Theatre School

Fullerton Stage at DePaul University to be renamed 

Dr. John R. and Joyce L. Watts Theatre

Former dean was instrumental in move of Goodman School of Drama to DePaul

​​CHICAGO — The Theatre School at DePaul University announces it is renaming the Fullerton Stage in recognition of John Ransford Watts, a former dean and artistic director, and his wife, Joyce, a former business consultant and academic administrator, for a generous gift to the school. A June ceremony is being planned to acknowledge the couple’s philanthropy and unveil the 250-seat thrust theatre as the Dr. John R. and Joyce L. Watts Theatre.

Role in establishing The Theatre School at DePaul

In 1925, the department of drama at the Art Institute of Chicago became the Goodman School of Drama. Five decades later, the trustees of the Art Institute voted to phase out the school over a three-year period, citing a $200,000 deficit. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and interested citizens mounted a campaign to save the school.

DePaul acquired the Goodman School of Drama in 1978, establishing it as the university’s ninth college. The next year, John Watts, a teacher, designer, director and scholar, was recruited as dean and charged with reestablishing the ailing school to restore its proud reputation, appoint a faculty and acquire facilities. Over the next 20 years, Watts reshaped The Theatre School at DePaul into one of the top conservatory theatre programs in the country.

Under Watts’ guidance, The Theatre School has graduated countless actors, designers, directors, technicians, playwrights, managers and dramaturgs whose impact on the Chicago theatre landscape is immeasurable, according to John Culbert, the current dean. 

“John Watts’ inspired leadership for the first two decades of The Theatre School’s life at DePaul University built the foundation upon which all that we now do rests. His work to secure the position of the school within DePaul, attract high-quality staff and faculty, and develop sophisticated curriculum made top 10 conservatory rankings, our new facilities, and amazing alumni accomplishments possible,” Culbert said.

“He continued the legacy of the Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences series, which has served nearly 1.2 million young people since his arrival in 1979,” Culbert noted.
Many of the programs and activities Watts put in place have become traditions at The Theatre School: remote auditions, annual touring graduate showcases, and discussions with visiting artists. He also started the Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts in 1989, which has generated to date more than $7 million for scholarships. In 1988 Watts was instrumental in orchestrating DePaul’s acquisition of the historic Blackstone Theatre, now known as the Merle Reskin Theatre, in Chicago’s South Loop.

John Watts holds an undergraduate degree and a Master of Education degree from Boston College, a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University, and a doctorate from Union Graduate College. He has done post-graduate work at Harvard, UCLA and Oxford.

He has had a distinguished and productive association with the arts, the humanities, and with education in Massachusetts, California and Illinois. For 15 years he was on the faculty of the School for the Arts at Boston University as Professor of Theatre, and for five years as associate dean.
He was appointed as the founding chairman of the Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, serving in that position for four years.

In 1974, he accepted a one-year guest artist appointment to the faculty of the School of Fine Arts at California State University, Long Beach, which led to his becoming a tenured professor, associate dean, and then dean of the school.

While in California, beyond academic leadership, he helped found and served as director and vice president of the Public Corporation for the Arts.
In 2000, John Watts received a lifetime achievement award from the Joseph Jefferson Committee “for development and support of theatre artists and the Chicago theatre community during his almost two decades as Dean of the Theatre School/DePaul University.” That same year, he also received a Via Sapientiae Award from DePaul University, its highest recognition for excellent service and accomplishment.

Joyce Watts has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.
She has 20 years of higher education experience and 22 years of business consulting experience. In addition to being a past president of Chicago Women in Management, she is an active member and fundraiser for P.E.O. International, a philanthropic organization that provides educational opportunities for women.

Supporting The Theatre School at DePaul
At the June ceremony, faculty, staff and friends will recognize John and Joyce Watts and their longstanding leadership and financial contributions to the establishment and growth of The Theatre School. In remarks, DePaul President A. Gabriel. Esteban, Ph.D., will recognize the Watts for their most recent generous gift as well as their 2006 scholarship endowment that supports students in the playwriting program. 

The 250-seat thrust theatre and the 100-seat black box Sondra A. and Denis Healy Theatre are center stage in the 165,000 square foot artistic home of The Theatre School at the corner of Racine and Fullerton avenues. The custom-designed five-story building, which debuted in fall 2013, also houses classrooms; acting labs; scene shop; costume shop; new media workshops; and makeup, paint and lighting laboratories.

The Theatre School at DePaul University trains students to the highest level of professional skill and artistry in an inclusive and diverse conservatory setting. Some 350 students are enrolled in undergraduate programs that offer degrees in acting, costume design, costume technology, lighting design, scene design, sound design, stage management, theatre technology, dramaturgy/criticism, playwriting, theatre arts and theatre management.

Graduate programs offer degrees in acting, arts leadership and directing. Many of the faculty and staff of some 100 professionals maintain their connections and artistic work in all aspects of Chicago’s renowned and thriving theatre community. 

More information about the school, its faculty, programs and upcoming performances is online at https://theatre.depaul.edu.
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Media Contacts:
Anna Ables
aables@depaul.edu
773-325-7938
Carol Hughes
carol.hughes@depaul.edu
312-362-8592

Source: Newsline, April 5, 2018

In Memoriam - Marian Schieber

Dear Colleagues,

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Marian Schieber.  Marian served at DePaul from 1965 until her retirement in 1990 from the College of Education.  She passed away on March 19 at the age of 98.  A resident of Evanston, Marian was a life-long parishioner at St. Nicholas Church, a member of the Catholic Women's Club in Evanston, and involved with the local YMCA.  She will be missed by her extensive family and friends.

Visitation will take place on March 24, 9:00 - 10:45 am at Nazarethville, 300 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL, immediately followed by a funeral mass at 10:45 am at the same location.  Interment following the mass will take place at St. Mary Cemetery, 1835 Waukegan Road, Techny, IL.

Online condolences may be submitted to http://www.donnellanfuneral.com/m/?p=memorial&id=2084740.  Memorial donations are appreciated to Presence Nazarethville Nursing Care, https://www.presencehealth.org/presence-nazarethville-des-plaines-skilled-nursing-care.

Our sympathy goes to the family, friends, and former colleagues who mourn the loss of Marian.  May she rest in peace.

Source: Mission and Ministry, March 23, 2018
Photo source: Staff Emeritus Society Luncheon, November, 2004

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DONNELLAN FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES Obituary

Marian was born in Caledonia, MN on February 19, 1920. She was the seventh child born to Emilia Koob and John Schieber and had a twin sister, Mary who became Sister Martha after joining the Sisters of St. Agnes. Her father, John died before Marian was born. The family moved to Evanston, IL to get help with the children from Emilia's sisters.

Marian went to St. Nicholas grade school in Evanston and was taught by the Sisters of St. Agnes. She had four brothers and two sisters. Her older sister died in her early 20's from an illness and three of her four brothers started farming and went on to have large families in Oklahoma. Her brother, Anthony stayed in Evanston where he returned from serving in the Army. He married and had eight children.

Marian worked at Lytton's department store, Washington National Insurance Co. and then at DePaul University, where she retired. During this time Marian stayed in the family home and was a caregiver to her mother until her death. Marian was a lifelong parishioner at St. Nicholas Church and served in many capacities there. She was also a member of the Catholic Woman's Club in Evanston and involved at the local YMCA where she took several classes. Marian traveled frequently to New York, Fon-du-Lac, Wisconsin and Oklahoma to see her growing family there. She has many nieces and nephews she enjoyed spending time with. Marian's twin sister, Sister Martha died several years ago after being a nun for 50 years.

After being a caregiver for her mother Marian became a care receiver, she was able to stay in her apartment in Evanston with the help of caregivers for a few years. As her needs changed, it became necessary to have full time care and she lived at the Holy Family Resurrection Nursing home in Des Plaines for two years. When the news came they were closing Marian moved to Nazarethville in Des Plaines on August 8, 2011 where she lived until her death on March 19, 2018.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/marian-schieber-obituary?pid=188508133. Accessed, March 23, 2018

In Memoriam - Robert Brewer

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Robert Brewer.  Robert was a retired professor of Psychology, and also a former Associate Dean of Liberal Arts.  He served at DePaul from 1965 until his retirement in 1990.  He passed away on March 16 at the age of 89.  He is survived by his daughter, Christine, his sister, and loving step-family.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 21, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m at First Church, 236 W. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL.  There will be a memorial service immediately following at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.  Online condolences may be submitted at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/crystal-lake-il/robert-brewer-7792723.

Our sympathy goes to the family, friends, colleagues, and former students who mourn the loss of Robert.  May he rest in peace.



Source: Mission and Ministry email, March 20, 2018
Photo source: 1980 DePaul Yearbook, Special Collections, DePaul University

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Robert E. Brewer, PhD, 89, of Cary and formerly of Crystal Lake passed away March 16, 2018. He was born November 15, 1928 in Chicago to Cecil and Johanna (Harms) Brewer. Robert was a Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean at DePaul University. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Brewer; his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Kingsley; and loving step-family. There will be a visitation from 12pm to 1pm on Wednesday, March 21 at First Church, 236 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. There will be a memorial service at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.

Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/crystal-lake-il/robert-brewer-7792723; accessed March 20, 2018

In Memoriam - Rami Solomonow

Colleagues and Friends,

It is with a heavy heart and tremendous sadness that I write to inform you that Professor Rami Solomonow, a beloved Chicago musician and DePaul faculty member for more than three decades, died yesterday in Evanston. He was 68.

Born in Tel Aviv, less than a year after Israel's founding, Rami played in the young state's youth orchestra, including a tour with famed actor/comedian of the 40's and 50's, Danny Kaye. He served for two years in the Israeli Defense Forces as a medic before studying at the Samuel Rubin Israel Academy of Music - an institution whose founders were all central-European immigrants who had fled to Israel just prior to the outbreak of World War II. Among this core group of founders was Oedoen Partos, Rami's principal teacher. He was also a member of the Israel Chamber Orchestra until 1972 and received prizes in viola and chamber music from the American-Israel Foundation.

In 1973 Rami moved to the US to study with Shmuel Ashkenasi at Northern Illinois University. No more than a year after his arrival in the States, he was appointed principal violist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago - a position he held for more than two decades, only leaving in 1995 to become a founding member of the Chicago String Quartet.

It was in 1981 that Rami joined the faculty of the DePaul University School of Music. While he continued to maintain an impressive performance schedule, he also began to transition his focus to teaching and mentoring young musicians - a role that he took on with incredible seriousness and care. Chair of our Music Performance department, Julie DeRoche eloquently captured his character:

"Rami had a great heart. He was sincere, tough when necessary, and solid - always there doing his work, quietly and with great integrity. He was the ultimate musician, a player of many moods, but a person who acted in the subtle way that often makes for the best artists. He will always be a part of the DePaul School of Music."

As a soloist and member of Chicago Chamber Musicians, Rami performed in the United States, Israel, Japan and South America. It was as a member of the CCM that he was nominated for a Grammy Award for the ensemble's recording of Mozart chamber works for strings and winds. He performed works with Menahem Pressler, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Leonard Rose, Gil Shaham, Shlomo Mintz, Edgar Mayer, Christoph Eschenbach, Midori, Robert McDonald and members of the Guarneri, Borodin and Juilliard Quartets.

For all his artistic accomplishments and incredible virtuosity, Rami will be remembered as an esteemed colleague, a treasured musician, a compassionate mentor and an exemplary friend. His contributions to the DePaul School of Music will be hugely missed.

Warmly,

Ronald Caltabiano
Dean

Funeral information is here: http://chicagojewishfunerals.com/funeral-detail-page/?case=5A734791-FAC9-465B-A8B5-25AF70DAA885

Source: Mission and Ministry email, February 28, 2018
Photo source: Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech

Book Club Meeting February 7, 2018

The discussion of The Remains of the Day could only cover a few of the many themes Kazuo Ishiguro presented in his novel. From the personality of Mr. Stevens, who was a precise butler who also read romance novels, and could not understand either himself or bantering; to the description of the British who favored the German establishment in the period between World War I and II, Ishiguro captured the complexities of individuals and cultures in England of these times.  As the world changed around him, Mr. Stevens clung to his ideal of the world as he wished it to be, and presented himself to the reader as he wanted to be seen, while betraying truths of his character unknowingly. The complexity of the story and characters, changing class structures, and the humor and tragedy we saw in the novel provided fodder for our usual lively conversation.

Our next book will be Book of Ages: The Life and Times of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore. Here is a link to a review from the  New York Times. We will meet Wednesday, April 11, in Room 115 of the Richardson Library. Note this is the second Wednesday rather than our usual first Wednesday. Discussion begins at 1:30, with the room open at 1 pm. for anyone who wants to bring in a brown bag lunch. For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.

We will continue to review the titles on our list for consideration for upcoming discussions. Please let Kathryn, Helen, or anyone else in the group, if you have a favorite book you would like to share with your DES colleagues. As you can tell from the posts, we are interested in a wide range of fiction and non fiction. We enjoy our sessions thoroughly and always have room for more people and more insights.