May 20 DES Activities Confirmed

Invitations will be going out shortly for the May 20, 2011 DES events. Please watch your email and/or snail mail (depending on how you requested to receive DES communications) for information regarding the activities of the day.

Jack Leahy and Harvette Grey have been working with the DuSable Museum of African American History to create a special tour just for DES Members. The flyer will outline transportation options, times and what the tour will cover. The tour will take place the morning of May 20 and arranged transportation will have attendees back at the Lincoln Park Campus in time for the Luncheon. “The DuSable Museum of African American History, the first and oldest institution of its kind in the country, has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent.” If you are not familiar with the Museum and its holdings, click on DuSable Museum for more information.

When you return to campus, refreshments will be available followed by DES updates and a wonderful lunch shared with many colleagues. During lunch, we will have the opportunity to meet our 2011 DES Scholarship recipient, Brad Helgeland. His scholarship has been made possible through your generous contributions. It is always special for the person receiving the gift and those who have made it possible to meet.

After lunch, Fr. John Richardson has agreed to speak to us about the memoires he is writing. His focus is the driving forces for DePaul’s development in the past 50 years. We know everyone who shares part of those 50 years will be most interested in his insights.

Wrapping up our Luncheon time, we are very pleased Rosa Perez, AVP Compensation and Benefits, will be there to provide some clarity on costs related to mail-order prescription drug expense under the BCBSIL plan coverage and how we can all minimize expenses in this area. Information that is very timely.

Mark May 20th on your calendar and watch for the invitation in your email/mailbox. Hope to see you all there.

In Memoriam - John Burr

BURR, DR JOHN, 76 of Gilbert, AZ passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on March 22, 2011.  He was born in Westwood, CA on the 7th day of the 7th month in 1934.  John was preceded in death by his parents Rulon Loyd Burr and Agnes Dick Burr.

John marred Yvonne Chamberlain of UT on June 7, 1955, in St. George. He later married Florence Lucas Chatham of AZ on April 7, 1978, in Mesa. In his final years, John married Lynn Waugh Seebach of AZ on Nov. 9, 2001 in Mesa.

John is survived by his sisters, Mary Constance "Connie" "Chuck" Smith of UT, and Lula Kathleen "Kathy" David Keate also of UT, as well as his 14 children and 9 step-children. His children are Deslie "Ann" Gordon Davis, Mary Drew Major, Susan Gale Swanson, Laurie Gerow, Carol Jeff Warner, Joan Doug Bunting, Janine Curtis Converse, Heidi "Raven" Davee Chandler, Linda Michaels Ken Laine, Janet Bryan Nelson, John Clark Burr, Jennifer Budge, Wendi Keith Dabbs and William "Jason" Amy Burr.

John was a member of the LDS Gilbert Windrift Ward. He was baptized on Sept. 5, 1942 in UT. He was ordained a Bishop of the Belleville, Illinois Ward on Jan. 7, 1962 by Boyd K. Packer. He took pleasure in church service where he accepted a variety of callings through his life. Some of his last assignments were that of High Priest Group Leader and Gospel Doctrine Teacher. John set an outstanding example for his children through holding daily prayers and scripture reading, weekly Family Home Evening, and always attending church meetings.

John started his first job as a grocery store clerk in Susanville, CA. Next, he entered the army working in the US Army Medical Service as a medical and surgical specialist. After the army, John became an operating room technician at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, UT. John had a life-long love of genealogy. He was employed by the LDS Church and worked in the Genealogical Society. Dr. Burr loved education, which was apparent through his choices of employment. Quite often, while receiving his own education at various colleges, he taught courses to undergraduate students in health education. These would include teaching at the BYU Salt Lake Center, at Brigham Young University and at the Utah Technical College in Provo, now Utah Valley University. John was proud of the fact that he had written the first school song while teaching at the Technical College. Later, John taught at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. While living in the Chicago area, John Burr worked for the American Medical Association.

Dr. John W. Burr, received his Doctoral Degree in Higher Education Administration at Brigham Young University in 1980. Professor Burr taught at BYU, ASU and DePaul Universities. John's love of his country, love the gospel and also his sense of humor will surely be missed. Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, March 28th, 9:00a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gilbert Stake Center, 777 E. Elliott, Gilbert, AZ 85234, with a visitation 1 hour prior to services. He will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bunker's University Chapel, 480-830-4104.

East Valley Tribune, Mesa, Arizona, www.eastvalleytribune.com accessed on line March 31, 2011

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It is with sorrow that we have learned of the death of Dr. John William Burr.  John taught in the School of Education from 1980 until his retirement in 1999.  He passed away on March 22 at the age of 76 in Gilbert, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, two sisters, 14 children and 9 step-children.

John served in the U.S. Army Medical Service as a medical and surgical specialist. He continued on as an operating room technician in Utah and taught health education at several colleges in Utah, including Brigham Young. During his time in Chicago and at DePaul, he also worked for the American Medical
Association.

Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and former colleagues and students who mourn John's passing. May he rest in peace.

Mission and Values, April 13, 2011

Richardson Letter, March, 2011

Fr. Richardson sent out his latest update at the end of March.  He mentions his "memoirs" in the letter.  We hope to get a preview of his work at our May 20, DES Luncheon.  To view it in full size, double click on the image.

Newsline is Online

Newsline has "gone green" and moved ONLINE to bring you up-to-the-minute news!  Newsline Online now has the latest DePaul news, video coverage and photo galleries of recent university events.

Each month, Newsline will feature a new poll, with participants entered into a prize drawing.  The first month's question is:  "What issue should Chicago's new mayor tackle first, and why?"  Go to Newsline Online and enter to win March's prize which is an iPod Nano.

Ideas for stories may be submitted at newsline@depaul.edu.  Jocelyn Sims, editor, can be contacted at Jsims2@depaul.edu or 312-362-8690.

News source: Newsline is Online flyer, March, 2011

May 20 DES Luncheon Update

Luncheon plans are being firmed up for the many events on May 20th.  

• We are very happy to have Fr. John Richardson join us at the Luncheon.  He will be our guest speaker sharing his thoughts about the driving forces for DePaul's development over the past 50 years.  
• Prior to the lunch, plans are in the works for an excellent trip to the DuSable Museum of African American History.  Click here for more information about the DuSable Museum.  Logistical details will be included with the Luncheon invitation. At the moment, a trolley from LPC to the Museum is being planned.
• Additionally, we hope Rosa Perez, AVP Compensation and Benefits, will join us to talk about prescription drug expense.  Someone from Blue Cross/Blue Shield is also planning on attending to answer any specific questions we might have.
• And, we might even be able to meet the latest recipient of the DES Scholarship Award.  
• Finally, Alice always provides for an outstanding lunch menu, so bring your appetites!
• Mark your calendar for all of the events on May 20th and watch for the invitation either in the US mail or via your email address, depending which you choose to use for communications from the DES.

See you on the May 20th!

Human Resource Office Moves

The Office of Human Resources announces their move effective Monday, March 21, 2011.  Their new address is:

Daley Building
14 East Jackson Boulevard
Suite 1300

The telephone numbers and email addresses will remain the same.  They invite the retirees to visit and see their new quarters.

In Memoriam - Bella Itkin-Konrath

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Bella Itkin-Konrath, Professor Emeritus at The Theatre School, formerly the Goodman School of Drama, where she taught for 47 years, and directed over 200 productions. She passed away on February 9 at the age of 90.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 11, from 3 - 8 p.m. at Rago Brothers Funeral Home, 624 N. Western Avenue (corner of Erie St. and Western), Chicago, IL 60612

The funeral mass will be Saturday, February 12 at 10 a.m. (gathering at 9:30 a.m.) at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster, Chicago, IL 60614.

Reverend Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., President of DePaul University, will preside at the mass, and Monsignor Kenneth Velo of the Office of Catholic Collaboration will deliver the Homily. This will be followed by the interment and a luncheon - details to follow soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Bella Itkin Scholarship Fund at The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Mission and Values, February 10, 2011

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The Theatre School at DePaul University sadly announces the passing of Dr. Bella Konrath-Itkin, who died at St. Joseph¹s Hospital in the afternoon on Wednesday, February 9th at age 90. Dr. Itkin was Professor Emeritus of acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University, formerly the Goodman School of Drama, where she taught for 47 years, and directed over 200 productions, including THE SEAGULL, ROMEO AND JULIET, TOYS IN THE ATTIC, THE CHERRY ORCHARD, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and the Chicago premiere of Tennessee Williams' ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE.

Dr. Bella Konrath- Itkin is a legend in the halls of The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she helped to foster the careers of innumerable actors, directors, and theatre artists.

³Dr. Bella,² as she was known to her students, was a force to be reckoned with, and served as a role model in the male-dominated theatre community, beginning in the 1940s. She was a proponent of non-traditional casting before the phrase became commonplace, and believed that all students should be provided with the tools to excel in their craft. She was a true theatre artist whose first love was teaching, and her dedication to mentoring could easily be evidenced by her office walls, which were covered with pictures of former students. Her visceral approach to acting and teaching helped her to become a revered director and influential teacher in the Chicago theatre community.

Bella came to this country from Russia in 1932 at the age of 12 with her mother and sister. Her father, David Itkin, was a member of the Moscow Art Theatre¹s Jewish theatre, Habima, and had already settled in Chicago. He taught and directed at DePaul University¹s Department of Drama, as well as at the Goodman School of Drama, where Bella became her father¹s assistant. In 1944, Dr. Bella Itkin began the Lake Zurich Playhouse, a summer theatr that provided early visibility for actors such as the late Geraldine Page and the late Lois Nettleton.

In 1967, Dr. Itkin married Frank Konrath only six months after meeting him when he came to the Goodman School of Drama to work as a carpenter on Hamlet. Frank was a native Chicagoan from the South Side. He and Bella enjoyed many yearly summer visits to Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Bella often referred to Frank as a calming and patient influence, and a true inspiration for her work.

Dr. Itkin was Professor Emeritus of acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University, formerly the Goodman School of Drama, where she taught for 47 years, and directed over 200 productions, including THE SEAGULL, ROMEO AND JULIET, TOYS IN THE ATTIC, THE CHERRY ORCHARD, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and the Chicago premiere of Tennessee Williams' ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE. Dr. Itkin felt was drawn to the works of authors with a certain poetry, sensuality, and passion, including Tennessee Williams and Anton Chekhov.

Dr. Itkin received her MFA from the Goodman School of Drama, studied with the late Sanford Meisner, and earned her doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. During her 15-year term as Artistic Director of the Goodman Children's Theatre, known today as Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences, she directed Treasure Island, Puss In Boots, A Doctor In Spite Of Himself and A Midsummer Nights' Dream, among numerous others. Her work laid the foundation for today¹s thriving children¹s theatre scene in Chicago.

She was a nationally renowned acting coach whose ³inner approach² to acting has helped foster the careers of former students such as Kevin Anderson, Linda Hunt, Harvey Korman, Joe Mantegna, Elizabeth Perkins, Michael Rooker, Kevin O¹Connor, and the late Geraldine Page. Her phrase ³Loves of my life, what is this phoney baloney?² was heard often in the theatre and classroom, and continues to bring a smile of recognition to the faces of her former. She retired from full-time teaching in 1989 and continued to teach part-time until 2000.

In 1994, Dr. Itkin's book Acting: Preparation, Practice, Performance was published by Harper and Collins, and defined an acting technique based on sensory response. The text takes an actor through ³experience exercises² which focus on the five senses individually to explore physical/emotional relationships as they relate to subtext in scene work.

Bella was formerly a member of the Theatre Conference, the American Association of University Professors, and the American National Theatre Association. She was awarded the Sara Spencer Award from the Children¹s Theatre Association in 1980 for long-term contributions to children's theatre in the United States, DePaul University¹s Via Sapientiae Award in 1990, and the Joseph Jefferson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bella is survived by the countless students and performers who thank her every time they go on stage.

Source: BroadwayWorld.com February 9, 2011 To view the obituary on line or to leave a comment, click here.