Byrne Hall

Byrne Hall
The Academy building was turned over to DePaul University, and renamed Byrne Hall. Bygone DePaul | Special Collections & Archives

Introduction

About the DePaul Emeritus Society

DePaul University values its ongoing connections with its faculty and staff retirees, as it values their past contributions to the university’s mission. The DePaul University Emeritus Society was founded in 2008 with the merger of the Staff Emeritus Society and the Emeritus Professors Association. The Society is sponsored by the University’s Office of Mission and Values.

The purpose of the DePaul Emeritus Society is to provide a means for ongoing connection, communication, and socialization between the university and its emeritus faculty and staff, and between individual retirees whose professional lives were for so many years dedicated to university service.

Photos, events, and information of interest to members of the DePaul Emeritus Society will be posted to this blog. Please take a look, add your comment, offer to be an "author" or just enjoy.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Book Club Meeting, April 3

We had another lively discussion when we considered The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream by Thomas Dyja, in April. He deftly covered many aspects of the cultural, social, and political aspects of Chicago during the period after WWII through 1960, but the scope was so broad that many details were not fleshed out. The product of comprehensive and expansive research was combined with authorial conjectures about habits and personalities of prominent figures, which disrupted the flow of the narrative. We learned a lot about the immediate postwar time in Chicago, including details about politics, architecture, television, and popular culture. Once again, a rewarding and informative discussion.



Our next book will be Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by DePaul faculty, Kathleen Rooney. Check out this review from The New York Times
 We will meet Wednesday, June 5 in Room 115 of the Richardson Library.  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 oHelen 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, know 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.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

DES Luncheon, May 1, 2019

More than 75 DES Members enjoyed camaraderie, ate a delicious lunch and heard from President Esteban regarding DePaul's strategic plans.

Additionally:
  • Fr. Edward Udovic, CM and Alice Farrell were thanked for their many years of DES support.
  • Don Casey, Marty Kalin and Nancy Rospenda were re-elected to the Steering Committee. Their terms end in 2022.
  • Sue Kosinski reported 5 scholarships were awarded this past year from the DES Scholarship fund.
  • Nancy Rospenda announced she was running for President. You had to be there!
  • Following the luncheon, Rich Goode provided an estate planning seminar for members

A good time was had by all.

Enjoy some photos from the day


Tuesday, March 12, 2019

In Memoriam - Drusilla Dillard

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Drusilla Dillard.  Drusilla served in the Law Library from 1993 until her retirement in 2015.  She passed away on February 28 at the age of 59.  A loving sister and doting aunt, Drusilla was kind and friendly, never failing to offer a smile and welcoming "hello" to everyone she met.

Services will be held this Friday, March 15 at AA Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, 218 E. 71st Street, Chicago 60619.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at noon.
Our condolences go to the family, friends, and former colleagues who mourn the loss of Drusilla.  May she rest in peace.

Source: Mission and Ministry email, March 12, 2019

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Book Club Meeting, February 6

Our February book, The Things they Carried, generated a heated discussion on whether or not it was fiction or fact. Tim O'Brien's fictionalized story of his time in Vietman during the 1960's, caused some of us to discount it as just his fantasy of his experiences that didn't ring true. Others argued strongly that sometimes what is made up can provide more insight into the humanity of the men and their situation than any factual account of feelings and actions.  O'Brien referenced the idea of the difference between real stories and true stories throughout the book, which helped us all come to some understanding of his goal in writing this book. We were in complete agreement as to the power of his language and his ability to evoke emotion in his characters.  



Our next book will be The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream by Thomas Dyja.   Here is a link to a review from The New York Times.
  We will meet Wednesday, April 3 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, know 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.

Monday, February 11, 2019

In Memoriam - David Drehmer



It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death earlier this week after a long illness of David E. Drehmer. Dr. Drehmer taught at DePaul for 40 years as an Associate Professor in the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship. He was the father of Charles Drehmer who also teaches in the Driehaus College of Business. Dr. Drehmer is also survived by his wife Marybeth. A memorial service will take place later in spring. For Dr. Drehmer's full obituary see:

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=david-e-drehmer&pid=191488011

Our deepest sympathies to the Drehmer family at this time of loss.

Source: Mission and Ministry, February 8, 2019

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David E. Drehmer, Ph.D., 69, of Downers Grove, formerly of Westmont, Clarendon Hills and Chicago, IL, passed away on February 5, 2019. Beloved husband of Marybeth; loving father of Jeremy (Devon) and Charles (Laura) Drehmer. Proud grandfather of Henry, Grace and Madeline; dear brother of Susan Ice (Greg). Born in Dodge City, KS to the late Donna and Lawrence Drehmer. David was an esteemed faculty member at DePaul University for 40 years where he was an Associate Professor in the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship. He was also a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Naperville, IL. A memorial service will take place in the spring.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on Feb. 8, 2019

Thursday, January 31, 2019

In Memoriam - Curtis Verschoor

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death on January 17th of Curtis Carl Verschoor, age 87. Curt was the Ledger and Quill professor of accountancy at DePaul University since 1974 (emeritus since 1994). He authored 12 books and more than 250 journal articles, in addition to a monthly column on business ethics, which he faithfully wrote until a few weeks prior to his passing.

Curt is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Marie Emilie (Kritschgau) Verschoor. He is also survived by his children and their spouses: Katherine (Jerry Grimson) Verschoor, Carolyn (Greg) Kirschner, John (Susan) Verschoor, and Carla (Rein) Verschoor Kirss, twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jack.

A memorial service will be held at the Barrington United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

Our deepest sympathies to the Verschoor family.

Source: Mission and Ministry email, January 31, 2019.
Photo: DES Luncheon, October 29, 2010

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Curtis Carl Verschoor, 87, of Barrington, IL, passed away peacefully on January 17th, 2019.

He will be remembered for his intellectual passion, his commitment to his church, and his love of family. Curt was the Ledger and Quill professor of accountancy at DePaul University since 1974 (emeritus since 1994). He authored 12 books and more than 250 journal articles, in addition to a monthly column on business ethics, which he faithfully wrote until a few weeks prior to his passing. He enjoyed music and he and his wife Marie sang in their church choir for nearly 50 years.

Curt is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Marie Emilie (Kritschgau) Verschoor. He is also survived by his children and their spouses: Katherine (Jerry Grimson) Verschoor, Carolyn (Greg) Kirschner, John (Susan) Verschoor, and Carla (Rein) Verschoor Kirss, twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jack.

A memorial service will be held at the Barrington United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

Source: Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on Jan. 20, 2019

Monday, January 14, 2019

In Memoriam - Jack Leahy



It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Dr. John "Jack" Leahy, retired professor of the Religious Studies Department. Jack passed away on January 13 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Elayne Morrey; three step daughters, Margaret Morrey, Bridget Morrey and Mary Granbush; 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Jack joined the DePaul faculty in 1971 and served until his retirement in 2006. Best known for his long commitment to student-centered learning, Jack pioneered the teaching of business ethics for undergraduates. Jack was academic mentor to the SNL college from 1985-1987. From 1991-1998, Jack served as director of the foreign study program. Under his guidance, the program grew rapidly, established numerous study abroad programs, and oversaw faculty study trips designed to enhance multicultural learning. Drawing on his personal background as the son of Irish immigrants, Jack was a strong advocate for and instrumental in developing the Irish Studies Program, and taught a course on the "troubles" in Northern Ireland. From 2001-2003, Jack was faculty director of the Community Service Studies minor. In all of these educational efforts, Jack treated others with humanity and grace.

Jack was active in the Illinois chapter of the American Association of University Professors, and served as its president from 1999-2000. Upon his retirement from DePaul, Jack received the Via Sapientiae award.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 16, 3 - 6 p.m. with a memorial service from 6 - 7 p.m. at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL.

Our condolences go to the family, friends, former students, and university colleagues who mourn the loss of Jack. May he rest in peace.

Source: Office of Mission and Ministry, January 14, 2019
Photo source: DES Luncheon, October, 2010

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John T. "Jack" Leahy, 85, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 at Advocate Condell Medical Center. He was born June 24, 1933 in Chicago and had been a Libertyville resident for the past 43 years. Dr. Leahy was a Professor Emeritus at DePaul University. Surviving are his wife of 45 years, M. Elayne Morrey; 3 daughters, Margaret Morrey, Bridget Morrey and Mary (Kevin) Grambush; 11 grandchildren, Sarah, Daniel, Jordon, Nora, Elizabeth, Stanley, Marianna, Gabriella, Lee, Erin and Jacklyn; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Sister Mary Leahy, Sheila (Joseph) Ruskuff and Margaret (Richard) Frederick. He was the dear uncle of many and will be dearly missed by all of those who loved him. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Ann and Patty Morrey. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home Ltd., 120 W. Park Ave. (Route 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave.), Libertyville. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm during the visitation. Info, 847-362-3009 or please share a memory at https://www.burnettdane.com/obituaries/John-Leahy-6/.

Published in Chicago Suburban Daily Herald on Jan. 15, 2019