John T. Richardson

John Thomas Richardson, C.M. (December 20, 1923 – March 29, 2022) was an American academic administrator and Catholic priest. He served as the ninth President of DePaul University, serving from 1981 through 1993.[1] He began his academic career with DePaul University in 1954, when he served as the dean of the Graduate School until his election as university president.[2] After his tenure ended, he became the university's chancellor, serving until 2017.[1]

The Reverend
John T. Richardson
C.M.
9th President of DePaul University
In office
October 31, 1981 – June 30, 1993
Preceded byJohn R. Cortelyou
Succeeded byJohn P. Minogue
Personal details
Born
John Thomas Richardson

(1923-12-20)December 20, 1923
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
DiedMarch 29, 2022(2022-03-29) (aged 98)
Perryville, Missouri, U.S.
Education
OccupationPriest, academic, educator

Early life

Richardson was born in Dallas, Texas to Patrick Richardson and Mary (née Walsh) Richardson.[3] He joined the Congregation of the Mission in 1942.[4] He earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Mary's Seminary in Perryville, Missouri in 1946.[3] Richardson was ordained to the priesthood in 1949 and later received a doctoral degree in sacred theology from the Dominican Angelicum University (Rome, Italy) in 1951. In 1954, he received a master's degree in sociology from St. Louis University.[3]

DePaul University presidency

Richardson began his career with DePaul University in 1954, when he served as the dean of the Graduate School.[2] He also served as a trustee of the university beginning in 1954 until 1993.[5] In 1981, Richardson became the university's 9th president.[2] He was inaugurated at Navy Pier on October 31, 1981 with Illinois Governor James R. Thompson and Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne declaring that week of October 25 to November 1 as DePaul University Week.[6] One of his first actions was to re-establish the university's student paper after his predecessor disbanded it due to negative coverage of his administration.[7]

During his tenure, he led the university during the Cornerstone Campaign from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.[2] This led to major expansions of DePaul University's loop and Lincoln Park campuses.[8] The enrollment of the university also rose, allowing DePaul to become the largest Catholic university in the United States.[8] He also permitted during his administration to establish a $2.5 million scholarship program for students in Chicago who perform community service.[3] He formed partnerships with 47 inner-city schools.[3]

Richardson also helped introduce the International Human Rights Law Institute, the Institute for Business Ethics and the Center for Urban Education at the university.[1][9] His administration also oversaw the university's first satellite campus in Oak Brook, Illinois as better education access for adult and commuter students.[10]

He also oversaw the construction of three residence halls in Lincoln Park, to attract students from out of state.[2] By the end of Richardson's presidency, enrollment had reached 16,500.[2] He retired on June 30, 1993 with his successor, John P. Minogue, becoming DePaul University's 10th president three months later in September.[11] After his tenure as president ended, Richardson became the university's chancellor and served in this role until 2017.[12] He was later honored as chancellor emeritus.[12]

Later years and death
A plaque of Richardson at DePaul University's Richardson Library

After his retirement, Richardson taught seminarian courses such as English composition and anthropology to sociology and comparative religion in Kenya.[3]

In 2011, he published his memoir The Playful Hand of God.[5] In 2015, he published Readings in Catholic Social Teaching, a collection of papal teachings and documents he originally used as part of the curriculum at Christ the King Seminary.[5]

Richardson died on March 29, 2022, in Perryville, Missouri, aged 98.[8]

Legacy

In 1992, the John R. Richardson Library was opened at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus.[1]

In 1994, Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar recognized Richardson philanthropic contributions and inducted him as a Laureate in the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor in Illinois.[3]

References
  1. "Former DePaul President John T. Richardson dies at 98". DePaulia Online. March 30, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  2. "Former DePaul University President Rev. John T. Richardson dies at 98". CBS News. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  3. "THE REV. JOHN T. RICHARDSON, C.M., 9TH PRESIDENT OF DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, PASSES AWAY AT 98". DePaul University. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  4. "Jubilarians: Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) (CM)". Archstl. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  5. "Collection on the Very Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M." DePaul.edu. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  6. "PRESIDENTIAL GATEAUX: WELCOMING A NEW PRESIDENT TO THE DEPAUL COMMUNITY". DePaul University. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  7. "DePaul University President Reinstates the Student Paper". The New York Times. October 11, 1981. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  8. "Rev. John T. Richardson, DePaul University's 9th President, dies at 98". Yahoo. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  9. "Rev. John T. Richardson, a 'Living History of DePaul'". The DePaulia. October 24, 2011. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  10. "DePaul Presidents: Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M." DePaul Press. July 19, 2011. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  11. "DePaul's President Inaugurated". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  12. "DEPAUL HONORS THE REV. JOHN T. RICHARDSON AS HE RELOCATES TO PERRYVILLE, MISSOURI". DePaul University. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
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