Alumni Board Renames Appreciation Award to Honor Jim Marek

The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2011 Inaugural Jim Marek Alumni Appreciation Award.

Since 2004, CUPPA-AA has presented the CUPPA Alumni Appreciation Award recognizing individuals or groups for their dedication to the fields of urban planning and public administration and their contributions to the development of the college's students and alumni. In November 2010, the Board of Directors of the CUPPA-AA voted unanimously to rename the award to the Jim Marek Alumni Appreciation Award honoring the former CUPPA assistant dean for student services, Jim Marek. Marek retired from his post in CUPPA on February 6, 2007 after over twenty-nine years of service to the university, its students and alumni. He unexpectedly died on August 13, 2010.

“Jim Marek helped countless students throughout his career at UIC working and advising in the Political Science Department and then in CUPPA. Jim was always ready to help anyone but especially his students who needed advice on a class, career direction, job, or even where they should live,” said Helene Berlin, CUPPA-AA president. 

“We’ve created this award in his memory and present the inaugural award to him posthumously and we’re delighted his family will receive this award on his behalf.”

An award reception was be held in March.

Previous recipients of the CUPPA Alumni Appreciation Award include Stephen and Anita Friedman, SB Friedman Co,; Greg Longhini, Secretary to the CTA Board; Lee Smith, Senior Planner City of Highland Park; The Chicago Federal Executive Board; Richard Ciccarone, President and CEO of Merritt Research Services; Peter Skosey, Vice President of Metropolitan Planning Council; Steve Schlickman, CEO of RTA.

CUPPA Alumni Association Board of Directors 2010-2011 include Jonathan Becks MPA 10,  Helene Berlin MUPP 01, Eve Ali Boles MUPP 94, Walter Bush IV MUPP 07, Laura (Lassiter) Carroll MUPP 09, Jennifer Clary MUPP 10, Robert Currie MUPP 78, Peter Czubak MPA 02, Richard DeLeo MUPP 97, Abraham Deletioglu MUPP 02, Catherine Kannenberg MUPP 00, Anna Kulseth-Williams MPA 06, Peggy Laemle MUPP 01, Michael P. McDermott MUPP 07, Rebecca Mix MPA 02, Moira O’Donovan MUPP 09, Ginger Pitch MPA 07, Conrad Pomykala MPA 91, Robert Rice MUPP 02,  Al Riley MUPP 78, Adam Rogers MUPP 02, Jason Saavedra MUPP 10, Temple J. Shepard MUPP 98, Nicole Sims MPA 02, Peter Skosey MUPP 93, Jennifer Tammen MUPP 99, Kathleen Woodruff MUPP 09.