The DePaul Department of Geography invites our students and faculty to join us this coming Wednesday for the memorial commemoration of the department’s founder Dr. Richard J. Houk, who passed away on February 18th at age 90. The commemoration will be held in Cortelyou Commons on Wednesday, May 30, 9am–11am. Here are some words and memories about Dr. Houk as shared on the department’s website:
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death this past Saturday (February 18th, 2012) of Dr. Richard J. Houk, age 90. Dr. Houk was a Professor Emeritus of the Department of Geography. He was the longest serving faculty member in the history of DePaul University joining the university in 1946. Dr. Houk founded the Department of Geography in 1949 and the DePaul Geographical Society in 1961. He served as a mentor and inspiration to countless students and faculty members. During his long career Dr. Houk received many awards and recognitions. A World War II veteran, in 1963 he was awarded the decoration of Caballero del Orden de Merito Civil by the Spanish Government in recognition of years of unique efforts to increase and improve good relations between the U.S. and Spain. Dr. Houk was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and in 1967 and 1968 he lived in Portugal and studied Portugal’s agricultural industry. Over his lifetime he visited in excess of 100 countries on 6 contients and led tour groups to many of these. He taught until 2010 and continued to offer lectures at the monthly meeting of the DePaul Geographical Society. A keen student of the world, we in the Department are deeply appreciative of Dick’s service to DePaul and Geography. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Houk’s obituary in the Chicago Tribune can be read here: Houk Obituary
For information about this and other geography-related event, view our events calendar under the Events tab.
