Mary A. Dempsey will be honored on Thursday, April 27, 2006.
CHICAGO – The Illinois Humanities Council will honor Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary A. Dempsey at a benefit luncheon at the University Club of Chicago (76 East Monroe Street, Chicago) on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at noon. Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as the honorary chair for this event.
At the luncheon, Commissioner Dempsey will receive the Council’s 2006 Public Humanities Award on behalf of the Chicago Public Library System. Given annually by the IHC, this award recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to public understanding of the role the humanities play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. Commissioner Dempsey will be honored for her commitment to lifelong learning, to public access to information, and for championing the freedom of all people to read, learn, and discover at the public library.
"We are delighted to be honoring Commissioner Dempsey and the Chicago Public Library. With this award we recognize the role libraries and librarians play in strengthening communities and empowering citizens through free and public access to knowledge," said Arthur Sussman, Illinois Humanities Council Board Chair.
The Illinois Humanities Council broadens intellectual horizons by creating educational opportunities in the humanities for all Illinoisans. Whether deepening our understanding of the history right under our feet, or of the culture and experiences of our neighbors, Council programs bring scholars together with Illinoisans from all walks-of-life to reflect, think critically, and actively exchange ideas about what is important to all of us. Through film, performance, exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and public forums, the Council is a catalyst for imaginative ventures of the mind and heart. Organized in 1973 as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Councilis an independent, nonprofit educational organization, 501 [c] 3.
Please call (312) 422-5580 for tickets to the luncheon. For sponsorship opportunities, including the purchase of tables, please call Kate Anderson at (312) 422-5585 x235. All proceeds from the luncheon will support the Illinois Humanities Council.
The Council’s Chairman is Arthur Sussman. Other Board officers include: Cheryl Johnson-Odim, Frank Cizon, and Gayl S. Pyatt. The Council’s Executive Director is Kristina A. Valaitis. Leadership for the Public Humanities Award luncheon includes Council Board members Jack Wing, and past IHC Board Chair; Alton Harris, Partner, Ungaretti & Harris; and Anita Nagler, recently retired Chairman and CEO of Harris Alternatives L.L.C. For more information on these events, call the Council at (312) 422-5580, or visit www.prairie.org.
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