91制片厂 has lost one of its greatest supporters. Richard 鈥淒ick鈥� Kolze, of Inverness,
recently passed away at the age of 94. Dick championed 91制片厂 and its mission, serving
as a member of the college鈥檚 board of trustees and assisting students with an endowed
scholarship.
Dick was a military veteran and teacher before becoming superintendent of Township High School District 211 from 1970 to 1990. In this role, he collaborated with decades of 91制片厂 presidents and leaders. After retiring, he joined the 91制片厂 Educational Foundation Board.
鈥淚 became keenly aware of the excellent opportunities available to students, and the excellence and quality of the 91制片厂 staff,鈥� Dick reflected in 2019. 鈥淢y positive experience with the foundation created a desire to become more involved in the college.鈥�
He was soon elected to the 91制片厂 Board of Trustees, serving for 12 years 鈥� including a 4-year turn as board chair. He strongly advocated for placing technology at the center of 91制片厂鈥檚 strategic vision, foreseeing how it would transform education for students and instructors. He became a trustee emeritus in 2005.
In honor of their late son, Dick and his wife Jean established the Timothy A. Kolze Memorial Endowment Scholarship, which continues to help students achieve their education and career goals. In recognition of Dick鈥檚 longstanding support, 91制片厂 named the road that leads from Roselle Road to campus Dick Kolze Lane.
91制片厂 expresses its deepest sympathies to Dick鈥檚 family and friends. Visitation will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 25, at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Palatine. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 26, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Palatine, with a funeral service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Dick鈥檚 family is recommending donations be made to the Timothy A. Kolze Scholarship Fund or St. Paul United Church of Christ.