It is with sadness that we announce the death of DePaul University Board of Trustees member Larry R. Rogers Sr. on Friday, Jan. 20.
Rogers, who was 75, joined the board in 2010. He received his JD and an honorary doctorate from the DePaul University College of Law and a bachelor's degree from Saint Xavier University. He was honored with the College of Law Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to the Legal Profession. Additionally, two of his grandchildren, Dom and Trevor, graduated from DePaul University.
"Larry's commitment to DePaul's mission of access and opportunity made him an invaluable member of the Board of Trustees," said Board Chair Gerald Beeson. "He was an active presence on the board during his decade-plus of service, and his wise counsel during this time was truly impactful. As a board colleague and friend to many, he will be greatly missed."
Larry Rogers Sr., a graduate from the DePaul University College of Law, joined the university Board of Trustees in 2010.
After humble beginnings (including juggling three jobs to support his family during his early years), Rogers had an illustrious 37-year career as a personal injury attorney. He was a founding partner of the firm Power Rogers and obtained numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and recoveries on behalf of his clients. He was a dedicated member of his profession and often mentored young professionals. This extended to his own family, as seven members currently work in the legal profession.
During his career, Rogers was honored with the John Paul Stevens Award, the Chicago Bar Association's highest award, and the prestigious Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Rogers also received the Earl B. Dickerson Award from the Chicago Bar Association, which honors outstanding minority lawyers whose careers at the bar emulate courage and dedication in making the law the key to justice for all in our society, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Saint Xavier University.
"Larry exemplified DePaul's mission, leading by example to always maintain your integrity, work hard, and serve your community. We are proud to call him a DePaul alumnus and honorary degree recipient," says DePaul President Robert L. Manuel. "We are deeply saddened by his death and will keep his extended family in our prayers."
He is remembered as a great father, grandfather, and friend and is survived by the love of his life, Pam, his son, Larry Jr., his daughter, Ann Marie, and many grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave., in Chicago. The wake and funeral will both be on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 4543 S. Princeton Ave. in Chicago, with the wake at 1 p.m. and the funeral at 2 p.m.