Notices

The Loyola University Chicago community mourns the death of Ronald Walker, PhD, professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1973-80. Ronald also served as the academic vice president, executive vice president, and chief operating officer of Loyola.

Ronald received his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University, and a few years later he earned a master’s and a doctoral degree from Northwestern University. In 1961, he began his tenure at Loyola in the psychology department and received emeritus status in 1999.

As a professor, Ronald taught undergraduate and graduate courses in research methods, abnormal psychology, intelligence testing and research, and personality, among numerous other areas. He authored, co-authored, and presented 90 research articles on topics such as the effects of anxiety on behavior, social intelligence, liberal arts curricula, staff roles in colleges, and adjusting to change.

He served on 15 professional, health care, and education boards, including those of Loyola Academy and Regina Dominican High School. He consulted for numerous academic and non-academic institutions, including the American Psychological Association, Illinois Psychological Association, and the Archdiocese of Chicago. Ronald’s honors and awards included his designation as a Commendatore of the Repubblica Italiana and induction into Phi Beta Kappa, Psi Chi, and Alpha Sigma Nu.

Colleagues and former students talked about his great ability to listen and respond empathically to others. They noted his uncanny ability to remember students’ names years after having them in class and were also impressed with his tremendous intellect, warmth, and calming presence. Read more about his contributions to Loyola in this Chicago Tribune story.

Funeral Mass
Saturday, June 23
10 a.m.
Madonna della Strada Chapel

Condolences may be sent to his wife, Aldona, and the Walker family via RonWalkerMemorial@gmail.com. Please, no flowers; donations in Ron’s memory would be gratefully received by The Center in Palos Park, Illinois.

Please remember his family in your prayers.