In Memory of Ralph Arnold

The Pauls Foundation lost a dear friend with the passing of Charter Board Member, Ralph Arnold, on May 10, 2006. Ralph was a tireless supporter of the arts in Chicago, and an accomplished artist whose work can be found in private and public collections throughout the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, Cornell Universtiy, Fisk University, and the Cranert Art Museum.

Ralph grew up on the south side of Chicago and south suburban area. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1953 and went on to attend the Universtiy of Illinois and received an A.B degree for Roosevelt Universtiy in 1955. He received his Masters degree for the Art Institute of Chicago in 1976.

Ralph went on to teach at numerous colleges and universities throughout the midwest. He was an acclaimed lecturer in Contemporary American Art History and Studio Art. Mr. Arnold was appointed 7 consecutive 4-year terms by the Governor of the State of Illinois to the State Arts Council and was a member of the Advisory Board of the Illinois Arts Alliance.

Ralph's grants, awards, publications and interests are too numerous to list here.

Ralph was an inspiration to artists everywhere, and he will be deeply missed by the Foundation.

The foundation is pleased to announce that, to honor the memory of former board director Ralph Arnold, the Ralph Arnold Memorial Scholarship Fund is being established at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Click here for complete details.

Paul S. Mavros, President, Board of Directors

• Retired reinsurance executive
• Senior Executive Vice-President of E. W. Blanch Company
• Senior Vice-President of Intere/Sterling Offices
• Assistant Secretary of General Reinsurance Corporation
• Senior Underwriter, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
• Vice-Chairman of Illinois Insurance Exchange

Paul S. Mavros, President, Board of Directors

David J. Valkema, Executive Director and Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors

• Received B.A. in 1988 and M.Div. in 1992
• Serves on several not-for-profit arts organization boards throughout Chicago area
• Former development officer of the Salvation Army of Chicago
• Joined The Pauls Foundation board in 1998

David J. Valkema, Executive Director and Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors

Larry Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Directors

• La Universidad de San Marcos, Lima, Peru, 1968
• BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Indiana University, 1971
• Midwestern School of Radio Broadcasting Certificate, 1971
• Self-employed in the clothing business as owner of Stuff N' Such, 1972-1982
• Independant contractor in sales and design for Sunbury Textile Mills, Sunbury, Pennsylvania 1982-1994
• Announcer for Radio Station WFMT 1991-2001

Public Service and Cultural Activities:

• Chicago Chamber Choir, 1974-1975
• Recordings for the Blind, 1974-1979
• Mentoring Program, 4th Presbyterian Church, 1980
• Chicago House, Board of Directors, 1995-2004
• 5040-60 Marine Drive Board of Directors, Treasurer or Vice-President, 1990-2000
• Edgewater Beach Apartments Corporation, Board of Directors, 2001-2004 and currently

Richard Bailey, Director

• Born in 1928 in Jackson, Michigan.
• Graduated from Jackson High School in 1946
• Joined U.S.M.C and was honorably discharged in 1948
• Attended Jackson Junior College one year but was called back into the corps to defend our country during the Korean War. Was again discharged in 1951.
• Moved to Chicago after Marine Corps discharge and worked until accepted into Goodman Theatre School of drama at the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Graduated with a B.F.A. in 1956.
• Worked as a longshoreman in Astoria, OR until accepting post as summer stock theater director at a seaside theater in Oregon.
• Worked at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, MI staging operas in the opera program.
• Worked in Detroit (Motown) writing lyrics in 1963.
• Moved back to Chicago to work for RH. Donnelley for nine years.
• Finally bought a showroom business in Chicago's Merchandise Mart travelling within 9 state area finally retiring after 15 years.
• All throughout his career, he has acted, helped produce and directed in the theatrical field.
• Partner of 40 years passed away in Chicago and now lives alone in the co-op apartment his aunt bought over 100 years ago on Chicago's northside.

Michael Fay, Director

Kelly McCray, Director

Gregory Boshart, Board Director Emeritus

William Lawrence, Board Director Emeritus