It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the death of Douglas Long, Director of the First-Year Program. Doug passed away on August 26, 2025 after battling Leukemia. He was 62.

Doug earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, where he then served as Director of Audience Development before joining DePaul in 2000 as an instructor in the College of Communication. He then became director of the First-Year Program in 2009. The program is recognized as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, a reflection of Doug’s leadership and vision. His work helped shape the experience of thousands of students and supported a great many faculty and staff across the university.

Doug’s passion for movies and their production was widely known. He was always ready for deep conversations about filmmaking and movie trivia with friends and colleagues. He also had a deep love for theatre and stage performance, for which he was a director. His love of family and faith gave him the support and courage to face the challenges of his illness with strength and spirit.

Most of all, Doug was known for his kindness and caring nature, his sense of humor, and his collaborative spirit that kept the First-Year Program thriving and exciting for first-year students. He consistently built dedicated teams of faculty and staff who valued his leadership and collegiality and motivated all to make DePaul’s first-year experience one of excellence. In his own words, “One benefit of working in the First-Year Program is interacting with other people who value education and the opportunity to make the beginning of the college experience as successful as possible.” He will be deeply missed and remembered by many.

Doug is survived by his wife, Kay, children Adam and Sarah, his parents, and three brothers. Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 30, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL. A “Words of Remembrance” service will start at 2:00 p.m. A larger Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be submitted at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan – Doug Long Obituary and Tribute

A university remembrance service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Cortelyou Commons.  RSVP HERE through DeHub

Patrick Donoghue, the father of Irish Studies Program director Mary McCain, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 80. An attorney and 78-year resident of Michigan City, Indiana, Pat practiced municipal and corporate law and was a member of the Indiana Bar for 56 years.

Pat graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966, and received a Juris Doctor in 1969 from Indiana University in Bloomington. He served as a law clerk for the Hon. James E. Noland of the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, from 1969 to 1971. He spoke often over the years of this clerkship not only as the honor that it was, but also as a formative experience that would influence his work throughout his career.

In Michigan City, he joined the firm Sweeney, Fox, Sweeney, Winski, and Dabagia, later becoming a partner. Pat was the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board’s attorney for many years and served in similar roles for the Redevelopment Commission and other boards and councils. He recently received a Distinguished: Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards from Martindale-Hubbell.

An avid sailor, Pat participated in many races and served as the Judge Advocate for the Michigan City Yacht Club. He helped found the South Shore Sailing School and did volunteer legal work and was a longtime board member at the LaPorte County Historical Steam Society.

Pat maintained a lifelong connection to Ireland and Irish culture. He spent much of his time in retirement reading, particularly about American, Irish, and British history, rewatching classic Western movies, traveling, and supporting and taking pride in his children and grandchildren, who loved him deeply and will miss him terribly.

Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy, four children, nine grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.

With sadness, we have learned of the death of Chris Rone, who worked for 25 years in the Office of Financial Aid.  Chris passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 57.   

 After completing his undergraduate studies at National Louis University, Chris earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy from The George Washington University and a Doctorate of Education from DePaul University.  Throughout his career, Chris helped countless students stay in school and afford their education. His name continues to sound praises in the DePaul community: as one student wrote in the DePaul alumni board, “Chris was the man every student deserved to meet once.” In a world so defined by inequity, Chris fought tirelessly to level the playing field. His work was life-changing, not only for his students, but for those around him. Chris reminded us that there is value in work that helps others, and that we can all do our part in creating a better world.  

Outside of work, Chris enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid Liverpool fan and a long-suffering fan of Chicago sports teams. Chris’ wit and bitingly funny tongue brought joy into every activity–even the smallest errand with Chris is a memory to treasure. His legacy lives on with the laughter that surrounded him in life and the transformative optimism of his work.  He will be greatly  missed by all who knew him. 

He is survived by his wife, Robin, son, mother, two brothers, and many extended family and friends. 

Services will take place on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at A.A. Rayner and Sons Funeral Home, 318 E. 71st Street, Chicago.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the DePaul University Scholarship Fund. 

To view notes of appreciation shared by alumni, please go to Reddit – Alumni Notes for Chris Rone.