Catholic Charities and the Chicago region lost a tremendous champion on January 1, 2020, with the death of Charles F. Clarke, Jr.

Mr. Clark served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities from 1992 through 1994. He and his wife, Ellie, also founded the Staff Development Center to ensure employees could advance their skills and education.

For 55 years, Charles Clarke remained a steadfast supporter of Catholic Charities by promoting our programs and services, particularly in residential housing and expanded services in Lake County, including the development of the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Center in Waukegan. He was a kind, supportive, and brilliant leader. Whatever the need of the decade, we could be assured that he would help us meet that need with grace and confidence in our work. 

Our heartfelt condolences are with his family.

Since 2007, the Universidad Iberoamericana Mexico City (IBERO), Loyola University Chicago (LUC), and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago have partnered for a successful international student immersion program. To date, 162 students across many disciplines have participated, and learn how to develop their heart for service, awareness, sensitivity, commitment, critical thinking, justice, and social responsibility (especially as it relates to the phenomenon of migration in Mexico and the United States).

Learn more about this crucial partnership between Jesuit universities and Catholic organizations here.