Joliet, Ill. — The University of St. Francis regrets to inform the community of the passing of its sixth president, Dr. John “Jack” C. Orr, who served the then-College of St. Francis community for 23 years—as president from 1974-1995, and as chancellor until 1997. Orr held the position for the longest of any president to date.
Orr came to St. Francis when the college was in a state of crisis and trying to find its footing. With only 464 students, no endowment, and several short-term loans, he quickly applied painstaking budget cuts, reached out to untapped markets and developed a great management team. These efforts led to the launch of new programs, the enhancement of declining facilities, and the repayment of all debt in just a few years. This amazing turnaround was written about in a book called “Achieving Optimal Enrollments” by William Ihlanfeldt in a section called “The College of St. Hope,” which referred to the then-College of St. Francis. Orr eventually led the institution to record enrollments, with over 4,200 students in on-campus programs and off-campus programs offered at over 120 locations in 23 states. The endowment reached $6 million by the time he retired.
Orr also strengthened men’s and women’s athletic programs and helped to establish a men’s football program during his presidency. In the mid-1980s, he spearheaded the “Investment in Tomorrow” campaign to build a recreation center and gymnasium on campus (completed in 1986), increase scholarships, and remodel Tower Hall—including the addition of the Harold & Margaret Moser Performing Arts Center (completed in 1994), for which Orr accepted a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Joliet for property improvement.
Under Orr’s leadership, undergraduate majors in business, computer science, environmental science and journalism/communications were established. A number of graduate degree programs were launched, including a master’s in health service administration, which was notable because prior to its offering, graduate degrees were only offered to Sisters from the school’s founding congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Master’s programs in business administration and education followed. A successful health arts program for registered nurses and health care professionals also drew thousands of students to St. Francis during this time.
To better his community, Orr served as chair and worked with several organizations to improve not only the city of Joliet, but also the entire Will County region. He chaired the Joliet/ Will County Chamber of Commerce and Center for Economic Development to promote business and bring jobs to the region; was an active trustee for Silver Cross Hospital, providing health care services to community members; and was a board member of AmeriFed Federal Savings Bank, founded in 1934 to promote savings and home ownership as a means of enhancing community stability. He held leadership roles with both the Associated Colleges of Illinois and the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, among other organizations who benefitted from his leadership.
Orr served as a true steward of the Catholic, Franciscan ideals of the College of St. Francis, remaining ever-faithful to the college’s mission and dedicated to members of the St. Francis community. He is often remembered for lunching with students in the cafeteria and enjoying coffee with colleagues. He keenly remembered everyone he met. He and his wife, Madonna (Plese ’56), remained longtime donors of the University of St. Francis throughout his retirement… attending galas and golf outings, and supporting other events sponsored by the university.
Due to Dr. Orr’s wishes, a private Mass of Christian Burial has already been held. The family and university plan to have a memorial service at a later date in the St. Joseph Chapel on USF’s Main Campus.
To submit prayer intentions and/or memories of Dr. Orr for the Orr family, please use the university’s virtual prayer book. Intentions will be remembered at USF’s prayer services and Masses: stfrancis.edu/virtual-prayer-book .
Preferred memorials in the name of Dr. Orr may be offered as Mass intentions, to the John & Margaret Please Scholarship at the University of St. Francis, or to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves more than 3,200 students worldwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 54,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
