Dallas Mavericks owner and 'Shark Tank' star Mark Cuban to speak at Judson University's World Leaders Forum

By Tom Siebert

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and one of the stars of ABC-TV's long-running "Shark Tank" show, will be the inaugural guest of a new discussion series, as part of the prestigious World Leaders Forum at Judson University in Elgin.

The billionaire investor and entrepreneur will be interviewed by Judson alumnus Mark Vargas, a well-known business and political adviser, on Thursday, May 16, at the university's Herrick Chapel.

"Mark Cuban is one of the most recognizable and inspiring business leaders of our time and we're tremendously excited to welcome him to Judson," said university President Gene Crume, adding, "We are fortunate to count Mark Vargas among our alumni and are excited for him to host conversations with great leaders to inspire creativity and entrepreneurship in our community."

The goal of the World Leaders Forum is to offer Judson students and the Chicagoland community an opportunity to be inspired by significant global thought leaders.

Recent forum speakers have included former President George W. Bush, ex-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair, then-President Felipe Calderón of Mexico, and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.

Last year's event featured a lively but civil discussion between Republican Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Democrat Howard Dean, ex-governor of Vermont.

And on October 8, presidential daughter and diplomat Caroline Kennedy will be interviewed by conservative radio host Eric Metaxas at a World Leaders Forum sponsored by the university at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

The new World Leaders Forum series, called "Conversations with Mark Vargas," will focus on business, politics, life lessons, successes, failures, and finding inspiration.

Mr. Vargas, a 2004 Judson graduate, has served as a U.S. Department of Defense adviser on rebuilding war-torn economies through foreign and private investment. He is also a political opinion writer whose articles have appeared in several newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune.

"I'm honored to call Mark Cuban a friend, and I'm delighted that he accepted my personal invitation to join us in May as we launch this new and exciting speaker series," said Mr. Vargas.

Located in Elgin since 1963, Judson University offers a Christian, liberal arts and sciences education through its Bachelor of Arts degrees for more than 60 majors, minors, graduate programs, and online courses--as well as certification and accelerated adult degree programs.

Proceeds from this World Leaders Forum event will fund entrepreneurship and diversity scholarships for Judson students interested in business. Ticketing and sponsorship information may be obtained by visiting judsonu.edu/WLFConversations.

Caroline Kennedy to keynote Judson University's 2019 World Leaders Forum

By Tom Siebert

Author, attorney, and diplomat Caroline Kennedy has been selected as keynote speaker at Judson University's 2019 World Leaders Forum.

She is the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, and served as U.S. ambassador to Japan under former President Barack Obama.

"Judson University is honored to welcome ambassador Kennedy to our community for an important discussion about values, political courage, and service," said Judson president Gene Crume.

Ms. Kennedy, a prominent progressive, will be interviewed by culturally conservative commentator Eric Metaxas, host of a nationally syndicated radio show.

The format will be similar to last year's World Leaders Forum, which featured a lively but civil discussion between Democrat Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont; and Republican Newt Gingrich, ex-speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Previous keynote speakers at the forum included former President George W. Bush, ex-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair, then-President Felipe Calderón of Mexico, and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.

Because of the increasing popularity of the event, it will not be held this year at Judson's Elgin campus. Instead, the forum will take place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, at 7 p.m. on October 8.  A VIP reception will precede the program at 5 p.m.

Ms. Kennedy was the first female ambassador to Japan, facilitating the U.S. military's return of land on Okinawa to that country, advocating for the participation of Japanese women in business and politics, and playing a pivotal role in President Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima.

She has authored, co-authored, or edited more than a dozen books on American history, politics, constitutional law, and poetry. She also serves as president and director of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, and is a member of the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Mr. Metaxas is a bestselling author, whose works include  "Martin Luther," "If You Can Keep It," "Bonhoeffer," "Amazing Grace," and "Miracles." A senior fellow and lecturer at King's College in New York City, he is host of Socrates in the City, an acclaimed series of conversations on "life, God and other small topics," which has featured Canadian journalist Malcolm Gladwell, TV talk-show host Dick Cavett, and British theologian Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, among many others.

Said Judson president Crume: "By hosting this conversation with Eric Metaxas and Socrates in the City, we are presenting our campus and community with an opportunity to consider life's biggest questions."

The goal of the World Leaders Forum is to offer Judson students and the Chicagoland community an opportunity to be inspired by significant thought leaders.

Proceeds from the event will continually fund the Judson Leadership Scholars program, innovative entrepreneurial activities, and ongoing operations of the World Leaders Forum, as well as benefit the higher education of youth in foster care by providing programs and educational opportunities at Judson University.

Tickets to the 2019 World Leaders Forum program and VIP reception are available to the public starting April 1. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit www.WorldLeadersForum.info.

Kendall County community poured out heart and help to PADS guests throughout harsh winter

                        By Tom Siebert

Assistant Director for Community Relations

Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) of Kendall County

Last December the weather in the Chicago area was relatively mild, with daytime temperatures soaring into the upper 30s and even the 40s throughout the month.

That was a welcome start to the winter for guests of Kendall County PADS, who often have to seek warmth during the day, after departing the overnight shelters that the homeless support group provides during the colder months of the calendar.

On Christmas Eve, PADS volunteers were given the night off to attend worship services and spend time with their families. So the homeless guests were housed that night at the Super 8 motel in Yorkville, compliments of the Knights of Columbus from St. Patrick Parish, also in Yorkville. They also received free movie passes from NCG Yorkville Cinemas.

Students from Cross Lutheran School in Yorkville donated socks, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to PADS guests. And they surprised a young homeless girl with Christmas gifts at the shelter site at Cross Lutheran Church. The girl was also given a DVD player and movies from Tracy Ams and her colleagues in the cardiovascular and intravenous therapy departments at Edward Hospital in Naperville.

The homeless receive a lot of attention during the holidays but their challenges often increase during the new year, points out Anne Engelhardt, executive director of Kendall County PADS.

“People live in homelessness long after the lights are turned off and decorations are put away,” she said. “They struggle even more as the weather turns cold and winter days drag on.”

But as the wintry weather grew harsher in January, the kindness of the community kicked in on behalf of its homeless neighbors.

During two particularly brutally cold nights, Kendall Area Transit, which partners with PADS, was forced to shut down. However, KAT agreed to keep its PADS routes open, so the guests would not have to walk to and from the shelters in frigid conditions.

Area residents demonstrated their compassion for the homeless in many other ways during the often cold and snowy days of January and February.

Becky Grace of Coldwell Banker, The Real Estate Group, organized a PADS donation drive from staff, clients, and friends. Donated were haircut vouchers, prepaid laundromat cards, gift cards for fast food restaurants, and generous amounts of paper products for two shelter sites with kitchen facilities.

Modern Dentistry of Yorkville also donated 150 bags of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. The hygiene items were shared between PADS guests and clients of the Kendall County Community Food Pantry. And Boombah in Yorkville contributed dozens of sports bags, which are given to guests who need them to carry their possessions.  

Throughout the winter, warming centers are set up for the Kendall County homeless at the Beecher Community Center, Yorkville; Senior Service Associates, Yorkville; Caring Hands Thrift Shop, Yorkville; Fox Valley YMCA, Plano: Kendall County Health Department, Yorkville; Kendall County Public Safety Center, Yorkville; Newark Fire Barn; Montgomery Village Hall; Oswegoland Park District; Oswego Public Library; Oswego Police Department; Plano City Hall; Plano Community Library; Walmart Supercenter in Plano; Yorkville Public Library; and St. Patrick Parish in Yorkville.

For the past nine years, overnight guests of Kendall County PADS have received a hot meal, a safe place to sleep, breakfast, and a packed lunch to go. They also receive assistance with employment, social services, and housing referrals.

The shelters are open from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. through April 20 on: 

• Sundays at Cross Lutheran Church, 8609 Route 47, Yorkville
• Mondays, Yorkville Congregational United Church of Christ, 409 Center Parkway, Yorkville
• Tuesdays, Harvest New Beginnings church, 5315 Douglas Road, Oswego
• Wednesdays, Parkview Christian Academy, upper campus, 202 East Countryside Parkway, Yorkville
• Thursdays, Trinity United Methodist Church, 2505 Boomer Lane, Yorkville
• Fridays, Church of the Good Shepherd, 5 West Washington Street, Oswego
• Saturdays, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 53 Fernwood Road, Boulder Hill

The homeless support group has more than 550 volunteers who serve at least four hours once per month, some more frequently. Volunteers are currently needed on the 3 a.m.–7 a.m. shifts on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Ms. Engelhardt singled out several volunteers who have met emergency shift needs, serving extended hours at the shelters. They are Dick Velders, Greg Wehrs, Carolyn Krisciak, Pat Millen, Kristie Vogel, Ang Zenofio, and Ilaine Jessup.

PADS of Kendall County is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) group funded by donations received from grants, gifts, individuals, organizations, and businesses. Those who wish to donate or volunteer may call (630) 553-5073 or visit the website at kendallcountypads.org.

“All of our regular volunteers continue to come every month, some multiple times per month, to quietly and humbly serve the homeless people,” Ms. Engelhardt said. “Our season of giving by the volunteers in PADS continues every night for 26 weeks.”