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John Marshall Mourns Death of Associate Dean James J. Kreminski
James J. Kreminski, the associate dean for Administration at The John Marshall Law School, died suddenly Sept. 23, 2008. He was 60 years old.
Kreminski, a man of many talents, shared them with the staff and board of trustees at John Marshall for 30 years. He was responsible for all financial matters as well as the physical plant, human resources and planning.
Marilyn Criss remembers Dean Fred Herzog hiring the new controller. "Fred realized that he needed someone who knew finances. The two of them were so compatible," she said. "I remember John Corkery was newly hired to the faculty and he was being interviewed for a paper here, and Corkery was asked about the structure of the law school. `Well,' Corkery said, `you go to the dean with your idea and then he calls Jim Kreminski who gives a yes or no.' "
A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Kreminski, a certified public accountant and former auditor, joined The John Marshall Law School as controller in 1978, after teaching accounting as a member of the law school's adjunct faculty. He earned an M.B.A. from Illinois Benedictine in 1980.
In a 1995 profile, Kreminski said of his arrival at John Marshall, "I was in public accounting, having a perfectly good time, and a friend told me about the opening at John Marshall." With the M.B.A., "Then I could take on the 80-hour-a-week job I have now!"
He found that the M.B.A. concentration in human resources was most helpful. "I had the accounting part; what I wanted was interpersonal skills-and they have come in handy!
"The majority of my day (is spent on) management/people things. In a normal week, if I get one day out of five for analysis, that's a lot, but the planning part of my job is key," he said.
He also gave credit to his staff. "You go out and find the best people you can find. Don't worry about them showing you up; you need them to do your job."
What the staff at John Marshall has found over these years is they needed Kreminski just as much. He was often the one with the depth of knowledge to put things in perspective. He could tell you about ledgers and balances, and he knew every inch of the building and how best to use the space. He knew how many students the building could handle and how many John Marshall would have in an incoming class. He was often the general contractor for building projects and negotiated leases. He listened to staff concerns and did his best to address them.
"Jim helped many of us with hundreds of matters that had to do with payroll, pay checks, insurance claims, tax matters and a myriad of other things that affected us individually and as an institution in important ways," said John Marshall Dean John E. Corkery. "He helped so many in so many ways that his loss will be felt personally by everyone throughout the school and our alumni."
Kreminski was a founding member of the Illinois CPA Society Industry Forum Groups and a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Kreminski is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his daughter Megan.
Remembrances of Dean Kreminski
Associate Dean for Admission William Powers:
When I came to John Marshall 12 years ago, a stranger in a strange land, Jim was one of those native Chicagoans who helped me learn what the city and its suburbs had to offer. When my daughter was preparing to enter the University of Illinois this fall, I again turned to Jim to help show me the ropes, because his daughter was entering her senior year there.
Jim and I worked closely on budget planning matters, especially with tuition revenue forecasting and scholarships. We talked almost every day. I will really miss him; he was a great work colleague and friend.
Phyllis Finney, Library:
I met Jim 20 years ago, and he never changed or faltered from the kind, understanding, funny, strong man he was. In the same circle he was a hard working, no-nonsense man on important issues that touched or effected John Marshall employees. So long Jim, I will greatly miss you.
Maridonna Schaal, Foundation Office:
I will never forget how hard Jim Kreminski worked all of the time! For instance, alumni and development were having a particularly busy January in 1998. Jim stopped in to see what he could do to help things along. Not realizing that he meant it, I told him that he could help assemble alumni directories for D.C. He called Marty up to help and they both sat down and finished the job! I could not believe that he, an associate dean, would do that and I asked him why. He said that his title didn't matter; in fact nobody's title mattered when there was work to do. Now _ that's someone I'm going to really miss!!
Geoff Hammond, Foundation Office
When I think of Jim, the title that comes to mind is simply "Mr. John Marshall." In his dignified and diligent way Jim helped make John Marshall what it is today. Certainly, he kept the wheels of the law school turning and, from behind the scenes like the financial wizard he was, made sure we stayed on track.
As a student, I had no idea the impact he had. As an employee, I had the privilege of getting to know him a bit, and seeing his vital role in everything "John Marshall." When in doubt about something, one could always "Ask Jim." When I first came on board, I introduced myself to him and called him "Dean Kreminski". He immediately corrected me, "Just call me Jim." He didn't like the limelight, but now that he has left us, 315 S. Plymouth Ct. is a darker place. Jim Kreminski was a true gentle-man. He was noble without being formal. His wry humor always made me smile. I will miss him!
Associate Dean for Outreach and Planning Rory Smith:
I will always be grateful to Jim for the quiet yet vital support that he gave to me and my family over the years by helping walk through the minefield of medical insurance claims and expense reimbursements.
Jim was an honorable, dedicated and caring man that I will miss deeply. I do not know John Marshall without him. He modestly described the work that he did as "stuff." but it was that "stuff" that made a real tangible and positive difference in all of our lives. Jim was responsible for managing every dollar of the law school's budget and he diligently tracked every penny while judiciously making sure that all employees were able to equitably utilize our employee benefits.
He worked tirelessly for all of us. Daily Jim took hours of work home that he completed and brought back to work the next morning. I look forward to letting Nancy and Megan know how important he was to all of us and how grateful we are to him. I will keep Jim and his family in my prayers.
William Beach, Foundation office:
Jim was one of the finest people I have ever known. He was fair and just, and set a great example of "whatever it takes to get the job done." I always felt that Jim had my back, and I will miss him very much.
From a fundraising perspective, he was responsible for bringing in one of the largest gifts...the million dollar gift from Phil Baim. Jim demonstrated the patience and handholding that is required when working with major gift prospects, and I learned a lot from him. I had the pleasure of going on several solicitation calls with Jim, and his profound respect for both the law school, and the potential donor, was deeply evident.
The loss of Jim Kreminski will be felt for years.
Anna Johnson, Registrar's Office:
I loved Jim; I worked in his department when I first started here at John Marshall. We shared the love of potato chips, and would often laugh and compare the chips that we would bring to lunch. He was a great guy, and a fair guy. He was a true advocate for the staff at John Marshall, and I do not believe he can be replaced. John Marshall has lost the best.
Joan Bahaveolos, Business Office:
Jim was the perfect supervisor. He was always willing to take time to explain, help and do all it took to make your working experience a rewarding one. Best of all he was a true friend who cared about you and your family. I will miss him. ~
Judy Evans, Business Office:
im was the best boss in the whole wide world! He was a wonderful teacher also. He was very understanding and down to earth. He was always there for me if I needed him. Any problem I had (work or personal) he would help solve. If he didn't know the answer personally, he knew where to go to find the correct answer. He was a firm believer in using manners. He always said you will get more from people if you use please and thank you. Whenever he wanted anything, he made sure he always asked please and then said thank you when I finished the task. He also reminded me if I forgot to use please and thank you. He made my 29 years of working for him the best 29 years of my life. I am going to miss him tremendously!
Yara Santana, Financial Aid:
I just wanted to say Jim was a very special person. Many times he went beyond his job to help others. He will be truly missed.
Jim Velco, Computer Services:
I am sure many people have stories about how Jim had helped them in some way and I am no exception. Three years ago, I nearly lost my life in a car accident; unfortunately, my friend, Jamie, did not survive the accident. As one can imagine this was an extremely difficult time for my wife because she put into in a position to make decisions that no person should ever have to make. Apparently there were issues with insurance that the hospital was throwing at my wife, Amy, which were completely inappropriate at the time. I was in a coma for seven days so I don't remember any of this, but the minute he had heard about what happened to me, Jim came to critical care area where I was at the hospital and told Amy that he "would take care of it". And that was it. Amy was never bothered by the hospital again and she was able to concentrate on the best course of action for my recovery.
The thing that is the most difficult to reconcile about my accident and with what happened to Jim, is that in both situations the world lost a good person. Both my friend, Jamie, and Jim were good people that cared about what they did and did the best for everyone around them. I can never understand why a good person has to be lost like this, while there are so many selfish and miserable people who get to carry on to a ripe old age.
But this is a existential question that does not have any easy answers. This just affirms what I realized three years ago, that every day we are breathing is a gift.
I was lucky to been able to work with Jim, he was both a mentor and a friend. He realized that life outside these walls is more important than any drama ensuing inside these walls; he had perspective that many find hard to realize. I feel that he will be remembered not for what he did, but for who he was, because it was who he was that drove him to do the things he did.
RoseMarie Knight, Fair Housing Legal Support Center:
Working with Jim Kreminski over the past 21 years on the various department and conference budgets, federal and private grants, and audits have brought me to know, understand and respect a gentle man of the highest integrity. He helped to wipe away many concerns until we got it right. Thank you, Jim. You served well!
Adelaide Williams, Library:
Jim would tease me about how I should be working for his staff because I was a regular in the Business Office checking on library invoices. That seemed to be our regular meeting place. On Monday (Sept. 22) I saw him on the 9th floor of the CBA and I was teasing him about a foot race, but he was still walking with the cane and said I'd have to schedule that for another time. Jim has touched all of our lives profoundly. He will be greatly missed.
Heather Williams, LegalEase & Administrative Information Director:
Over 20 years ago, Jim Kreminski invited me to work for The John Marshall Law School. When I accepted the invitation, little did I know what was in store for me. He was a man of integrity; a gentle giant who cared about getting the job done but also showed that he really cared about you.
Whatever advice he could offer-he gave it...whatever helping hand he could lend-he lent did...whatever funny joke he said or funny face he made, he did it to make you laugh and lighten your load.
We both shared the love of jazz music; Kenny G was his favorite. And strawberry shakes. His paczkis treats on Fat Tuesday's will be missed.
I thank God for Jim! He was a great boss and a blessing all in one. He showed me how someone with power can be humble, caring, and honest. "It's just ones and zeros - you can do it!" are words that I'll forever remember, because these are the words he would say to encouraged me to go beyond my limits to get a seemingly difficult job done.
I will truly miss Jim, but I'm thankful that he left me valuable memories that I'll forever cherish. No other boss will ever be like Jim _ A Gentle Giant, A Man of Integrity.
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Screening of "Osso Bucco" Held at John Marshall
The John Marshall Law School is presenting an exclusive private screening of the movie "Osso Bucco" on Thursday, Oct. 30, in room 1200 of the law school, 315 S. Plymouth Ct. The event is co-sponsored by the law firm of Levin & Ginsburg and The John Marshall Law School Foundation.
The evening program begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception in room 3-East, followed by a 6:30 p.m. screening. At 8:15 p.m. there will be a question and answer session featuring the executive producer, Corky Kessler (J.D. `74), his fellow producers and a surprise guest.
Tickets to the event are $30 per person and include refreshments at the reception. For more information or to register for the screening, contact the Department of Event Management at 312.987.1420 or e-mail events@jmls.edu. For more information on the movie, visit www.ossobuccomovie.com.
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Herzog Lecture Guest Addresses Nazi-Era Records Issues
Professor Kenneth Waltzer (third from left), director of Jewish Studies at Michigan State University, was the guest speaker for the Dean Fred F. Herzog Memorial Lecture, "Opening the Red Cross International Tracing Service Archive." His presentation addresses his examination of the 50 million World War II-era documents in a Nazi-era archive International Tracing Service. Welcoming him for the Sept. 17 program were (from left) Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Ralph Ruebner; Professor Gerald Berendt, program chair; and Dean John Corkery.
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Discussion Focuses on Constitutional Convention
John Marshall Law School Professor Ronald Smith (second from left), a delegate at the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention, was a panelist for the discussion "Calling a Con-Con: Is It Time for a Constitutional Convention in Illinois?" hosted by the American Constitution Society. The program at The John Marshall Law School Sept. 18 focused on questions being raised by the upcoming Nov. 4 vote on whether Illinois should call a constitutional convention. Joining Smith on the panel are (from left) Wayne W. Whalen, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee, at the 6th Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970; Dawn Clark Netsch, former Illinois comptroller and former state senator; Rep. Michael Fortner (R-West Chicago); and Illinois Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn.
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Student Activities
September 29
The Catholic Law Student Association will meet at noon in room 216. Pizza will be served.
The Federalist Society will meet at 5 p.m. in room 1103. Pizza will be served.
September 30
The Environmental Law Society will meet at 5:30 p.m. in room 201. Pizza will be served.
The Intellectual Property Society will meet at 4:45 p.m. in room 216. Pizza will be served.
The Latino Law Student Association will meet at 5 p.m. in room 1101.
October 1
The Black Law Students Association will meet at 4:30 p.m. in room 201.
Phi Alpha Delta boat cruise.
Phi Alpha Delta will meet at 5 p.m. in room 1103.
The Diversity Committee will meet at 5 p.m. in room 216.
Phi Delta Phi will meet at 5 p.m. in room 1101.
The Latino Law Student Association will meet at noon in room 201.
October 2
The Student Bar Association will meet at 5 p.m. in room 216. This meeting is open to all students.
Important Dates to Remember:
March 6 - Barrister's Ball at The Knickerbocker Hotel
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CLE Program Focuses on Legal Career in the Entertainment Industry
The John Marshall Law School is presenting "From Screenplay Through Distribution: How to Avoid Common Legal and Business Mistakes," from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, in room 200 of the law school, 315 S. Plymouth Ct. in Chicago.
The CLE presentation will feature John Marshall alumnus Hal "Corky" Kessler (J.D. '74), who will share his years of experience with the business and legal aspects of
feature film development and tax incentives in connection with the entertainment industry.
Kessler will present the program as a tutorial on how to work on film agreements.
Participants will receive materials covering actor, distribution, sales, purchase and literary agreements.
Kessler has been the attorney on more than 15 film projects and executive producer on eight films, including "Certifiably Jonathan," starring Jonathan Winters, Robin Williams, Howie Mandel, Rob Reiner, Sara Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jim Carrey and others. Kessler also was the attorney and executive producer on "The Sum of Us," starring Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson. The movie won the Australian Film Institute's award for Best Screenplay, Adapted, in 1994 and was distributed in the United States by Samuel Goldwyn Studios. It once held the record as the highest-grossing film in Australia.
The cost to attend the program is $150, and includes a light lunch and reception. Upon completion, participants will receive three CLE credits.
Participants also are invited to attend an exclusive private screening of Kessler's most recent project, "Osso Bucco," starring Ileana Douglas and Mike Starr. The evening program begins with a reception on 3-East of the law school, followed by a 6:30 p.m. screening and an 8:15 p.m. question and answer session. For more information, contact the Department of Event Management at 312-987-1420 or e-mail events@jmls.edu.
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Professor Michael Seng Joins Fair Housing Roundtable
Professor Michael P. Seng, co-executive director of The John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Legal Support Center, was one of about a dozen fair housing advocates invited to participate in a Sept. 24, 2008, roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C., on fair housing with Steve Preston, the Secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The group discussed the impact of predatory lending and the foreclosure crisis and special problems faced by persons with disabilities. Seng urged strong enforcement through HUD-initiated complaints against lenders and brokers that had targeted minority communities for inferior loans in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
He also urged HUD and the Department of Justice to issue additional Joint statements on compliance with the Fair Housing Act similar to recent statements dealing with reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing units. Seng shared with the group information that The John Marshall Fair Housing Legal Support Center, with several other organizations, had drafted a statement pertaining to senior housing that was sent to HUD and the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration.
After the roundtable discussion, Seng was a special guest at the dedication of the HUD auditorium dedicated in honor of U.S. Sen. Edward Brooke III (D-Mass.) and U.S. Sen. Walter Mondale (D-Minn.), who were the principle sponsors of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. The ceremony focused on the history and passage of the act and the importance of keeping alive the idealism that lead to that important act. Seng said Preston commented that he hoped the Brook-Mondale Auditorium, at the center of the HUD building, would be a continuing reminder that fair housing must be central to all housing initiatives in the United States.
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Schedule of Events
September 29, 2008
- Academic Affairs Committee, Room 1105, noon
- Insights I Room 409, 12p.m.
October 1, 2008
- Online Seminar Using a Template to Assist Faculty in Online Course Development, Room 1102, 11:30 am
- Czech Student Trip Meeting, Room 529, noon
- Czech Student Trip Meeting, Room 5290, 5 p.m.
- Diversity Committee meeting, Room 529, 5 p.m.
- Czech Study Travel Group, Room 3East, 6 p.m.
October 2, 2008
October 3, 2008
October 4, 2008
- Admissions Open House, Room 200, 201, 8:30 a.m.
- BAR BRI/JMLS Bar Exam Essay Program, Room 300, 10 a.m.
- Insights I, Room 409, 1:30 p.m.
October 6, 2008
- Administrative Training, Room 201, 9 a.m.
- Insights I, Room 409, noon
- Faculty Assembly Meeting, Room 503, 12:15 p.m.
October 7, 2008
October 8, 2008
October 9, 2008
October 10, 2008
October 11, 2008
- BAR BRI / JMLS Bar Exam Essay Program, Room 300, 10 a.m.
- Insights I, Room 409, 1:30 p.m.
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Faculty Activity and Publications
Activities
She is serving as chair of the Chicago Bar Association Committee on International and Foreign Law.
Activities
She gave a presentation, "Pleasant Grove v. Summum, The Supreme Court's First Look at Municipal Government Speech," on Sept. 25 at the Illinois Municipal League's 95th Annual Conference.
Also, Attorney Jay Sekulow has invited Prof. Dolan to Washington, D.C. Oct. 7 to help him prepare for oral argument in the case Pleasant Grove v. Summum. The case will be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court this term.
Activities
On Sept. 16, he was the speaker at the Shimer College Constitution Day celebration. The topic was "Constitutionalism and the Supreme Court."
On Sept. 17, the official date of Constitution Day, Kendall was the special guest speaker at the Harper College Constitution Day celebration. The panel discussion topic was "We the People: Constitutional Issues of the 21st Century."
Adjunct Professor Anthony J. Longo JD `04
Activities
One of his cases resulted in a significant decision by the Illinois Appellate Court on 9/12/08. In the case, the Court agreed with his position and held a fertilized egg outside the womb is not a human being under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. Only a handful of other cases in the country have grappled with the legal status of embryos as human or not.
Activities
He has been appointed secretary of the Illinois State Bar Association Section of International and Immigration Law.
Publications
His article, "An Empirical Study of Patent Claim Construction Comparing District Courts and the International Trade Commission," has been accepted by the William & Mary Law Review. It will be published in 2009. It can be downloaded at http://ssrn.com/author=660592.
Activities
He and Professor Cindy Buys of Southern Illinois University School of Law spoke on Sept. 12 on "Recent Developments under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations," and the Chicago Bar Association's Committee on International and Foreign Law meeting. Among the rights they discussed under the convention was the right of consular notification, which must be given without delay to foreign nationals who are arrested or detained in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year ruled in Medellin v. Texas that foreign defendants could not invoke a 2004 decision by the International Court of Justice, which found that that the United States had violated the convention by not advising detained nationals of Mexico that they had a right to have the Mexican Consulate notified of their detentions.
Professors Wojcik and Buys also did a second presentation on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations at the office of the Consulate General of Canada. The meeting was organized by the Canadian Consulate and the Illinois State Bar Association Section on International and Immigration Law. The meeting was attended by Consul Generals of several countries and by consular staff working with issues arising under the Vienna Convention. Professors Wojcik and Buys led a discussion among the consular officials and distinguished guests, including John Marshall Professors William B.T. Mock and Juli V. Campagna.
Publications
Professor Wojcik authored the article "Get Published" for the October 2008 issue of the ABA Student Lawyer magazine. It is part of a series of articles he's preparing for the magazine. Some of the earlier articles in the series have been posted at www.ssrn.com.
Professor Wojcik and Professor Cindy Buys of Southern Illinois University School of Law published a number of short articles on U.S. implementation of its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
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