RICHARD LEE ARNOLD

Dr. Richard Lee Arnold, Professor Emeritus of Northern Illinois University died November 7, 2016 in Carol Stream, IL.     Dr. Arnold was born in Ames, Iowa on June 2, 1928.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Lee Arnold and Myrtle Page Arnold and a brother, John Jay Arnold.

Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Cortelyou Arnold, of Carol Stream, IL; his brother, Robert Page Arnold of Springfield, VA:  his son, Mark David Arnold of Milwaukee, WI; his daughter, Marcia (Frank) Serrao of Vacaville, CA; his son, Richard Lee (April) Arnold III of Lombard, IL; and two grandsons, James Richard Arnold and Richard Lee Arnold IV.

Dr. Arnold received his baccalaureate and masters degrees at the University of Iowa and the doctor of philosophy degree at Northwestern University.     He began his teaching career at what is now the University of Northern Iowa and then twelve years at California State University, Fresno.

In 1965, the family moved to DeKalb, IL where he taught at Northern Illinois University until his retirement in 1993.     Richard became director of the theatre arts division of the Speech Department and then in 1972 he became the first chair of the newly formed Department of Theatre Arts.   There he was instrumental in developing theatre and dance programs in a new departmental unit with expanded classroom and performance facilities.     As the professional programs matured the department was relocated to a new college, the College of Visual and Performing Arts.    Richard launched an alumni newsletter, an artist-in-resident program and the Sydney Smith Scholarship Fund.    He received a Dean's Award for Exceptional Service as a Department Chair.     Nationally, Richard was President of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology from 1973 to 1975, and made a fellow of the institute in 1977.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richard L. Arnold Silver Endowment in the School of Theatre and Dance and sent to the Northern Illinois University Foundation, DeKalb, IL 60115.

A remembrance service will be held at Windsor Park Senior Community in Carol Stream, IL on December 3rd, at 2:00pm with Chaplains Thomas Peterson and Brian Kletzing officiating. Visitation will be held on December 3, 2016 at 1:00pm until the time of service.

To send an online condolence please visit: www.finchfuneralhomedekalb.com .  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.