Kennedy, Ronald E., 1942-1984

Ronald Eugene Kennedy was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 1, 1942. He received his B.A. in philosophy and mathematics from the University of Illinois in 1965 and his J.D. from Northwestern University in 1973, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif.

After receiving his B.A. Kennedy served in the U.S. Army and worked as a social worker and a probation officer. Following his graduation from law school he was employed for a year as an associate in the Chicago-based law firm of Sidley and Austin.

In 1974, the Northwestern University School of Law appointed Kennedy assistant professor. He was promote to associate professor in 1977 and to full professor in 1979.

Kennedy was active in legal work on behalf of ethnic minority groups as well as in several professional organizations. The Chicago Council of Lawyers presented him its Award for Outstanding Legal Service to the Chicago Legal Community in 1984.

Kennedy died of cancer on August 28, 1984, at his home in Chicago, leaving his wife, Alexis and two sons, Michael and Marcus.

From the guide to the Ronald E. Kennedy Papers, 1970-1984, (Northwestern University Archives)