ROY SLOWINSKI – HELPING SHAPE OUR SPACE
Docent and Education Guide Roy Slowinski recently announced his retirement from his CAC roles. As we wish Roy well as he embarks on his next chapter, let’s take a moment to reflect on his many contributions.
Roy, a Vietnam veteran, is an architect who whose work helped shape some of our spaces. As you walk through Millenium Park, know that Roy played a role in the design of the parking garage underfoot as well as the waterproofing systems for the Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Gardens. He was also on the architectural design teams for the new Cook County Hospital (aka Stroger Hospital) and refurbishment of Daley Plaza in the mid-1990s.
In his 15 years volunteering for the CAC, Roy’s dry humor and architectural expertise helped shape and enrich the guest experience. He was certified on roughly a dozen tours and often advised and coached others as they developed or learned new tours. As one of the original Education Guides – a role he deeply enjoyed – Roy was helping shape the next generation, leading student tours that illuminate both the art and science of architecture. Roy also helped develop and lead many activities and tours for the CAC’s annual Engineering Fest and other programs to inspire youth. For all his contributions, Roy received the Docent Service Award in 2015.
Here’s what a few other Docents and Education Guides have to say about Roy:
- “As a docent for the Riverwalk West tour, Roy was just terrific. His avuncular style and friendly, home-spun manner won over tour takers. He was hands-down a crowd favorite,” said Ellen Shubart, co-Tour Director of the Riverwalk tours. “As an architect, Roy taught all of us about the engineering and design of the Riverwalk (West).”
- “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Roy on a couple special tours,” said Bill Page, Class of 2001. “I enjoy his good cheer and his stories of being a docent and working architect. He’s a treat to work with and to chat with between tours.”
- “Roy was a huge help as we planned the sustainability E-Fest a few years ago. His architectural background and pragmatic approach to explaining concepts helped us create a family friendly tour,” said John Perrecone, Education Guide.
Education Guide, Class of 2020
CLICK HERE for more stories on The Bridge.
Roy: It was truly an honor to be your colleague and friend as both a Docent and Education Guide. You represent everything that is wonderful about the CAC. Congrats on your “retirement” and I hope we continue to have the privilege of seeing you in around the CAC. Cheers, Bob
Roy — I am so pleased to have worked with you over the years on numerous tours including Pedway and Trump. You have made an enormous contribution to the CAC. I wish you all the best in “retirement” and hope to see you at future CAC events.
Lynne
Roy, as I said in the article, you were one-of-a-kind docent for the Riverwalk. But it was your overall knowledge and architecture background that made what you said so important for all of us. Best of luck in your new role. I know it will be different, not giving tours, but I’m sure you’ll have lots to tells us when we see you at CAC events. Take care, much love.
Roy– we will miss you, but hope we will still see you around at CAC events as a guest. I so enjoyed working with you on Education tours. We all benefitted from your architecture background– especially on the Science of Architecture tours!
Roy – (and they neglected to mention that you were the only docent named “Roy” – maybe you still are?) you were an inspiration to me as I learned to be a docent and as I led tours and served as an Education Guide. You still are an inspiration!
Bob Michaelson
Roy, you are a treasure and will be sorely missed! All docents are generous with their time and talents, but you’ve always gone the extra mile to help out in any way possible. It was a pleasure working on student field trips with you before the Education Guide group was formed. What a great legacy you’re leaving behind!
Roy — Best wishes to you. I’ve taken several of your tours and was thoroughly impressed with your knowledge and warm communications skills. Clearly CAC has benefitted enormously from all your contributions.
Roy…thanks for all of your contributions. I benefit from your expertise as an Education Guide! Enjoy you next chapter, Suzy Ruder
Roy has been a friend and an inspiration. In his 15 years he was constantly at CAF/CAC doing one thing or another. and just plain being knowledgeable. He’s a fun guy and I will miss his presence.
Roy, You were a wonderful Sponsor and your encouragement, support and shared knowledge gave me a wonderful start to becoming a docent. Thank you so very much. I wish you the best.
Thank you for your heartfelt contributions to CAC. Good luck to you in the next chapter of your life, Roy!
Roy, you were a pleasure to work with and always ready to help. When I think of you I’ll remember the song you sang to our Pedway tour guests – ” The snow is snowing and the wind is blowing but I can weather the storm. I’ve got the Pedway to keep me warm”. Good luck Roy, and thank you for all you’ve done for the CAC!!