Kudos returns for 2021 – with just a few add-ons from late 2020.
Cynthia Bates, 2016
We took a tour on the Chicago First Lady through the Chicago Architectural Center. It was fabulous. We had Cynthia for a docent during the ride, and as I told her afterward, I couldn’t believe how many facts about these buildings she could remember. She told me what rigorous training the docents actually went through for 6 months!) I want to take this tour at least one more time, if not more. Chicago is a gorgeous city, and you can see so much of it from the river. Thank you CAC, and thank you Cynthia!! – Jeanne McCann”
Karen Bohr, Lisa Ciota, Susan Mann, Carol Muskin, Chuck Pierret, Linda Thompson, Education Guides:
Virtual Loop Tour for AFS International Program Students – I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate our last session! It was so informative and interesting, I enjoyed it a lot and it totally changed my opinion on architecture! I am not an architecture lover, but today I learned that it is more than what I thought. Architecture always reflects the age and cultural context that produced it. I learned how architects use different textures of just one material. Thank you – Redi.
John Burns, 2009
John was our tour guide ON THE River Cruise and he did an excellent job of telling the story of Chicago and the various architectural changes that have impacted the way the city operates. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city! – Ainsley
Kathleen Carpenter, 2006
Our NU group had a wonderful time during the CAC River Cruise Sunday (5/23). Although not expected, we were pleasantly surprised and appreciated that the CAC docent warmly welcomed our “NU” presence on the trip I wanted to provide Kathleen some recognition for the highly engaging narrated tour she provided on Chicago’s architectural history. As I’m sure you know, she is awesome! l hope you all have a thriving summer with many visitors and Chicagoans returning to cruise. BTW, I recently renewed my CAC membership too. With warm regards, Nancy L. Anderson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Residential Academic Initiatives
Lisa Ciota, Carol Muskin, and Chuck Pierret, Education Guides:
Virtual Tour of the Chicago Architecture Center for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago – Club members learned about the architecture of different historic buildings in the Chicago Loop. Members were able to test out their architecture skills by creating their own building with household materials. This was sooo awesome! The Chicago Architecture Center did an awesome job. Who says the pandemic can keep us from exploring the treasures of our city! – Nancy Strubbe Santi
David Ferguson, 2020
On June 17 two friends and I were fortunate enough to take the fascinating Walk through Time tour with new docent, David. It was his “virgin tour” but you would have thought he had led this tour for years. His delivery was quite fluent and the information he imparted about the evolution of the city’s architectural styles was very interesting. – Stephanie E
Wayne Galasek, 2005
“Design matters” was the first thing our docent, Wayne, said as we started our River Cruise. What followed was a thorough and compelling description of how the architecture of Chicago evolved over time, and how it affected the people of the region. Wayne offered just the right mix of anecdotes and historical accuracy, and since this was the first full day of our visit, we felt it was the ideal way to get acquainted with this great city. We felt very welcomed and entertained, and would recommend this tour unequivocally to everyone! – Janice W
Patricia Grund, 2001
Unbelievable! The Best Architecture Tour in Chicago! Pat is AMAZING! Wow! I’m honored and so grateful to have experienced this incredible River Cruise tour. A big shout out to Patricia (“”Pat””), our docent! I’ve been on about 5 architecture tours in Chicago and the First Lady is hands down my favorite. My parents came in from Atlanta for Mother’s Day. We were so engrossed in the inspiring and fun story so effortlessly told by Pat. We were hanging on her every word. Incredible job! I highly recommend to all! This is a gem in Chicago and must do! THANK YOU! – LDoyle_11
Gloria Hinrichs-Nelson, 2016
I work in the city and my building is part of the River Cruise tour, so I thought I knew everything. Wrong. Our docent Gloria was wonderful! Very informative on the various architectural styles and the meanings behind the design choices of the buildings. You get a much better perspective of the incredible architecture when you take the boat tour and listen to the very informative docents (who are volunteers and don’t get tips). Highly recommend the Chicago River tour for an informative and fact filled guide to the history of our wonderful city. – Dave C. Hinsdale, IL
Mary Jo Hoag, 2007
Bright, cool and sunny Memorial Day weekend, and the Rosehill Cemetery was full of flags and modern-day Boy Scouts. Besides information about the architecture of the many monuments, we heard about characters familiar and new, those who led troops from Illinois (which sent the largest delegation of any of the States), funded efforts, and both supported and opposed Lincoln. We saw the tombs and heard stories about the Copperheads, and of many larger-than-life egos, as well as those who did their work quietly. In all, a fun and informative tour, led by an enthusiastic tour guide, Mary Jo Hoag, who clearly loves her subject. I came away with a new understanding of how much history a plot of ground can contain. – juliedrew52
Judith Kaufman, 2010
This is SO worth it! Amazing time, views and tour guides! Judith – you’re the best! You made my entire trip to Chicago. Loved this tour!! – Htrumpfhelle
Bob Pratt, 2019
The Kenilworth Tours have been on hiatus for quite a length of time (even well before Covid). The first one of 2021 walked off last Sunday. Bob Pratt gave an outstandingly smooth tour as though he’d been giving the tour every week for months. He educated us with historic facts and interesting trivia. Bravo, Bob!!
Mitch Rosenfeld, 2016
I had a wonderful time on a recent Northwestern University tour. I live in Evanston, and have run through the campus for years, admiring the magnificent architecture without much understanding. Our knowledgeable and energetic docent Mitch provided detailed background about the university’s growth and expansion and the wide range of diverse architectural styles. My favorites were the spectacular modern buildings right along the lake, the Ryan center and the Kellogg B-school global Hub. Just wish I had worn my running shoes for this 2 hour walking tour. – Kevin Rock
Russ Seward, 2005
The best part of our River Cruise trip was tour guide Russ!!! Our tour was INCREDIBLE!! It was so worth it. We learned so much about Chicago and it added a wonderful element to the trip. If you have Russ as your tour guide, you’re golden. This is a must do for your trip!!! – Nicole M
Matt Sheffer, 2019
Matt was outstanding on the Historic Treasures tour. Best tour guide we have experienced. Brought to life the Chicago’s golden age. Clear and interesting explanations. Thank you!
Lisa Tallman, 2015
This River Cruise tour was awesome! It was the highlight of our trip and would definitely do it again. We took a 7:30 cruise which allowed us to see the city in the daylight and also lit up for nighttime. Our tour guide Lisa T. was very knowledgeable and gave us a ton of information about so many buildings as we want by on our 90-minute cruise. Don’t hesitate on this, book it to get a great experience that you will always remember for your visit to Chicago. – Patrick B. Clairton, PA
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Kudos is compiled by Betsy Jenkins, class of 2016