Obituary: Former President David Ramage, Jr. (Class of 1955)
02-16-2010
By Grayson Van Camp
The Rev. Dr. David Ramage, Jr. died on Sunday, February 14, 2010 after a long illness. News about his memorial service will be posted as it is received. Dr. Ramage was living in Virginia at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Betty, children and grandchildren.
In notfying the McCormick community of Dr. Ramage’s death, President Cynthia Campbell wrote:
“In addition to serving here as President from 1985 to 1993, the Reverend Dr. David Ramage, Jr. served as President of the New World Foundation. An early ally of Saul Alinsky, he was a champion of community organizing and a partner of many church leaders in Chicago as a voice for change. David was also one of the key leaders in organizing the Parliament for the World’s Religions meeting in Chicago in 1993 out of which came the organization by the same name.
During his presidency at McCormick, a number of our current faculty were called who have helped shape us in so many important ways. He was also instrumental in generating a grant from the McArthur Foundation that made possible the African-American Leadership Partnership Program which built strong ties with African American congregations here in Chicago. We give thanks to God for the legacy of his life and leadership.”
A Personal Note from Your Alumni/ae Director:
I had the privilege of being a student when Dr. Ramage was President here at McCormick. And I recall how his preaching always lifted my spirits. With permission of Mr. Robert D. Black, President and CEO of the Chicago Sunday Evening Club, I share here two of Dr. Ramage’s sermons from the website of the Chicago Sunday Evening Club (CSEC). The CSEC produces a television broadcast (“30 Good Minutes”) that features some of the leading voices in religion. Its archives are a theological treasure chest.
Two Sermons by the Rev. Dr. David Ramage, Jr.
• "What a Wondrous Gift! But Oh, so Difficult to Give or Receive!" First air date March 22, 1992. http://www.csec.org/csec/sermon/ramage_3523.htm
• "I Can't Hear You, Can You Hear Me?" John 1:1-5, First broadcast March 28, 1993.