DeSales Remembers Former Board Chair with Blessing of Kilcur Plaza
A true Salesian gentleman. That’s how friends and family remembered James F. Kilcur, Esq. ’73 during a special Homecoming blessing and dedication.
The Kilcur Plaza and the newly-renovated Wills Hall were celebrated by faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The theme of the event was gratitude, which is one of the many Salesian traits that Kilcur was known for.
“All of life is a gift. We can do absolutely nothing to justify our lives other than simply say thank you.”
Wills Hall was recently converted from the Oblates’ residence to the home of the new communication sciences and disorders department and the doctor of physical therapy program. The building is equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, clinics, and treatment rooms, as well as a flexible endoscopy suite and expanded classroom space with plinth tables for the D.P.T. program.
Wills also features the Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders, which offers assessment and treatment for anything from speech and language therapy to feeding and swallowing assistance. The services are available to the broader Lehigh Valley community.
In addition to the renovation, the Kilcur Plaza was built in recognition of Kilcur’s leadership, vision, and dedication to DeSales. Not only was he an alum, he also served as chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees from December 2011 to February 2014.
The Kilcur family—including Kilcur’s wife, Terry, along with their children and grandchildren—joined in on the celebration. Terry Kilcur was overwhelmed by the love the DeSales community has shown them.
“Jim’s love for his alma mater and becoming the chairman of the board was one of his proudest achievements,” she said. “Jim lived his life by the core values of DeSales, and hopefully this plaza will inspire other students as well.”
