Couple Celebrates Northwestern Connections—and Their Wedding Anniversary—With a Planned Gift

Richard N. Aleskow ’75 and Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow ’71 MA Will Support Faculty at the School of Communication Through a Bequest in Their Estate

Richard N. Aleskow ’75 and Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow ’71 MA met across a crowded room. He saw her dancing. When they spoke to one another, the second thing they said was that each had attended Northwestern University. Elynne earned her master’s degree from the University in 1971, and Richard earned his undergraduate degree in 1975.

Elynne studied oral interpretation of literature at Northwestern’s School of Speech—now the School of Communication—under the best faculty in the field nationwide. The combination of literature and performance fed her soul. Richard also took courses through the School of Communication, and ultimately earned a degree from Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies. He was a gifted student in television and radio programming, and hosted his own WNUR show, On the Aisle. Wherever he used his talents, Richard made his mark.

The two alumni found inspiration in their faculty and coursework—and brought the skills and experiences they gained at Northwestern to their respective careers. Elynne became Chicago’s first female general manager in television (WYCC-TV/PBS), and later added the titles of distinguished professor emeritus at Wright College and Pushcart Prize nominated author of the book, My Gift of Now, to her resume. Richard began his career as a field reporter with NBC News and helped to build the original WFLD TV Chicago. He went on to have careers that spanned television journalism and reporting, public relations, and financial services.

Over the years, Richard and Elynne considered how best to honor their alma mater, which played such an important role in their lives. Inspired by their recent 30th wedding anniversary, Elynne and Richard made the decision to document a generous bequest to the University through their estate. Their gift will create the Chaplik Aleskow Faculty Prize for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Teaching, which will be awarded annually to an outstanding faculty member within the School of Communication.

“We are thrilled to honor the School of Communication faculty in this way,” says Richard, whose lifelong connection to Northwestern feels stronger than ever. His ties to the University also include his father, Gregory N. Aleskow, who graduated with an undergraduate degree in business in 1925, and a box within the Northwestern Music Library, which holds the donated letters of his mother, Zina Joelson Aleskow, a concert pianist.

“Our gift is our love letter of gratitude to Northwestern and the School of Communication,” agrees Elynne. “We cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary than to make a gift to the “We Will” Campaign in honor of our “I do.”