Date: 08.24.2013 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Location: Lithuanian World Center, 14911E. 127th st Lemont, IL 60439
Event information: (708) 302-2121
(includes dinner and complimentary refreshment, music and dancing,
and our famous Lithuanian hospitality)
Richard is an American born Lithuanian, and currently lives in Olmstedville, New York, in the Andirondack Mountains. He is a semi-retired book seller, and is currently involved in presenting Lithuanian history in various media, including many internet forums. Richard is a proud father of 2 and a grandfather of 5.
Robert is a talented educator, business man, and entrepreneur. He holds a PhD in Business Administration, and is Professor Emeritus, City Colleges of Chicago. In addition, Robert has been a Director of Patient Services at several major Chicago area hospitals, and owner of two Japanese restaurants in Old Town, Chicago. When not working, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and photography. Born in California, Robert now lives in Chicago and Nevada.
Daiva has extensive experience as a counselor and educator; working as an individual counselor, family therapist substance abuse counselor, and school counselor. She received her Masters degree from Northeastern Illinois University. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Daiva is an art teacher, and her artwork can be viewed in art galleries in Chicago.
Ron, originally from Chicago, and now residing in California, is a software consultant specializing, most recently, in C#.NET imaging technologies, including Optical Coherent Tomography. He has contributed his skills and knowledge to leading companies, i.e., Bell Laboratories, Hewlett-Packard, Stanford Telecom, and GTE Government Systems. Ron received his BSEE from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MBA from Northwestern University. He has traveled extensively and is active in many computer related organizations.
Carol Ann Luschas is a 2005 graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor’s of the Arts Degree in History with a minor in International Studies. In 2009 she was the valediction, graduated Summa Cum Laude and received an Associate’s Degree in Medical Office Technology from McCann School of Business & Technology. She is a proud member of the Lithuanian-American community and very active in the Knights of Lithuania Council #144. She manages the Council’s website, blog, and Facebook page. In her spare time she enjoys art, historical research, reading, photography, videography, travel, studying languages, and the origins of international flags.
Matthew Valentinas is a second generation Lithuanian American from Boston, Massachusetts who works as an entertainment lawyer and literary manager. Matt has a fervent passion to partner with authors, producers, filmmakers, and academics in bringing the unique and storied history of the Lithuanian people to Hollywood and global media markets. Matt is currently awaiting approval of his dual citizenship application and looking forward to one day visiting the town of Radsviliskis where his family was millers for generations. Matt invites you to connect on LinkedIn and Twitter @MattValentinas or contact him through his website MatthewValentinasLaw.com.
Jura Reilly comes from a Lithuanian background and graduated from
Then, in 1991 and 1995, Jura was invited by the Lithuanian Ministry of Education to conduct English work shops for students and teachers. In 1983, Jura published her first book of poetry, “Lithuanian Lady.” In 2003, she assisted with the translation and editing of, “In Light of Lyre,” by the Lithuanian partisan poet, Juozas Grusys-Zilvinas. Jura’s short stories and poetry written in English and Lithuanian have been published in a number of publications and can be viewed at www.austlit.edu.au.
In addition, Jura has joined our staff as one of NLAHF’s Facebook Administrators. Visit our Facebook page to see some of her wonderful posts.
Anita is a Lithuanian Brit. Her parents, both displaced persons from
Anita graduated from the University of Manchester (UK) in 1982 with a BA (Honors) degree in Combined Studies and two teaching qualifications. She studied Education, Audiology, French and German and worked as a teacher of the deaf in a unit for partially hearing children within a state high school, where she also taught French. Taking a career break to have two children, she returned to teaching when they were older.
Anita has worked behind the scenes for several British-Lithuanian publications, including the Scout magazine, “Budekime,” and the English language version of the Autobiography of Vytautas Landsbergis, “Lithuania-Independent Again.” She also edited, “Lietuviu Skautu Sajungos Anglijos Rajono Albumas, 1947-983, which outlines the history of Lithuanian Scouting in
In addition, Anita has been welcomed to our Facebook administrative staff. You may visit our Facebook page, and view some of Anita’s interesting posts.
As the son of famed NFL quarterback, Johnny Unitas, John, in his own right, has become a successful entrepreneur/realtor. His realty firm, Unitas Realty, serves clients throughout the Baltimore, MD region. John is also involved in philanthropic activities. As President of The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, John has presented scholarships to worthy students throughout the country. John’s pride of his Lithuanian heritage is best exemplified by his support of various Lithuanian activities.
Ruta Lee (Ruta Mary Kilmonis) has had and still has an
illustrious stage, screen, and television career. This
Canadian born actress, daughter of Lithuanian immigrants,
has appeared in over 20 feature films, and graced TV screens
world-wide with over 2,000 appearances in drama, comedy,
game, and variety shows. Many have dubbed her as the
hardest working actor in Hollywood.
Throughout her career, Ruta has received accolades and
awards, including, stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,
Palm Springs Walk of Fame, as well as, the Star Walk at
Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, and Western Stars Way, in
Kanab, Utah. She is also the proud recipient of the
prestigious, Yellow Rose of Texas, from President George
W. Bush, for her philanthropic service, and the Cross of
the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania, awarded her
by President Valdas Adamkus in an official ceremony at the
Lithuanian White House.
Ruta is also highly acclaimed for her leadership role in the
Thalians, a charitable organization which is committed to
good mental health. She has been either chairman or
president for over 45 years. She has been honored for her
dedication to mental health, and joined the ranks of previous
honorees, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, and
Clint Eastwood, to name just a few.
National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame
3731 Prairie Avenue #485 Brookfield, IL 60513
