 Dr. Eliot S. Berkley, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on September 17, 2012. Dr. Berkley was born in Kansas City, MO, in 1924 and was a graduate of The Pembroke Country Day School. He served in the United States Army from 1943-1946 and following his service received his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard in 1947. He went on to Princeton University, earning both an M.A. (1949) and a Ph.D. (1952). Dr Berkley became the Founder and Executive Director of the International Relations Council in 1954, remaining the Director until his retirement in 1994. During the early years of the IRC, Dr. Berkley also worked in higher education. From 1952 to 1959 he was a lecturer in History and Government at The University of Kansas City. In 1956 he was added to the faculty at The Kansas City Art Institute, later being appointed Dean of Administration, then Vice President for Development and, finally, Dean of the College (1961). Dr. Berkley's commitment to community service was considerable. He served as a board member for many groups, including the Board of Regents of Rockhurst University, The Metropolitan Community Colleges Foundation, The Friends Of Linda Hall Library, The Urban League of Kansas City, The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas City, and the National Conference of Christians and Jews of Kansas City. His work with such organizations earned him many awards, including the Kansas City World Citizen Of The Year (1975), the Johnson County Community College Education Award (1983), the Park College Distinguished Service Award For Community Service (1992), and the Metropolitan Community College Foundation Visionary Award (2004). In 1959 Dr. Berkley married Marcia Stevens Russell, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his older brother, William, his mother, Mrs. Erni S. Berkley, and his father, Mr. Walter Berkowitz. Dr. Berkley is survived by his children, Eliot A. Berkley and Emily D. Berkley, and his brother, Richard L. Berkley. Services will be private, but a reception will be held to honor Dr. Berkley from 4-6 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 20, at Homestead Country Club, 6510 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the International Relations Council, 911 Main Street, Suite 2226, Kansas City, MO 64105. The family wishes to thank Dr. Berkley's home caregivers, the nurses and staff at Village Shalom and Kansas City Hospice for the wonderful care they provided. (Arr: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Stine & McClure Chapel, 3235 Gillham Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64109, 816- 931-7777) D.W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories.816-931-7777 www.stineandmcclure.com
Published in Kansas City Star on September 19, 2012
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