Reginald Adams Obituary

Name: Viewing for Reginald Adams
Start: 2015-11-21T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-11-21T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Jordan Temple Baptist Church

Reginald "Hats" Adams, the former director of the Rush University Medical Center's Department of Community Affairs, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Hats passed away at his home with his wife by his side. Hats was an institution at Rush, where he worked from 1968 until he retired July 31. In 1980, he became director of the Department of Community Affairs, developing an extensive and effective program of outreach to the West Side community. Throughout his Rush career, Hats paid particular attention to the educational concerns of minority students. Thanks to his efforts, in 1990 Rush launched its Science and Math Excellence (SAME) Network in response to the low science, math and reading test scores in Chicago schools in the area surrounding Rush. The SAME Network has grown into a collaborative partnership between Rush and 24 schools and Chicago-area organizations. The Network sponsors after school science clubs, has constructed a dozen science labs, and provides special training programs for teachers and mentoring of students by Rush employees. Last year alone, 2,000 students and educators benefited from the SAME Network's services. In addition, Hats instituted a summer study program for minority college students and summer internships for minority high school students. Many who work at Rush first came to the Medical Center through these programs. In recognition of his efforts and commitment to Rush's values, in 2007 Rush awarded Hats its highest honor, The Trustee Medal, which recognizes "individuals of distinction…whose achievements provide exemplary standards for generations to come." "Hats' influence certainly will live on for generations after him," says Larry Goodman, MD, Rush CEO. "We are saddened by his death, but grateful for his service to Rush and our community, and we remain inspired by his example." Hats is survived by his wife, Constance, 4 children and 9 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Regina Adams in 2012. Donations in memory of Hats can be made to the SAME Network to continue support for the efforts he so proudly led on behalf of the children of Chicago. Please send memorial gifts to Rush University Medical Center, 1700 W. Van Buren St., Suite 250, Chicago, IL 60612 or visit http://rush.convio.net/hatsadams. Services to remember Hats will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jordan Temple Baptist Church at 4421 Roosevelt Road in Hillside. A viewing will precede the service at 10:00 a.m.

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Reginald Adams

12 Entries

July 22, 2016

Words alone cannot ease the pain and loss that your family is experiencing right now. "May seeking comfort from God provide strength during this difficult time." Heartfelt condolences - Isa 51:12

Alisha Joseph (Prevo)

June 30, 2016

I am extremely sadden to hear about this. I got the privileged to work with Hats when I was in grammar school at Hefferan Elementary and in high school from 1996-2003. Hats was like a father to me in many different ways and showed me a different lifestyle that has resonated with me today. I did not realize that Hats died until today. I am deeply broken and wish I would have known and would even know where he is buried. Hats Adams, THANK YOU for everything that you have done in the community. Thank you for being the person that you were and thank you for being there for me and being a father role model for me. You gave me a chance even after I messed up the second time. I will miss you but I know that God called you home and said, well done servant! Thank you :(

James Shover

November 21, 2015

I worked with Hats for many years at Rush. He was the most genuine, loving person I ever met. He was one of those people who knew EVERYBODY and they all loved him. He taught me a great deal about respect and standing up for what's right. He was a master politician and walked the talk! Rush, Chicago and the World are all better because of you!
My deepest sympathy to his family, you must be very proud of a life well lived.
Sincerely, Jim Shover

November 20, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this great man who I shall also deeply miss.

I met Hats because of his love of "Jazz." On many occasions he hired our jazz students to perform at his end-of-year ceremony for the students of the "SAME" network program. He also inspired me to volunteer with a Saturday Program he created for young girls to explore the Sciences.

He was a mentor to many. May his legacy of commitment to our youth and work to assist them in realizing their potential be a continuum for many years to come!

God Bless and May you rest in peace - Well done my friend!

Sincerely,

Diane Chandler-Marshall
Director of Education and Artist Development
The Jazz Institute of Chicago

November 20, 2015

My deepest condolences for your loss, may you find comfort in the God's word the Bible at 1 Thes 4:13-14

November 20, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort help you doing this difficult time. Psalms 83 : 18.

Ericka Jackson

November 20, 2015

All I can say is I've never met a MAN as kind and loving as "HATS"!!! He was so well loved and known for his kind heart. I pray that we all could have a heart like this lovely man. I asked him one day " HATS, you do so much for so many people what can I get you for Christmas"? " He said nothing! I don't need anything. But you can buy a gift for one of the families in need. That would be a gift to me. That day I learned he is the true meaning of EPITOME of an African American MAN!!!!!
I thank God for you. I thank God for all the Children whose lives you touched and truly,truly made a huge impact on their lives, Some of them may not have made it through without you. I love you and my heart is heavy knowing the man who made a huge difference in the children and young adolescents of Chicago is not there. No one can EVER REPLACE YOU. I'm so glad I had the chance to visit you last summer.

Nancy Visocki

November 19, 2015

Hats was one of the most memorable people I've ever met. I had the pleasure of working with him at Rush on 2 or 3 occasions. He was friendly, warm and I think probably knew every employee in the hospital. He was one in a million and will be remembered fondly my thousands. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. I am truly sorry for your loss.

November 18, 2015

I am so sorry for your families loss.
May you find comfort from the words found at 2nd Thessalonians 2;16,17. May the God of all comfort, strengthen your family during this most difficult.
DS

November 18, 2015

Famiy and friends: find peace, knowing "Hats" has left this world, a much better place, for his interactions. I had the pleasure of knowing him, while working
at Rush t be kind, thoughtful and always, inspirational.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
.
- Thoiughtful Regards, Jeanette M. Hilary, RN- (formerly JR Bowman Admissions Coordinator and CCU- STU Utilization Management)

November 18, 2015

I worked with 'Hats" Adams at RUSH for many years. My sincere condolences to his family.
Bob DeLucia

November 18, 2015

I am So sorry I did not know Mr. Adams, Condolences to his family, and I hope That the love of your family and friend carry you through your grief at this time."Draw close to God and He will Draw close to you."

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