29 Lorenc: Life Goes On

December 12, 1980

By: Noëllie Inard Staff Writer

Since 1980, the year the accompanying article was written, many things have changed at the University of St. Francis (USF), beginning with the name itself. Technology has advanced, the class Television I became Video I and the TV Club was born.

Looking back since the “Students film at CSF” article was written, the author, Bret McKeand, became the publisher of three newspapers in Phoenix before retiring and traveling the country with the Rotary Club, a global network that takes actions on sustainable projects to work for a better world, according to www.rotary5495.org.

However, one thing has not changed since the publication of this article: Professor Richard Lorenc. Devoted to his career and passion for video and teaching, he has worked at the University of St. Francis for 44 years. Making it a priority to teach and cultivate students, he has helped them to become the best version of themselves both behind and in front of the camera.

As I began my Zoom interview with Lorenc in preparation for this article, the first thing he asked me was if the interview was in video format. When I said that it wasn’t, he changed his camera angle saying that he had “framed the background better in case it was.” Nothing could describe him as a professor better than those few words, displaying his commitment to his field in the smallest details.

During my interview with him, Professor Lorenc explained how he went from a 26-year-old, freshly married, part-time speech teacher in 1978, to a full-time professor responsible for teaching not only speech communication but video classes in 1979. He told me how he became the advisor for the Radio Club and TV Club when they were created in 1982. Lorenc helped raise money to buy the necessary equipment to build the radio and TV station we know today, giving students the opportunity to enhance their learning in the best environment.

Lorenc stressed how much things have changed since he began teaching. Students have changed along with mentalities and visions reflecting the society they are living in. Technology has changed, from two Sony cameras filming in black and white to the TV station we have today containing multiple cameras, sets and connected computers.

Nevertheless, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and this semester is the last before Professor Lorenc retires. “It’s time,” he said with a bittersweet laugh before adding that he will now have more time for family and traveling. He expressed how much pride and joy he finds in helping students with their communication skills, seeing their growth not only as students but also as people.

From the first TV Club video produced about a poker game to several productions addressing social issues, including "Exploring Joliet," senior faculty member Professor Lorenc took part in many important milestones in the development of our university. From working as a part-time professor, to a club advisor, to a core one director, to the full-rounded faculty member that he is today, Professor Lorenc hopes that other faculty members and students will carry on the legacy of USF as those before us did.

Students who have had him as a teacher know what I am talking about when I say that despite his reputation as a perfectionist, his passion-driven teaching will be missed.

Before we ended the interview I asked him if there was something he wanted to communicate to the current and future students of the University of St. Francis.

So, for students reading this and for future students who might rewrite this article in 30 years, this is what he wants to tell you: “Chase your passion, tell your story, take risks, and put yourself out there. No matter your way of doing it, make a difference.”