Edward A. Brennan, retired chairman of Sears, Roebuck and Co., was named chairman of DePaul University’s Board of Trustees at the board’s Dec. 10 meeting. He succeeds Jack M. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of McDonald’s U.S.A., who was elected vice chairman of the board. John B. Simon, a partner at Jenner & Block, continues as vice chairman.

Brennan, 63, joined DePaul’s board in 1981 and assumes the chairmanship from his post as vice chairman. He has headed several important initiatives for DePaul, including serving as chairman of the board’s nominating/personnel committee. In that capacity he chaired the search committee that recommended the Rev. John P. Minogue, C.M., as president of DePaul in 1993. Brennan also chaired the Office of Advancement’s Corporate and Foundation Gifts Committee.

Minogue said, "Ed Brennan has served DePaul's mission through countless and constant efforts. His new role as chairman of the board will both continue his excellent leadership and create a new opportunity to guide DePaul as the university defines a new era of academic excellence and urban impact in the Chicago metropolitan area."

Brennan said, "I feel privileged to have been elected as chairman of the board of trustees and look forward to working with Father Minogue as we continue to build on the solid foundation established by our predecessors. Being associated with DePaul’s success and growth, as well as its service to the Chicago community, has been a source of great pleasure and satisfaction."

Brennan, who received an honorary doctorate from DePaul’s College of Commerce in 1986, lives in Burr Ridge with his wife Lois.

Greenberg, 55, has chaired the board since December 1995. He stepped down to devote himself fully to his increased responsibilities of chairman and CEO at McDonald’s U.S.A.

Greenberg earned a bachelor’s degree from DePaul’s College of Commerce in 1964 and a law degree in 1968. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986, the Alumni Association’s highest honor.

Minogue praised Greenberg’s service to DePaul. "Jack bears the responsibility of leadership with an extremely focused and amazingly open, compassionate style. He brought consensus where division existed, strategy where unrelated initiatives were pursued and humor where the limits of human effort had been reached. DePaul has been blessed," Minogue said.