Former DePaul University assistant vice-president for development G. Dennis Conroy has been named the new executive director of the International Human Rights Law Institute at DePaul University. He replaces the institute’s former director Douglass Cassel, who served from 1990 to 1998.

Conroy will immediately assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the institute, which has as its president M. Cherif Bassiouni, a College of Law professor and internationally recognized human rights advocate. The institute is an umbrella for several College of Law initiatives including DePaul’s International Criminal Justice and Weapons Control Center, the Rule of Law Program and the Jeanne and Joseph Sullivan Program for Human Rights in the Americas.

The International Criminal Justice Weapons Control Center addresses worldwide criminal justice issues and explores the legal aspects of controlling weapons of mass destruction. The Rule of Law endeavor conducts extensive training programs for judges, prosecutors and lawyers in such countries as El Salvador and Guatemala, while the Sullivan Program for Human Rights in the Americas assists human rights initiatives in more than 35 countries around the globe, especially in Mexico and Central America.

"Dennis brings a wealth of skills and outstanding experience to the institute," said Teree E. Foster, dean of the College of Law. "He is deeply committed to human rights and to the institute’s goals and will provide invaluable assistance in attaining those goals.

A native of Streator, Ill., and a current Skokie resident, Conroy has worked at DePaul as an associate vice president for development since 1991. In that capacity he has been actively involved in securing support for the institute and its programs.

Conroy sees his move to director of the institute as an opportunity to work more closely on issues to which he is committed. He has traveled to Central America with institute members to help monitor compliance with the Peace Accords in El Salvador. "My experience with the institute has given me a unique vantage point from which to learn the universal impact of its work," said Conroy. "The need to preserve and protect human rights around the globe is becoming increasingly more important and I am honored to help the institute continue this important task."

Prior to joining DePaul, Conroy was the vice president for development and public affairs at Mundelein College. He also has worked in the development departments of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and The Learning Exchange.

Conroy, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s from Mundelein College, is involved in a variety of organizations. He serves on the faculty of DePaul’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education and is also a member of the board for the National Society of Fund Raising Executives where he serves as a vice president for administration. The Chicago chapter of the society recently presented Conroy with its Benjamin Franklin Award. The award is given annually for outstanding achievement in the field of fund raising.

Note to Editors: Conroy can be reached at 312/362-5695.