It’s always been there.
Before the Greeks fought for supremacy
throughout their city states, before the pharaohs put hieratic curves to
papyrus, before sun-scorched Fertile Crescent farmers first applied fire to
clay…there was politics.
And as long as there has been
politics, there has been political cynicism.
Winston Churchill once said: “Politics
are almost as exciting as war and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in
politics—you can be killed many times.”
Countless historians and pundits
would likely agree. Few can picture more pitiless components of the social
machine than the gears and levers of politics, and many would contend that those
who immerse themselves in this frenzied arena must detach themselves
emotionally in order to prevent tremulous and short-lived careers.
Some would take it further
still. There are those who have
maintained that politics is a game of attrition, that there is no quarter in
politics…and that politics has no heart.
But they would all be wrong.
Dr. Paul Lisnek is one of the most
treasured members of the Auditorium Theatre family. A widely-respected and insightful analyst,
Dr. Lisnek has been immersed in Chicago politics for several decades. Throughout that time, he has shown that it is
possible to adjoin politics and compassion...and today he continues to
demonstrate that even the most kind-hearted among us can not only exist, but
can thrive in the rabid political world.
One of Illinois' true native sons,
Paul Lisnek was born in Skokie and attended the University of Illinois at
Champaign-Urbana, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science, Master of Arts in Speech Communication, Juris Doctor, and Ph.D. in
Speech Communication. An author, radio
personality, lecturer, political analyst for WGN-TV, and the host of the popular
nightly program "Politics Tonight" on CLTV, Paul Lisnek is driven to
impact the world that surrounds us.
Intellectual, concise, and eloquent throughout his television
appearances, it is his warmth and
generosity that are most familiar to all those at the Auditorium—illustrious
qualities for which we are forever grateful.
Dr. Lisnek’s first interaction
with the Auditorium Theatre arose from his love of architecture and Chicago
history. Already familiar with the
Auditorium’s shining architectural legacy, Paul Lisnek quickly became enamored
with the theatre’s transcendent programming. Throughout the years, he has been a welcome
and consistent presence at a variety of the Auditorium’s musical performances.
As a constant fixture at many of our
shows, Dr. Lisnek understands that maintaining a structure like the Auditorium
Theatre is no easy task. At nearly 125
years old, the Auditorium Theatre requires a substantial array of restoration
and programming support, and areas in need of attention vary, from structural
and capital concerns to outreach programs and performances.
But what is truly exceptional
about Dr. Lisnek is that he recognizes that one individual can make an
immediate—and a significant—impact to the future of one of Chicago’s most
formidable artistic icons. In fact, his
generosity is so pronounced that he recently selected the Auditorium Theatre as
a beneficiary of a bequest from his estate. “I want to make a stamp on (the
Auditorium Theatre’s) preservation, and to do something that really matters,”
he said. However, he also cautioned that
such gestures can also be combined with more immediate sources of support. “I believe in giving back and I want other
people to realize that they can give today and see results. You don’t need to only wait until after you’re
gone to make a gift to something that you believe in.”
Dr. Lisnek’s compassion is
substantial, and his kindness is evident throughout the Auditorium
Theatre. The most recent examples are
his tremendous gifts to refurbish and enhance our merchandise counters and
coffee bars. For several years these
prominent touch-points in the Auditorium’s main lobby were in dire need of
attention. Now his incredible selflessness
has helped transform them into two elegant and aesthetically refined locations
for all our patrons to enjoy. In fact, individuals who visit our coffee bar can
experience two unique beverages created for Dr. Lisnek—the Paul’s N’Awlinz Café Noir (a tribute to
Paul’s affection for New Orleans), and the Aloha Mertz (in recognition
of his affinity for Hawaii and his beloved dog, Mertz).
At the Auditorium Theatre, we are
proud of not only the building’s shining legacy and remarkable endurance, but
of all the staff members who work tirelessly to ensure this National Historic
Landmark continues to evolve. We are
particularly honored that Dr. Lisnek recognizes everything that must occur
behind the scenes to help the Auditorium prosper. He speaks glowingly of all those at the
theatre and our efforts to include and welcome everyone who passes through our
doors—but to us, these superlatives are as much a reflection of his humility as
they are of our efforts. When asked
about his amazing support, Dr. Lisnek simply responded: “(I wanted to) send a message to others that
you can do the same. You can make a difference now.”
Architecture and artistry, dogs
and democracy…Dr. Paul Lisnek’s eclectic range of interests are as varied as
the elaborate Auditorium Theatre itself. It is only fitting then, that these two
Chicago icons should develop such a profoundly enriching relationship—one that
will continue to affect this cherished landmark for generations to come. We are humbled to benefit from such
exceptional kindness, and we are proud to say that Dr. Paul Lisnek is true
proof that once in a while, politics and family can be the perfect mix.
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