“I am joined by every member of the College family in extending our gratitude for George’s dedication and compassion for ‘Naperville’s college,’ as he called it,” said Dr. Troy D. Hammond, president. “The College expresses its deepest condolences to the entire Pradel family.”
Pradel’s willingness to represent the City at campus events and his partnership with the College in its growth and vitality were honored in June 2013 at Commencement, when he received the honorary degree Doctor of Laws.
“One of my proudest moments was introducing him at the Commencement ceremony. As someone who began his education in a country schoolhouse, he was deeply moved by that honor,” said Judith Brodhead, associate professor of English and City of Naperville councilwoman. “He understood the value North Central College had for the community, and the College understood what a treasure George Pradel was for Naperville.”