Cynthia M. Summers, 64, of Chicago, Illinois, died September 7, 2018, at her home after an
extended illness, with her husband Bruce at her side. She was born on January 1, 1954, in
Morris, Illinois to Donald and Nancy (Michaels) McCarter, who preceded her in death. Bruce and
Cindy were married in 1977 and enjoyed over 40 years together.
Cindy is the beloved sister to three brothers: Alan (Linda Schiel) McCarter, Riverside, IL:
Christian (Lori Ingmanson) McCarter, Ottawa, IL: and Gregory (Leticia Bastida) McCarter,
Aurora, IL. She is a loving aunt and great inspiration to 14 nieces and nephews and eight great
nieces and nephews.
Cindy attended Nettle Creek Grade School, a small farm school. At Morris High School Cindy
was a cheerleader. She continued that enthusiastic support cheering her brothers over the
years at Motocross racing and decades of Chicago Marathons, Chicago professional sports
teams and her beloved DePaul Blue Demons. Her brothers could always count on seeing
Cindy at mile 12 where they were greeted with cheering and a bag of sliced oranges.
Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Masters of Science in Education
from Illinois State University. Her professional academic career began at Illinois State University
in Normal, Illinois, from there she moved to the Student Services Department at Barat College in
Lake Forest, Illinois before joining the staff at DePaul University in 1983. Cindy was employed
there for over 31 years until her retirement as Associate Vice President for student advocacy
and community relations. In 2014, Cindy received the Via Sapientiae Award from DePaul, the
university's highest honor for faculty and staff. In her career she held the positions of Interim
Vice President, Dean of Students, and Director of Student Life. Helping students reach their
fullest potential was at the center of everything Cindy did. She was an admired mentor to her
colleagues, helping them understand the profession, its values, and priorities.
As a leader in DePaul's Division of Student Affairs, Cindy played a primary role in establishing a
Student Emergency Assistance Fund to help students in time of need. The fund assists
students when they are experiencing a financial crisis that impedes their academic progress.
She also played a key role in creating the Student Veterans Department at the University, which
is a service center in support of DePaul students who served in the military. Cindy was
instrumental in developing and growing the office of Health Promotion and Wellness. The office
provides comprehensive programs and services that address health related issues that students
must learn to manage throughout their lives. She also served as an original member of the
Neighborhood Advisory Committee, helping to establish a positive relationship between DePaul
and the surrounding campus neighborhood. The National Association of Student Personnel
Administrators was proud to call her a member.
Cindy was a longtime avid supporter of DePaul Blue Demon athletics who served as an Athletic
Board member. She was a season ticket holder for over 30 years, which showed her true
school spirit and respect for the contributions student athletes made to the university.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic
Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, at 10:00 AM. A Mass of The Resurrection will follow
at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, commemorative donations can be made in Cindy's honor to the DePaul
Student Emergency Assistance Fund or the DePaul Veterans Fund at the DePaul Giving page:
click here  https://alumni.depaul.edu/GiveNow?id=1506
Donations can also be mailed to the address below. Please specify your preferred fund.
DePaul University
Advancement Gift Processing
1 E Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604
The family gives special thanks to JourneyCare Hospice for their kind and loving support.
Cindy's beautiful life will forever be cherished by her family and friends