Alan "BIG AL" Lesniewicz
Memorial Endowment

University of Illinois
College of Pharmacy  

The Alan "BIG AL" Lesniewicz Memorial Endowment has been established in cooperation with his widow, Cherise Greski-Lesniewicz to memorialize his uniquely generous spirit and his continual commitment to family, friends and his co-workers at UIC. Alan and Cherise would often meet outside of the College of Pharmacy when one of his driving tasks allowed him to visit his wife at the Administrative Office Building. Sometimes they would meet upstairs and other times, downstairs in the Garden.

One of the last big moves that BIG AL had done at UIC involved moving "THE" Cow - a contribution from a pharmaceutical company to the College of Pharmacy - to it's new home in the Atkins Garden. He was so proud of himself and his ingenuity in getting it from the lobby of the College to the Garden without major equipment or expense to the University or the College.

There is an ever greater reason for the establishment of the memorial, than the times shared and the work done in the Garden.

Cherise was always interested in natural remedies, herbal supplements and holistic health approaches. Over time, Alan saw many benefits from using medicinals and herbals for both himself and his wife. He rallied often about how insurance companies should allow for these alternatives and that the only way to address it was to bring greater proof of their efficacy in the treating of health concerns.

He saw first hand the benefits of a holistic approach. When his wife was stricken with Bell's Palsy in December, 2007, they were both scared and worried about the long term effects. Not addressing Bell's Palsy immediately carries great risk - it is projected that if some type of treatment is not started within the first two weeks, a return to full functional use of the nerve is significantly limited.

While they both understood the risks of not pursuing traditional medicine, BIG AL supported Cherise in handling this issue with herbs, vitamins, massage, visualizations and aromatherapy. The traditional diagnosis for some type of recovery from Bell's Palsy is a return of feeling within 3 months. Cherise was able to recover in under three weeks. They joyfully celebrated the holidays with a SMILE on BOTH their faces.

For these reasons and many more, it is quite fitting that there be a permanent and physical reminder of BIG AL in the Dorothy Bradley Atkins Garden.

To acknowledge the time spent in the Garden and the love they shared for each other and for UIC, a bench has been dedicated in the garden with BIG AL's name on it. It is Cherise's hope that family, friends and co-workers will enjoy the physical setting and remember his kindness and generosity.

To recognize that the only way to make a difference is to research and educate the general public on the benefits on medicinals and herbs, the Alan "BIG AL" Lesniewicz Endowment will also support a public lecture during the annual Dorothy Bradley Atkins Garden Walk held during the summer.

If you wish to contribute to the fund, you may choose to contribute by mail or online. Your gift to the Alan "BIG AL" Lesniewicz Endowment is tax deductible and you will receive an acknowledgement directly from the University of Illinois Foundation.

Alan Lesniewicz Memorial Fund
Office of Advancement
UIC College of Pharmacy
833 South Wood Street (M/C 874)
Chicago, IL 60612 

Thank you for remembering BIG AL in this manner. It is truly appreciated.

Cherise Greski-Lesniewicz