A Collection of Personal Remembrances of Chris Demakes

Chris Demakes

Several of the “veterans” of the UC community shared their reflections upon the passing of Chris Demakes.

Dan Bennie
A&S ’68, ’70, LAW ’73; Former UCAA Board President

"In my mind I will always have the image of Chris surrounded by a crush of alumni and friends at a gathering that he was responsible for organizing. He was in his element convincing students and alumni of the importance of our University and how critical it was for them to pledge their support. This was his Passion!

When I was President of the Alumni Association in the mid-80’s, I recall a trip to the West Coast where at one alumni event after another Chris would dazzle the crowd with his warmth and devotion to them and the University. He knew their names, spouses’ names, and other tidbits of information regarding their depth of commitment. He had a talent, and literally drew people into the alumni group.

I offer these remembrances in praise of Chris Demakes, a special man and friend, who understood words like loyalty, commitment and dedication.  Thank you, Chris, for touching all of us who share your spirit and affection for the University of Cincinnati."

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Bob Dobbs
COB ’76, ’88; UCAA Board President

“The Ultimate Bearcat.”  There is no other way to describe Chris Demakes. During my association with the university, no one has exhibited the unfailing love and devotion to one’s school more than Chris did.

I will forever cherish my association with Chris from the early days of his leadership role within the UC Alumni Association to his continued memory via the Demakes Legacy Scholarship Fund. If we all shape our personal relationship with the University to match Chris’ example, the UC Alumni Association would be the premier example of alumni engagement that others would strive to equal."

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Richard Friedman
A&S ’68; Former Special Assistant to the President

“When I think of and remember my colleague and friend Chris Demakes, I think of the Bearcat family, its fabric, and its melody. Chris always believed that his role in the Bearcat family was well beyond his identified professional and institutional position. His red and black colors were not only a part of his wardrobe — their texture was actually woven into the fabric of the University that he served with great integrity.

During so many of the Bearcat events, Chris was always asked to lead us in the alma mater. I always thought that when he sang, it was more than coincidental that he possessed the trained singing voice to do us all proud … Indeed, “our loyal, loyal children we will be” . . . And he will be forever one."

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John Goering
COB ’56, ’60, HON ’05; Former UCAA Board President
Gloria Goering, CECH ’55

"We have known Chris and Mina Demakes for many years and over that time have shared many memorable experiences. Two in particular stand out in our minds. In 1987, the UC Foundation and the UC Alumni Association sponsored a trip to San Francisco to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, which was designed by Joseph Strauss, a UC grad. Chris and Mina, Carol and Joe Steger, Stan Chesley and Susan Dlott, and Gloria and I made up part of the traveling party. In 1997, Chris and Mina hosted a UCAA trip to Greece. Their knowledge of the country made that a special occasion, and they were wonderful hosts. We will always remember Chris for his graciousness and love for UC."

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Bill Mulvihill
COB ’70; Senior Associate Vice President and Deputy Executive Director, UC Foundation

"One of the great lines in the University’s alma mater — in fact, the last line — is
“O varsity, dear varsity – thy loyal children we will be; thy loyal, loyal children we will be.”

None was more loyal to UC than my friend, Chris Demakes. Chris devoted his life to enhancing the honor and greater glory of UC. For many, he was the connection that kept them informed and engaged. He was UC to many alumni and friends.

I had the great blessing early in my career at UC to spend several years working with Chris in the UC Alumni Association. He taught me many things that still are with me today. I learned it is not about “us,” but rather about the University and building strong relationships with people who care about UC.

Chris was a gentle man, never seeking the limelight. He was not tall in stature, but he stood tall as a representative of this great institution. What defined Chris were his heart and soul. He cared about people and it showed in so many ways in all facets of his life — student, administrator, leader, volunteer, husband, uncle and friend.

I once read a definition of wisdom: “It is not accumulated knowledge. Wisdom is a generous quality. It takes into account not just oneself, but those around you. Wise people are gifted at leaving ‘self’ out of the equation, knowing it clouds vision.” Chris was a man of great wisdom. He always focused on the common good. He always kept “self” out of the equation.

All of us who knew Chris, and those who didn’t but care deeply about UC, are better for Chris’s lifetime devotion to his alma mater. He touched us in many ways. He was a tower of strength and a rock of truth, and we will miss him."

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Nancy Hamant
A&S ’57, CECH ’61, ’67; Former UCAA Board President

"Chris was an excellent administrator, a role model of what a loyal alumnus should be, and a very dear friend to all of us who knew him and worked with him for so long.

When the Alumni Association began in earnest, in the lounge in French Hall and in the old Sigma Chi House, we didn’t have a very large budget; in fact, we had almost no program budget. The idea of using catering for events was unheard of. For our alumni cookouts before football games, we went to Kroger’s, bought the food and cooked it ourselves. Chris was right there, over a hot grill, apron and all! And it made for a closer group of alumni who have continued to be loyal to the university over the years as a result. That was because of Chris.

Another memory a number of us share is the alumni tours to the Mediterranean and Greece which Chris (later with his wife, Mina) hosted. We gained an appreciation for the Greek people, culture and food, thanks to Chris and his determination to make those experiences memorable. However, on one trip there was a problem even Chris couldn’t solve … One dear friend and alumnus could not get used to the late hour (8 p.m.) at which dinner was served in Athens. “Dinner should be served at 5 p.m. and Chris should see that it is.” Even Chris couldn’t take care of that!"

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Miriam G. Bernstein
'49 CECH, '78 A&S; Former UCAA Board President

"Chris Demakes was a super friend, mentor and inspiration to UC alums, faculty and students. His wisdom, patience and leadership captured our hearts and minds. Under his direction, the Alumni Association grew and flourished. The completion of our Myers Alumni Center during his tenure gave alumni a sense of ownership — a home on the UC campus. A multitude of innovative programs were created. The UC Day Banquets became well attended, major events. And when Chris married Mina, it was a match made in heaven. Chris Demakes was greatly loved by so many. May his memory be a blessing to us all."  

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