Get to Know the Bum of the Year!
Dan Houlihan
Dan Houlihan is a recently retired lawyer and Legislative Counsel for the Illinois State Bar Association. A former Illinois State Representative from his childhood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Dan was also in the private practice of law from 1967 until 2009. Dan and his wife Mary Alice now live in Wilmette where they raised their six children and where they now dote on their many grandchildren.
Like most of the Bums, Dan has had a long and complicated relationship with the game of golf. Lured in by the game’s addictive qualities and it’s endless possibilities for socialization, Dan has been a committed hacker for his entire adult life. As a result, he remains a frustrated sportsman, still searching for that one swing thought that will remedy his troubled game. Dan’s friends will tell you that he is always ready to play, no matter how hallowed the grounds or how horrible the weather. He’s sort of like those guys sitting under a rain shelter on the USGA television commercial, always convinced that the weather will break and allow the game to begin.
Dan has used his considerable legal skills to Misericordia’s benefit over the years. He has donated countless pro bono hours to the cause and has spent hundreds of hours at Misericordia, working with the capable staff and interacting with many residents. Dan has served on the Misericordia Board of Directors since 1998. In 2006, Misericordia opened the Daniel J. Houlihan Home, located on North Kilpatrick Avenue across from Queen of All Saints Church, to recognize his wonderful contributions over the years. Six adult men between the ages of 22-40, along with a live-in staff person call the Houlihan CILA home. They come from the Heart of Mercy Village as well as the community and all work at various on-campus jobs or elsewhere in the neighborhood. Because of the Houlihan family’s incredible generosity, these high functioning individuals now live a much more complete and independent life that is also seamlessly complementary to the campus. Dan, his wife Mary Alice and his children have truly made a difference in the lives of the children and adults of Misericordia.
His dedication to the Bums Outing is also obvious, since he hasn’t missed the event in over 20 years. You can always find Dan in the company of his many friends, including Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, Dave Decker, Peter Nolan, Dick Ciccone, Senator John Cullerton, Frank Giglio and others.
Dan Houlihan is an important part of the fabric that is the Misericordia Bums outing and the Committee is happy to honor him as 2010 Bum of the Year.
Posted by TJL
on Mar 25 2010 Filed under Articles, Uncategorized.
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