J. Michael Durnil
Encyclopedia
{Infobox person
| name = J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D.
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = John Michael Durnil
| birth_date = 21 July 1961 (age 50)
| birth_place = Decatur, Illinois
, USA
| residence = Indianapolis, Indiana
, USA
| nationality = American
| occupation = President
and CEO
, Simon Youth Foundation
| alma_mater = Illinois State University
(B.A., 1983; M.S. 1984)
Loyola University Chicago
(Ph.D., 1993)
Harvard University
(Post-Doctoral Certificate, 2003)
| religion = Presbyterianism
| partner = Stephen R. Smoot
| children = 2
J. Michael Durnil is the President and CEO of the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). Durnil is the former Senior Vice President and Interim President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and the former Executive Vice President for Governmental Affairs & University Outreach and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Roosevelt University
in Chicago, Illinois. He has been nationally recognized for his service in the field of higher education and for his advocacy of LGBT rights. Durnil serves on the executive board of the American Council on Education
Council of Fellows. Durnil is also an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and a member of the International Order of DeMolay
.
Durnil currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana
and maintains a residence in Palatine, Illinois
with his partner, Stephen R. Smoot. He has two adult children, Lauren Durnil and J. Andrew Durnil, who is a professional artist and creates under the pen name Andrew Gouwen.
to D. Dean Durnil, a sheet metal
worker, and Patricia Lawler Durnil. From 1975 to 1979, he attended Eisenhower High School where he showed an interest in biological sciences. A first-generation college student, Durnil graduated from Illinois State University
(ISU) in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Influenced by his experiences in student government, residence life, and admissions activities at ISU, Durnil graduated a year later with his Master's of Sciences from ISU's Educational Administration and Foundations graduate program.
In 1991, Durnil was admitted to Loyola University Chicago
to pursue his Ph.D. in higher education. Inspired by his professional work on HIV/AIDS
, Durnil completed his doctorate 18 months later, successfully defending his dissertation entitled, "More than red ribbons: Student affairs professionals who advocate for HIV/AIDS issues in higher education." He continued on to Harvard University
and completed his post-doctorate certificate in Educational Management in 2003. In 2004, Durnil was selected as a Fellow of the American Council on Education, spending his residency year at Fairleigh Dickinson University
in New Jersey
, and working with the United Nations
Ambassador Corp.
and continued working in Student life at St. Mary's University. In 1986, Elmhurst College
invited Durnil to become their Assistant Dean of Students; a position he held until 1993. During his tenure at Elmhurst, the landscape of higher education swiftly changed due to social and political issues. One such issue was the emergence of a new, deadly virus, HIV/AIDS. Affected by the stories of fellow students and staff, Durnil chaired a Chicago-based American Red Cross
task force that would later create a national model for HIV/AIDS peer facilitators at colleges and universities.
In 1992, Roosevelt University announced plans to restructure its division of student affairs. In 1993, Durnil became the inaugural Dean in a newly formed area of student life and served as the Senior Student Affairs Officer. He continued serving at Roosevelt in various administrative capacities, including CEO of the Schaumburg Campus, where he oversaw the master-planning and buildout of the campus; the Vice President for Administration; and Vice President for Governmental Affairs and University Outreach. Beginning in 2005, Durnil led Roosevelt University's initiatives to become more engaged in civic life. Through Durnil's efforts, Roosevelt University established ties with the International Consular Corp. of Chicago and Save the Children
and was recognized for their leadership on immigration issues by the American Immigration Law Center in 2008.
. In 2006, Roosevelt University assisted with the logistics and provided space for the Gay Games VII
.
In 2008, Durnil was recruited by then-President Neil Giuliano
to become the Senior Vice President of GLAAD. GLAAD is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. GLAAD advocates for full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in television and news outlets. As Interim President for several months of 2009, Durnil successfully directed GLAAD through the leadership transition from Giuliano to Jarrett Barrios
. Durnil stepped down from all of his positions at GLAAD on June 30, 2010.
. In 2010, his doctoral alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, recognized Durnil with the "Distinguished Alumni Award." Durnil was similarly recognized by his K-12 school system, Decatur (IL) Public School District #61 in 2005 as an outstanding alum.
| name = J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D.
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = John Michael Durnil
| birth_date = 21 July 1961 (age 50)
| birth_place = Decatur, Illinois
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
, USA
| residence = Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, USA
| nationality = American
| occupation = President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
and CEO
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
, Simon Youth Foundation
| alma_mater = Illinois State University
Illinois State University
Illinois State University , founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois; it is located in the town of Normal. ISU is considered a "national university" that grants a variety of doctoral degrees and strongly emphasizes research; it is also recognized as one of the top ten largest...
(B.A., 1983; M.S. 1984)
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit research university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1870 under the title St...
(Ph.D., 1993)
Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
(Post-Doctoral Certificate, 2003)
| religion = Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism refers to a number of Christian churches adhering to the Calvinist theological tradition within Protestantism, which are organized according to a characteristic Presbyterian polity. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures,...
| partner = Stephen R. Smoot
| children = 2
J. Michael Durnil is the President and CEO of the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). Durnil is the former Senior Vice President and Interim President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and the former Executive Vice President for Governmental Affairs & University Outreach and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University is a coeducational, private university with campuses in Chicago, Illinois and Schaumburg, Illinois. Founded in 1945, the university is named in honor of both former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The university's curriculum is based on...
in Chicago, Illinois. He has been nationally recognized for his service in the field of higher education and for his advocacy of LGBT rights. Durnil serves on the executive board of the American Council on Education
American Council on Education
The American Council on Education is a United States organization, established in 1918, comprising over 1,800 accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities and higher education-related associations, organizations, and corporations....
Council of Fellows. Durnil is also an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and a member of the International Order of DeMolay
DeMolay International
DeMolay International , founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919, is an international organization for young men ages 12–21. DeMolay derives its name from Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar...
.
Durnil currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
and maintains a residence in Palatine, Illinois
Palatine, Illinois
Palatine is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a northwestern residential suburb of Chicago. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 65,479, making it the sixth-largest community in Cook County and the 16th-largest in the state of Illinois at that time...
with his partner, Stephen R. Smoot. He has two adult children, Lauren Durnil and J. Andrew Durnil, who is a professional artist and creates under the pen name Andrew Gouwen.
Early life & education
Durnil was born in Decatur, IllinoisDecatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
to D. Dean Durnil, a sheet metal
Sheet metal
Sheet metal is simply metal formed into thin and flat pieces. It is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking, and can be cut and bent into a variety of different shapes. Countless everyday objects are constructed of the material...
worker, and Patricia Lawler Durnil. From 1975 to 1979, he attended Eisenhower High School where he showed an interest in biological sciences. A first-generation college student, Durnil graduated from Illinois State University
Illinois State University
Illinois State University , founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois; it is located in the town of Normal. ISU is considered a "national university" that grants a variety of doctoral degrees and strongly emphasizes research; it is also recognized as one of the top ten largest...
(ISU) in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Influenced by his experiences in student government, residence life, and admissions activities at ISU, Durnil graduated a year later with his Master's of Sciences from ISU's Educational Administration and Foundations graduate program.
In 1991, Durnil was admitted to Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit research university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1870 under the title St...
to pursue his Ph.D. in higher education. Inspired by his professional work on HIV/AIDS
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
, Durnil completed his doctorate 18 months later, successfully defending his dissertation entitled, "More than red ribbons: Student affairs professionals who advocate for HIV/AIDS issues in higher education." He continued on to Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
and completed his post-doctorate certificate in Educational Management in 2003. In 2004, Durnil was selected as a Fellow of the American Council on Education, spending his residency year at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, and working with the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Ambassador Corp.
Professional career in higher education
Durnil began his full-time career in higher education as an Assistant Director of "the Preview ISU" orientation and Residence Hall Director at Illinois State University. In 1985, he moved to San Antonio, TexasSan Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
and continued working in Student life at St. Mary's University. In 1986, Elmhurst College
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst College is a comprehensive private liberal arts college in Elmhurst, Illinois with a tradition of service-oriented learning. It has a rich affiliation with the United Church of Christ.- History :...
invited Durnil to become their Assistant Dean of Students; a position he held until 1993. During his tenure at Elmhurst, the landscape of higher education swiftly changed due to social and political issues. One such issue was the emergence of a new, deadly virus, HIV/AIDS. Affected by the stories of fellow students and staff, Durnil chaired a Chicago-based American Red Cross
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...
task force that would later create a national model for HIV/AIDS peer facilitators at colleges and universities.
In 1992, Roosevelt University announced plans to restructure its division of student affairs. In 1993, Durnil became the inaugural Dean in a newly formed area of student life and served as the Senior Student Affairs Officer. He continued serving at Roosevelt in various administrative capacities, including CEO of the Schaumburg Campus, where he oversaw the master-planning and buildout of the campus; the Vice President for Administration; and Vice President for Governmental Affairs and University Outreach. Beginning in 2005, Durnil led Roosevelt University's initiatives to become more engaged in civic life. Through Durnil's efforts, Roosevelt University established ties with the International Consular Corp. of Chicago and Save the Children
Save the Children
Save the Children is an internationally active non-governmental organization that enforces children's rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries...
and was recognized for their leadership on immigration issues by the American Immigration Law Center in 2008.
LGBT and GLAAD
In 2002, Roosevelt University appointed Chuck Middleton as President. Middleton was the first openly gay President of any major national college or university. Working with Durnil, Middleton used this position to forward the University's agenda on social justiceSocial justice
Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. The term and modern concept of "social justice" was coined by...
. In 2006, Roosevelt University assisted with the logistics and provided space for the Gay Games VII
Gay Games VII
The 2006 Gay Games , colloquially called the Chicago Gaymes, is part of a family of international sports and cultural festivals called Gay Games, sanctioned by the Federation of Gay Games and organized by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community of the host city of Chicago, Illinois in the...
.
In 2008, Durnil was recruited by then-President Neil Giuliano
Neil Giuliano
Neil G. Giuliano is an educator, activist, philanthropy advisor, leadership coach, and speaker. A former mayor and president of a national advocacy organization, he has been involved with community service and public affairs his entire career. Giuliano is the former four-term mayor of Tempe,...
to become the Senior Vice President of GLAAD. GLAAD is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. GLAAD advocates for full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in television and news outlets. As Interim President for several months of 2009, Durnil successfully directed GLAAD through the leadership transition from Giuliano to Jarrett Barrios
Jarrett Barrios
Jarrett Tomás Barrios is a politician, activist, and executive, currently serving as the chief executive of the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts. He was a member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate and became the first Latino and first openly...
. Durnil stepped down from all of his positions at GLAAD on June 30, 2010.
Simon Youth Foundation
On December 13, 2010, the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) announced that its new CEO would be J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D. Following the announcement, Durnil moved to Indianapolis and assumed his leadership role.Awards and recognition
In 2008, Durnil was recognized by both the city of Chicago and by the Governor of the State of Illinois for his service to higher education. That same year, the 110th Congress of the United States bestowed upon Durnil Congressional Recognition, presented by the Hon. Danny K. DavisDanny K. Davis
For other persons named Danny Davis, please see Daniel Davis .Daniel K. Davis is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:...
. In 2010, his doctoral alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, recognized Durnil with the "Distinguished Alumni Award." Durnil was similarly recognized by his K-12 school system, Decatur (IL) Public School District #61 in 2005 as an outstanding alum.