If there is a project, committee, or organization keeping Hyde Park vibrant, historic, and connected, chances are Roger and Kathy Huff have lent their time and talent to it. Married in 1969 after graduating from Antioch College, the Huffs moved to Hyde Park in 1973 and have spent the last 50+ years serving as the ultimate neighborhood power couple.
From preserving local history to dancing on ice, here is a look at the two community anchors leading this year’s parade:
Roger M. Huff: The Advocate, Advisor, and "Data Guy"
Roger pairs a distinguished legal and military background with a hands-on, "get-it-done" approach to local volunteerism.
- The Career: After serving four years on active duty in the US Coast Guard and 18 years as a drilling reservist (retiring as Commander), Roger earned his JD from the University of Chicago Law School and practiced commercial transaction law for 40 years.
- The Hyde Park Footprint: Truly a "community practitioner," Roger has served as a volunteer driver and tech advisor for Chicago Hyde Park Village, co-chaired the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Transit Task Force, co-chaired the 5th Ward participatory budgeting committee, and served as a truck unloader and data manager for Hyde Park Hunger Programs.
- Just for Fun: Alongside his wife, Roger is a past board member, treasurer, and fellow adult ice dancer with the Chicago Figure Skating Club, and has built sets and served as treasurer for the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company.
Kathy Huff: The Heartbeat of Community Care & History
Kathy’s life is defined by deep devotion to public health, education, and neighborhood preservation.
- The Career: A former public school teacher with a master’s in public health from Tulane, she worked at the UIC School of Public Health and the College of Medicine from 1974 to 1980 before becoming an independent consultant in public health education.
- The Hyde Park Footprint: Kathy is a driving force behind the Hyde Park Historical Society (co-chairing the Oral History Project since 2009), the UChicago Comer Children’s Hospital Service Committee (working the annual Irish Coffee Benefit since 1997), and the organizing committee that launched Chicago Hyde Park Village. She is also a longtime member and current board member of the UChicago Service League, and board member leading communications and fundraising efforts for the Hyde Park Youth Symphony.
- Just for Fun: She is a lifelong lover of dance—transitioning from ballet, jazz, and tap to passing her USFA Adult Ice Dancing tests.
Whether they are protecting historic Woodlawn Avenue properties, supporting local families, or hitting the ice rink together, Kathy and Roger embody the proud, independent, and deeply generous spirit of Hyde Park. Give them a massive wave and a loud cheer as they lead the way as this year's Grand Marshals!