John “Jack” Catlin

Class of 1965 While attending OTHS, Jack Catlin was co-captain of the Pirate swim team both his junior and senior years. He later attended Southern Illinois University, receiving a B.A. degree in 1974, then a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1983. His personal experience as a wheelchair user motivated him to pursue architecture, to help build environments that adapt to people. He was a founding partner of LCM Architects, a leading resource on accessibility and inclusive design. He was instrumental in developing accessibility standards and guidelines at the federal, state, and local levels, and was appointed by President Clinton, serving 8 years on the U.S. Access Board. He was a valued committee resource in writing and revising the Illinois Accessibility Code, the Health-Life Safety Code for public schools, and the Chicago Building Code. In consequential and ordinary ways, Jack Catlin moved the building industry to transform the way places are designed and built, opening opportunities for people with diverse abilities to participate independently, equally, and with dignity in all aspects of daily life.