PAST LUNCH SPEAKERS – SEPTEMBER 2026
JANET KERSCHNER
Organization: The Theosophical Society
Date: September 1, 2026
CATHLEEN HIMES
Organization: Salvation Army
Date: September 15, 2026
On September 15 we welcomed Cathleen Himes, Resource Development Director for The Salvation Army, who shared an excellent overview of the organization’s history, their work throughout DuPage County, and upcoming opportunities at the Oakbrook location. If you’d like to learn more or explore ways to get involved, you can visit their site at salarmychicago.org/oakbrookterrace.
Pictured: Lion President Ryan Rau, Cathleen Himes, and Lion Dave Olson
CHUCK SWIRSKY
Organization: Chicago Bulls
Date: September 22, 2026
Chuck Swirsky is in his 29th season as an NBA broadcaster and his franchise-record 19th consecutive season as the Chicago Bulls’ radio play-by-play announcer. He joined the Bulls after 10 seasons as the Toronto Raptors’ television and radio play-by-play announcer.
Swirsky’s distinguished career includes calling games for the University of Michigan and DePaul University, serving as sports director for WJR-AM in Detroit, and spending 12 years as sports director at WGN-AM Chicago. During his time at WGN, he hosted the Chicago Bears Radio Network for 10 years, the Chicago Cubs Radio Network for 12 seasons, and called games for the Chicago Sting and Northwestern football. He was also the Bulls’ public address announcer from 1980–1983.
His career has included work with WABC Radio in New York, ESPN Radio, and the Chicago White Sox television network. From 2023–2025, he served as lead play-by-play announcer for the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Swirsky has received numerous honors, including the Associated Press Best Play-by-Play Announcer Award and Michigan’s Best Sportscaster Award three consecutive years. He is a member of the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame, WGN Radio Walk of Fame, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and National Bobblehead Hall of Fame. In 1994, Illinois proclaimed September 30 as Chuck Swirsky Day.
A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Communications, Swirsky has also served as a guest journalism instructor at the University of Mississippi.
Pictured: Lion John Urban, Chuck Swirsky, and Lion President Ryan Rau
BOB GOLDSBOURGH
Organization: Chicago Tribune
Date: September 29, 2026
The Wheaton Lions were pleased to welcome Bob Goldsborough, longtime Wheaton resident, amateur historian, and Chicago Tribune writer, as our guest speaker. Bob shared fascinating stories and insights drawn from his years of researching local history and reporting on the people, places, and events that have shaped our communities.
Thank you, Bob, for an engaging and informative presentation that was enjoyed by all!
Pictured: Lion Jeff Schuler, Bob Goldsbourgh and LLion President Ryan Rau