News
April 21, 2011
Lambda Alpha International to Honor Earl L. Neal
Lambda Alpha International will honor Earl L. Neal on Wednesday, April 27th for his monumental legal work. Lambda Alpha International, the Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics, was founded in 1930 under the leadership of the renowned land economist and champion of academic freedom, Richard T. Ely. As an honorary society, it provides a forum for the study and advancement of land economics where the "winnowing and sifting" of ideas takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Learn more about this organization.
Earl L. Neal, deceased, began his illustrious career working in the law firm of his father, Earl James Neal, who also was an attorney and served as a Cook County judge. Earl James Neal founded Neal & Leroy, LLC in 1938. Earl L. Neal was a distinguished trial lawyer for over 50 years and a City of Chicago official. He was responsible for acquiring the land for the Dan Ryan Expressway, Deep Tunnel Project, and the Near South Side's redevelopment. He also was key in acquiring the land for the University of Illinois-Chicago campus. Other Chicago landmark projects that Mr. Neal worked on include the development of the Central Loop business district, the acquisition of the land for U.S. Cellular Field and United Center, the Midway and O'Hare Airport expansion projects, Illinois Medical Center development, Stroger Hospital, McCormick Place Expansion and Soldier Field redevelopment, and numerous public buildings throughout Chicago.
Earl L. Neal, a native of Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949 and earned his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School in 1952. Mr. Neal was the first African-American President of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees serving from 1975 to 1987. He also was instrumental in guiding the University in many of its policies including issues such as minority recruitment to the medical school and the provision of medical services to the surrounding community.