Louis H. Masotti ’56

    Louis died peacefully surrounded by family April 14, 2023. 

He was widely regarded as a modern-day “Renaissance man,” excelling in many disciplines. He was a natural innovator and considered himself to be an “academic entrepreneur.” Louis was a nationally recognized academician and commentator specializing in political science, urban affairs, and economic and real-estate development. He held professorships in three disciplines and edited/co-authored 14 books. Northwestern University was his home for decades, where he built two research and academic centers, the Center for Urban Affairs and the Real Estate Research Center. He was named professor emeritus in 1999. 

While a native of New York City, Louis loved living in Chicago. He was fascinated  by the city’s bare-knuckle politics and  made Chicago his living research laboratory. He was also a devoted public-policy advocate, driven by a desire to make a difference. He was quoted in a news article stating: “I want to be the difference that makes a difference … .”

Louis earned a degree from Princeton in 1956 before serving in the Navy reserve. He went on to earn a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern.

Louis is survived by his wife, Randi; daughters Laura and Andrea; and many family and friends.