Rick died March 2, 2020, in Chicago from an acute illness complicated by an underlying health condition. He was a dedicated political and social scientist. 

Rick came to Princeton with a large contingent from New Trier High School in suburban Chicago. He was active on the varsity track team (high jump) and in Glee Club. He majored in sociology, emphasizing urban studies, and lived in Wilson College. He then embarked on an eclectic career as a writer, scholar, and teacher in academic settings.  

Rick earned a doctorate in education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He had research and teaching stints at Harvard, Princeton, Smith, the University of Connecticut, and Northwestern. Rick published numerous articles and eight books on topics ranging from work and politics, to public opinion and policymaking, to cyber-privacy. Rick’s most recent book, Citizenship as Foundation of Rights:  Meaning for America, won the 2017 George Orwell Prize for contributions to public discussion.  

He enjoyed music, from classical cello to Springsteen. Rick was an active Princetonian, serving as moderator of alumni faculty forum panels at the 15th and 45th reunions, directing the 25th-reunion class survey, and speaking to local alumni in Chicago.  

The class extends its sympathies to his partner of 16 years, Margaret Ormes, and his family and friends. 

Class Year: 
Undergraduate Class of 1971