Gwen Rowan, former Commissioner of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has passed. Regrettably, on April 27, 2017, Gwen succumbed to her long battle with colon cancer. She leaves behind her only daughter Alexandria McChristen.
In 2005, Gwen accepted the Court’s request to serve as a commissioner on the Commission on Professionalism. With her background as Executive Director of the Cook County Bar Association, she was instrumental in establishing protocols and procedures devoted to promoting civility, professionalism and diversity among lawyers and judges in Illinois.
As a commissioner, Gwen served on several committees of the Commission, including the Personnel, Executive and as Chair of the Outreach Committee. Her contributions created a solid foundation for the now-thriving Commission on Professionalism.
In addition to her work with the Commission on Professionalism and the Cook County Bar Association, Gwen served as Staff Counsel to the Office of the Chief Judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Child Protection division. From there, she went on to serve in the Coordinator Office of Disabled Services at Chicago State University, before her passing.
The former commissioner received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law along with a Certificate in Child and Family Law. She earned Bachelor of Philosophy in Communications from Northwestern University.
Visitation and Funeral Services will be held for Gwen this week. The visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Gatlings Chapel from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. On Saturday, May 6, 2017, both the wake and funeral service will take place from 9:00am – 10:30am at Gatlings Chapel. The chapel is located at 10133 S. Halsted Street in Chicago, Illinois.
With over 20 years of experience in non-profit management and fundraising, Gwen was a highly accomplished professional in and outside of the legal profession. She was a loving mother and a champion of professionalism and civility.