Sandra H. Royster raised universality in culture

Sandra H. Royster raised universality in culture

For several decades, Sandra H. Royster, senior director for program development at the Chicago Cultural Center, utilized every aspect of maintaining the artistic perspective of all phases of art as she projected the very essence of universality in ethnic culture. The vision she projected was phenomenal and her energy tremendous.

Her dynamic involvement came suddenly to an end when Mrs. Royster, 57 died of a heart attack in Brazil while on business for the City of Chicago. She was attending a cultural affairs conference in Salvador Bahia, Brazil when she passed away Saturday, Dec. 11.

Requiem Mass will be offered for Ms. Royster Saturday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church 690 W. Belmont Ave., Father Thomas Healy, officiating. Burial follows at Lincoln Cemetery.

Visitation is from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Her body will lie in state Friday, Dec. 17, from noon until 9 p.m.

Ms. Royster's colleagues were devastated as a result of her death and Lois Weisberg, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, on the passing of Sandra Royster said "Sandy was a rare and remarkable person. Her passing is being felt throughout the arts community, which has lost a dear friend and a respected professional. She was a pioneer in her field and her legacy as an advocate, administrator, poet and teacher will live on in the hearts of all those who were touched by her inspiration and example."

For more than three decades, Sandra Royster brought a range of diverse experience to the city of Chicago. Her chief function was to develop positive programs in the arts for the Cultural Center, was involved in the performing arts and culture as proposed by outside organizations, other city departments and communities throughout the city. She was also a professor in the graduate program, Arts Management Department for Columbia College Chicago.

Ms. Royster was a former dancer and published writer and has participated on numerous panels, workshops and mentoring projects. She gave time and support to persons living with AIDS since 1985.

A sincere supporter of Dance Africa Chicago, she served as a chief elder of the Council of Elders, a member of the national board of directors of the Center for Black Music Research, the board of directors for Bonaventure, a residence for individuals living with AIDS, and was a member of the advisory board for the House of Blues Foundation.

She was also a literary advisor for Gallery 37 and a former board member of the Association of Performing arts Presenters among numerous other affiliations.

As a writer, she contributed to "Nommo Anthology," "Woman Talk," "A Rock In The Wind Anthology" and "The Broadside Annual Anthology".

A graduate of Hyde Park High School, her professional education was secured from University of Illinois, Navy Pier/Chicago Circle; University of Illinois, Champaign Extension; Trevecca Nazarene College, Nashville, Tenn.; Columbia College, Chicago, Arts Management; Chicago Music College and Chicago Conservatory of Music in Classical Ballet, Drama, Piano and Music Theory; University of Illinois, Orchesis Member; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. modern and jazz dance.

Survivors include two daughters, Rebecca Royster-Pates and Francesca; her parents James and Gwendolyn Harvey; two sisters, Toya Harvey and Beth Womack; five brothers, Walter Lewis, Kevin Lewis, Christopher Harvey, Jonathan McClure and Gordon McClure, two grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Sandra H. Royster)