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|term_start= January 1980
|term_start= January 1980
|term_end= January 1988
|term_end= January 1988
|predecessor= [[Peter Nemeth (Indiana politician)|Peter Nemeth]]
|predecessor= [[Peter Nemeth (politician)|Peter Nemeth]]
|successor=[[Joe E. Kernan]]
|successor=[[Joe E. Kernan]]
|office1= President of the South Bend Common Council
|term_start1=???
|term_end1=???
|predecessor1=
|successor1=
|office2= Member of the South Bend Common Council
|term_start2= 1972
|term_end2= 1980
|predecessor2=
|successor2=
|birth_name=
|birth_name=
|birth_date= 1938 or 1939<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holguin |first1=Jaime |title=Rebuilding Hope One Boat At A Time |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rebuilding-hope-one-boat-at-a-time/ |publisher=[[CBS]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=17 June 2005}}</ref>
|birth_date= 1938 or 1939<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holguin |first1=Jaime |title=Rebuilding Hope One Boat At A Time |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rebuilding-hope-one-boat-at-a-time/ |publisher=[[CBS]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=17 June 2005}}</ref>
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|death_date=
|death_date=
|death_place=
|death_place=
|spouse= Rolande Ouellette
|profession=
|profession=
|alma_mater =
|alma_mater =
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}}
}}
'''Roger O. Parent''' is an American politician who served as the 29th [[List of mayors of South Bend, Indiana|mayor]] of [[South Bend, Indiana]].
'''Roger O. Parent''' is an American politician who served as the 29th [[List of mayors of South Bend, Indiana|mayor]] of [[South Bend, Indiana]].

==Early life and education==
Parent was born [[Grand Isle, Maine]].<ref name="authorbio">{{cite web |title=Author Biography {{!}} Roger O. Parent |url=http://www.rogerparent.org/author-biography/ |website=www.rogerparent.org |publisher=Roger O. Parent |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> He attended elementary school in Grand Isle, Maine.<ref name="authorbio"/> He graduated from Van Buren Boys High School salutatorian of his class.<ref name="authorbio"/>

Parent attended [[St. Francis Xavier University]], where he graduated in 1961 magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics.<ref name="authorbio"/>

From October 1961 through October 1963, Parent served in the [[Peace Corps]].<ref name="friendsofthailand">{{cite web |title=Roger O. Parent |url=http://www.friendsofthailand.org/thailandrpcvs/groups/thai01/bios/parent.pdf |publisher=Friends of Thailand |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> He was a member of the inaugural class of Peace Corps volunteers.<ref name="sbtrecordofservice">{{cite web |title=Parent's record of service |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/education/parents-record-of-service/article_665f21e4-d14b-11e3-9c97-001a4bcf6878.html |website=South Bend Tribune |accessdate=5 May 2020 |language=en |date=1 May 2014}}</ref> He served in [[Thailand]] Group 1 for the duration of his service.<ref name="authorbio"/> He taught carpentry at Udorn Trade School and ESL at a Girls’ Handicraft School. He also served as a volunteer field leader.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

Parent then attended the [[University of Notre Dame]], from which he graduated in 1966 with a [[master's degree]] in education.<ref name="authorbio"/>

==Early career==
From 1967 through 1970, Parent was the executive director of the South Bend chapter of Neighborhood Development Centers.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/> From 1971 through 1979 Parent was the executive director of the South Bend Office of Catholic Charities.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

From 1972 through 1980, Parent served as a member of the South Bend Common Council.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/><ref name="authorbio"/> For five of his eight years on the Common Council, he was its president.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>


==Mayoralty==
==Mayoralty==
Parent was first elected mayor of South Bend in 1979, and was reelected to a second term as mayor in 1983.
Parent was first elected mayor of South Bend [[1979 South Bend mayoral election|in 1979]], and was reelected to a second term as mayor [[1983 South Bend mayoral election|in 1983]].


Parent was sworn-in as mayor in January of 1980.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parent |first1=Roger |title=Viewpoint: Addressing diversity in South Bend’s workforce |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/viewpoint-addressing-diversity-in-south-bend-s-workforce/article_92804cf0-84d2-5df0-8eb3-4ba3e9bbb67c.html |publisher=[[South Bend Tribune]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=10 August 2019}}</ref>
Parent was sworn in as mayor in January 1980.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parent |first1=Roger |title=Viewpoint: Addressing diversity in South Bend’s workforce |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/viewpoint-addressing-diversity-in-south-bend-s-workforce/article_92804cf0-84d2-5df0-8eb3-4ba3e9bbb67c.html |publisher=[[South Bend Tribune]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=10 August 2019}}</ref>


Parent prioritized [[economic development]]. He sought to increase employment and the city's tax base by providing direct assistance to new commercial and industrial development. He also sought indirectly encourage new economic ventures by improving the city's amenities, particularly in its downtown.<ref name=baseball>{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Arthur T. |title=Minor League Baseball and Local Economic Development |date=1995 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |chapter=South Bend, Indiana |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3GHqgKN4cEsC |accessdate=31 October 2019}}</ref>
Parent prioritized [[economic development]]. He sought to increase employment and the city's tax base by providing direct assistance to new commercial and industrial development. He also sought to indirectly encourage new economic ventures by improving the city's amenities, particularly in its downtown area.<ref name=baseball>{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Arthur T. |title=Minor League Baseball and Local Economic Development |date=1995 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |chapter=South Bend, Indiana |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3GHqgKN4cEsC |accessdate=31 October 2019}}</ref>


Among the key projects of Parent's mayoralty was the construction of the [[St. Joseph River (Lake Michigan)#East Race Waterway|East Race Waterway]] whitewater facility.<ref name=baseball/><ref name=partone>{{cite web |title=A look back at former South Bend mayors: Part One |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/a-look-back-at-former-south-bend-mayors-part-one |website=ABC57 |publisher=[[WBND-LD]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=22 May 2015}}</ref><ref name=eastrace>{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=East Race Waterway celebrates 30 years |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/localeconomy/article_553a15b8-f0b4-11e2-a654-001a4bcf6878.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=19 July 2013}}</ref> The idea for this project had predated Parent's tenure as mayor, and had been supported by his predecessor Peter J. Nemeth during the later part of his tenure.<ref name=eastrace/> Ground broke on the project in 1982, and it was opened in 1984.<ref name=eastrace/> The project had faced fierce opposition from "Fair Tax", a small citizen's association of St. Joseph County taxpayers.<ref name=baseball/> The opposition particularly dealt with the [[municipal bond]] issue Parent was pushing to fund the construction of the raceway along with several other projects.<ref name=baseball/> Fair Tax operated an opposition effort under the name "Citizens Information Exchange". Originally asking for a $5.6 million bond issue to fund not only the waterway, but also additional projects, Parent ultimately settled for a $3.2 million bond just to fund the waterway.<ref name=baseball/>
Among the key projects of Parent's mayoralty was the construction of the [[St. Joseph River (Lake Michigan)#East Race Waterway|East Race Waterway]] whitewater facility.<ref name=baseball/><ref name=partone>{{cite web |title=A look back at former South Bend mayors: Part One |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/a-look-back-at-former-south-bend-mayors-part-one |website=ABC57 |publisher=[[WBND-LD]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=22 May 2015}}</ref><ref name=eastrace>{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=East Race Waterway celebrates 30 years |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/localeconomy/article_553a15b8-f0b4-11e2-a654-001a4bcf6878.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=19 July 2013}}</ref> The idea for this project had predated Parent's tenure as mayor, and had been supported by his predecessor Peter J. Nemeth during the later part of his tenure.<ref name=eastrace/> Ground broke on the project in 1982, and it was opened in 1984.<ref name=eastrace/> The project had faced fierce opposition from "Fair Tax", a small citizen's association of St. Joseph County taxpayers.<ref name=baseball/> The opposition particularly dealt with the [[municipal bond]] issue Parent was pushing to fund the construction of the raceway along with several other projects.<ref name=baseball/> Fair Tax operated an opposition effort under the name "Citizens Information Exchange". Originally asking for a $5.6 million bond issue to fund not only the waterway, but also additional projects, Parent ultimately settled for a $3.2 million bond just to fund the waterway.<ref name=baseball/>


Another key project he successfully championed in his first term was the construction of a $141 million dollar [[ethanol]] plant on the far west side of the city, which was designed to employ 150 people.<ref name=baseball/> The ethanol plant also faced opposition from "Fair Tax".<ref name=baseball/>
Another key project he successfully championed in his first term was the construction of a $141 million [[ethanol]] plant on the far west side of the city, which was designed to employ 150 people.<ref name=baseball/> The ethanol plant also faced opposition from "Fair Tax".<ref name=baseball/>


In his first term, most of his redevelopment efforts were especially focused on the east side of South Bend's downtown business district.<ref name=baseball/>
In his first term, most of his redevelopment efforts were especially focused on the east side of South Bend's downtown business district.<ref name=baseball/>


A key project of Parent's second term was the funding and the construction of [[Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium|Coveleski Stadium]].<ref name=partone/>
A key project of Parent's second term was the funding and the construction of [[Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium|Coveleski Stadium]].<ref name=partone/>


Parent had advertised the stadium as being a generator that would contribute to the development of the nearby "Studebaker Corridoor", which he argued would be key for the redevelopment city's southwest quadrant.<ref name=baseball/> He announced plans for the stadium in March 1985.<ref name=baseball/> The stadium received some notable opposition from citizens and groups, including Fair Tax.<ref name=baseball/> The stadium was built, despite this opposition.<ref name=baseball/>
Parent had advertised the stadium as being a generator that would contribute to the development of the nearby "Studebaker Corridor", which he argued would be key for the redevelopment city's southwest quadrant.<ref name=baseball/> He announced plans for the stadium in March 1985.<ref name=baseball/> The stadium received some notable opposition from citizens and groups, including Fair Tax.<ref name=baseball/> The stadium was built, despite this opposition.<ref name=baseball/>


As mayor, Parent believed that underutilized land at the 220 acre former site of the [[Studebaker]]'s plant (located in the "Studebaker Corridor") could be a key asset in attracting new business and industry.<ref name=baseball/> However, this area did not see significant development during Parent's mayoralty, and would only far later see developments in the 2000s with the creation of such projects as [[Ignition Park]].
As mayor, Parent believed that underutilized land at the 220-acre former site of the [[Studebaker]]'s plant (located in the "Studebaker Corridor") could be a key asset in attracting new business and industry.<ref name=baseball/> However, this area did not see significant development during Parent's mayoralty, and would only far later see developments in the 2000s with the creation of such projects as [[Ignition Park]].


In 1987, South Bend hosted the [[Special Olympics World Games]] in conjunction with Notre Dame, with Parent playing a role.<ref>{{cite news |last=Molnar |first=Judy |title=Mayor welcomes athletes |url=http://archives.nd.edu/observer/v21/1987-07-30_v21_Special-Olympics.pdf |accessdate=31 October 2019 |work=[[The Observer]] |date=July 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=SPECIAL OLYMPICS PREMIERE ISSUE |url=http://archives.nd.edu/observer/v21/1987-07-30_v21_Special-Olympics.pdf |accessdate=31 October 2019 |work=The Observer |date=1 August 1987}}</ref>
In 1987, South Bend hosted the [[Special Olympics World Games]] in conjunction with the nearby University of Notre Dame, with Parent playing a role.<ref>{{cite news |last=Molnar |first=Judy |title=Mayor welcomes athletes |url=http://archives.nd.edu/observer/v21/1987-07-30_v21_Special-Olympics.pdf |accessdate=31 October 2019 |work=[[The Observer (Notre Dame)|The Observer]] |date=July 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=SPECIAL OLYMPICS PREMIERE ISSUE |url=http://archives.nd.edu/observer/v21/1987-07-30_v21_Special-Olympics.pdf |accessdate=31 October 2019 |work=The Observer |date=1 August 1987}}</ref>


As mayor, Parent also created several task forces, councils, and commissions, and organizations, including the Task Force on Literacy, Council on Minority Affairs, Council on Older Adults, Commission on Energy Conservation, and the Business Development Corporation.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>
Parent announced he would not run for a third term in the [[1987 South Bend, Indiana mayoral election|1987 election]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chval |first1=Craig |title=MONOGRAM CLUB CORNER – JOE KERNAN |url=https://und.com/monogram-club-corner-2/ |publisher=Notre Dame University |accessdate=24 September 2019 |date=24 September 2010}}</ref><ref name=classa>{{cite web |last1=Baines |first1=Don |title=CLASS A CONTROVERSY |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-07-26-8702250080-story.html |publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]] |accessdate=22 September 2019 |date=26 July 1987}}</ref> Rumors arose that this decision was precipitated by controversy surrounding the construction of Coveleski Stadium, and poor internal polling results for his prospects of reelection.<ref name=classa/> Parent was succeeded as mayor by [[Joe E. Kernan]] in 1988.

During his tenure, Parent made a few hires which were the first for the city in regards to diversity. This included the city's first female city attorney, first [[African Americans|African American]] fire chief, and first female director of code enforcement.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

Parent announced he would not run for a third term in the [[1987 South Bend mayoral election|1987 election]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chval |first1=Craig |title=MONOGRAM CLUB CORNER – JOE KERNAN |url=https://und.com/monogram-club-corner-2/ |publisher=Notre Dame University |accessdate=24 September 2019 |date=24 September 2010}}</ref><ref name=classa>{{cite web |last1=Baines |first1=Don |title=CLASS A CONTROVERSY |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-07-26-8702250080-story.html |publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]] |accessdate=22 September 2019 |date=26 July 1987}}</ref> Rumors arose that this decision was precipitated by controversy surrounding the construction of Coveleski Stadium, and poor internal polling results for his prospects of reelection.<ref name=classa/> Parent was succeeded as mayor by [[Joe E. Kernan]] in 1988.


==Post-mayoralty==
==Post-mayoralty==
Immediately after leaving office as mayor, Parent returned to his work with the Peace Corps, serving as the Country Director for Haiti and Eastern Caribbean from January 1988 through June 1990.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/><ref name="sbtrecordofservice"/> He also served in positions in the Peace Corps in [[Bulgaria]] and [[Grenada]].<ref name="sbtrecordofservice"/>
Parent supported [[Pete Buttigieg]]'s, ultimately successful, candidacy for mayor of South Bend in [[2011 South Bend, Indiana mayoral election|2011]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=McGurk |first1=Nick |title=Buttigieg raises nearly a quarter of a million dollars in mayor's race |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Buttigieg_raises_nearly_quarter_million_in_mayors_race_120000704.html |publisher=WNDU |accessdate=5 May 2019 |date=17 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Howey |first1=Brian A. |title=New faces await Indiana Dems as the guard changes |journal=Howey Politics Indiana |date=28 April 2011 |volume=16 |issue=33 |url=https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI110428.pdf |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> Parent had endorsed Buttigieg at the start of his campaign.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McGurk |first1=Nick |title=Buttigieg announces candidacy |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Buttigieg_announces_candidacy_114863624.html |publisher=[[WNDU-TV]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=29 January 2011}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, Parent worked as the Deputy Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Mental Health.<ref name="sbtrecordofservice"/>

Parent served as director of development for Priests of Holy Cross from 1994 through 2003.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

From May 2005 through November 2005, Parent volunteered with the [[Crisis Corps]] in Thailand as a deputy director at the Tsunami Volunteer Center, working on the response to the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]].<ref name="friendsofthailand"/><ref name="sbtrecordofservice"/>

In 2006, Parent and his wife Rolande Parent founded the international nonprofit World Dignity Inc. (WDI), for which he has served as president.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/> The nonprofit aims to help the poor by offering such assistance as teacher and student scholarships.<ref name="sbtrecordofservice"/> The nonprofit operates educational programs in South Bend, Thailand, and [[India]].<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

For five years, from 2009 through 2014, Parent served on the [[Board of education|school board]] of the South Bend Community School Corp.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilbride |first1=Kim |title=Roger Parent leaving South Bend school board |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/community/roger-parent-leaving-south-bend-school-board/article_86e71102-d145-11e3-ac97-001a4bcf6878.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=2 May 2014}}</ref> For part of his tenure, beginning in January 2011, he was the president of the school board.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

Parent has also served on the Social Work Advisory Board of [[Saint Mary's College (Indiana)|St. Mary's College]], [[St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland)|St. Frances Academy]] board of directors, advisory committee for the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, retired Indiana Public Retirement Association, and REAL Services board of directors.<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

Parent supported [[Pete Buttigieg]]'s, ultimately successful, candidacy for mayor of South Bend in [[2011 South Bend mayoral election|2011]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=McGurk |first1=Nick |title=Buttigieg raises nearly a quarter of a million dollars in mayor's race |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Buttigieg_raises_nearly_quarter_million_in_mayors_race_120000704.html |publisher=WNDU |accessdate=5 May 2019 |date=17 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Howey |first1=Brian A. |title=New faces await Indiana Dems as the guard changes |journal=Howey Politics Indiana |date=28 April 2011 |volume=16 |issue=33 |url=https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI110428.pdf |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> Parent had endorsed Buttigieg at the start of his campaign.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McGurk |first1=Nick |title=Buttigieg announces candidacy |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Buttigieg_announces_candidacy_114863624.html |publisher=[[WNDU-TV]] |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=29 January 2011}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Parent continues to reside in South Bend.<ref name="authorbio"/> Parent and his wife Rolande Parent ({{née|Ouellette}}) have four children and six grandchildren.<ref name="authorbio"/><ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

Parent is fluent in [[French language|French]] and [[English language|English]], with some understanding of [[Thai language|Thai]] and [[Haitian Creole]].<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>

Parent is a hobbyist [[Carpentry|carpenter]].<ref name="friendsofthailand"/>


==External links==
For five years, ending in 2014, Parent served on the [[Board of education|school board]] of the South Bend Community School Corp.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilbride |first1=Kim |title=Roger Parent leaving South Bend school board |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/community/roger-parent-leaving-south-bend-school-board/article_86e71102-d145-11e3-ac97-001a4bcf6878.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |accessdate=31 October 2019 |date=2 May 2014}}</ref>
*[https://www.c-span.org/person/?rogerparent C-SPAN appearances]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indiana Democrats]]
[[Category:Indiana Democrats]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Latest revision as of 10:54, 7 January 2024

Roger Parent
29th Mayor of South Bend
In office
January 1980 – January 1988
Preceded byPeter Nemeth
Succeeded byJoe E. Kernan
President of the South Bend Common Council
In office
???–???
Member of the South Bend Common Council
In office
1972–1980
Personal details
Born1938 or 1939[1]
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseRolande Ouellette

Roger O. Parent is an American politician who served as the 29th mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Early life and education

[edit]

Parent was born Grand Isle, Maine.[2] He attended elementary school in Grand Isle, Maine.[2] He graduated from Van Buren Boys High School salutatorian of his class.[2]

Parent attended St. Francis Xavier University, where he graduated in 1961 magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics.[2]

From October 1961 through October 1963, Parent served in the Peace Corps.[3] He was a member of the inaugural class of Peace Corps volunteers.[4] He served in Thailand Group 1 for the duration of his service.[2] He taught carpentry at Udorn Trade School and ESL at a Girls’ Handicraft School. He also served as a volunteer field leader.[3]

Parent then attended the University of Notre Dame, from which he graduated in 1966 with a master's degree in education.[2]

Early career

[edit]

From 1967 through 1970, Parent was the executive director of the South Bend chapter of Neighborhood Development Centers.[3] From 1971 through 1979 Parent was the executive director of the South Bend Office of Catholic Charities.[3]

From 1972 through 1980, Parent served as a member of the South Bend Common Council.[3][2] For five of his eight years on the Common Council, he was its president.[3]

Mayoralty

[edit]

Parent was first elected mayor of South Bend in 1979, and was reelected to a second term as mayor in 1983.

Parent was sworn in as mayor in January 1980.[5]

Parent prioritized economic development. He sought to increase employment and the city's tax base by providing direct assistance to new commercial and industrial development. He also sought to indirectly encourage new economic ventures by improving the city's amenities, particularly in its downtown area.[6]

Among the key projects of Parent's mayoralty was the construction of the East Race Waterway whitewater facility.[6][7][8] The idea for this project had predated Parent's tenure as mayor, and had been supported by his predecessor Peter J. Nemeth during the later part of his tenure.[8] Ground broke on the project in 1982, and it was opened in 1984.[8] The project had faced fierce opposition from "Fair Tax", a small citizen's association of St. Joseph County taxpayers.[6] The opposition particularly dealt with the municipal bond issue Parent was pushing to fund the construction of the raceway along with several other projects.[6] Fair Tax operated an opposition effort under the name "Citizens Information Exchange". Originally asking for a $5.6 million bond issue to fund not only the waterway, but also additional projects, Parent ultimately settled for a $3.2 million bond just to fund the waterway.[6]

Another key project he successfully championed in his first term was the construction of a $141 million ethanol plant on the far west side of the city, which was designed to employ 150 people.[6] The ethanol plant also faced opposition from "Fair Tax".[6]

In his first term, most of his redevelopment efforts were especially focused on the east side of South Bend's downtown business district.[6]

A key project of Parent's second term was the funding and the construction of Coveleski Stadium.[7]

Parent had advertised the stadium as being a generator that would contribute to the development of the nearby "Studebaker Corridor", which he argued would be key for the redevelopment city's southwest quadrant.[6] He announced plans for the stadium in March 1985.[6] The stadium received some notable opposition from citizens and groups, including Fair Tax.[6] The stadium was built, despite this opposition.[6]

As mayor, Parent believed that underutilized land at the 220-acre former site of the Studebaker's plant (located in the "Studebaker Corridor") could be a key asset in attracting new business and industry.[6] However, this area did not see significant development during Parent's mayoralty, and would only far later see developments in the 2000s with the creation of such projects as Ignition Park.

In 1987, South Bend hosted the Special Olympics World Games in conjunction with the nearby University of Notre Dame, with Parent playing a role.[9][10]

As mayor, Parent also created several task forces, councils, and commissions, and organizations, including the Task Force on Literacy, Council on Minority Affairs, Council on Older Adults, Commission on Energy Conservation, and the Business Development Corporation.[3]

During his tenure, Parent made a few hires which were the first for the city in regards to diversity. This included the city's first female city attorney, first African American fire chief, and first female director of code enforcement.[3]

Parent announced he would not run for a third term in the 1987 election.[11][12] Rumors arose that this decision was precipitated by controversy surrounding the construction of Coveleski Stadium, and poor internal polling results for his prospects of reelection.[12] Parent was succeeded as mayor by Joe E. Kernan in 1988.

Post-mayoralty

[edit]

Immediately after leaving office as mayor, Parent returned to his work with the Peace Corps, serving as the Country Director for Haiti and Eastern Caribbean from January 1988 through June 1990.[3][4] He also served in positions in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria and Grenada.[4]

In the early 1990s, Parent worked as the Deputy Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Mental Health.[4]

Parent served as director of development for Priests of Holy Cross from 1994 through 2003.[3]

From May 2005 through November 2005, Parent volunteered with the Crisis Corps in Thailand as a deputy director at the Tsunami Volunteer Center, working on the response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.[3][4]

In 2006, Parent and his wife Rolande Parent founded the international nonprofit World Dignity Inc. (WDI), for which he has served as president.[3] The nonprofit aims to help the poor by offering such assistance as teacher and student scholarships.[4] The nonprofit operates educational programs in South Bend, Thailand, and India.[3]

For five years, from 2009 through 2014, Parent served on the school board of the South Bend Community School Corp.[3][13] For part of his tenure, beginning in January 2011, he was the president of the school board.[3]

Parent has also served on the Social Work Advisory Board of St. Mary's College, St. Frances Academy board of directors, advisory committee for the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, retired Indiana Public Retirement Association, and REAL Services board of directors.[3]

Parent supported Pete Buttigieg's, ultimately successful, candidacy for mayor of South Bend in 2011.[14][15] Parent had endorsed Buttigieg at the start of his campaign.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

Parent continues to reside in South Bend.[2] Parent and his wife Rolande Parent (née Ouellette) have four children and six grandchildren.[2][3]

Parent is fluent in French and English, with some understanding of Thai and Haitian Creole.[3]

Parent is a hobbyist carpenter.[3]

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Holguin, Jaime (June 17, 2005). "Rebuilding Hope One Boat At A Time". CBS. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Author Biography | Roger O. Parent". www.rogerparent.org. Roger O. Parent. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
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