Richard J. Nogaj (no-jay) is a societal change advocate who has built several anti-poverty projects using innovative, creative approaches. He is a popular public speaker and workshop teacher on societal change topics including affordable workforce housing, immigration reform, and the Fair Food movement.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and two patents: fixed bridge mechanical surface aerator and floating mechanical surface aerator. Among numerous awards, he has received the Wheaton Ambassadors Award, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Wheaton, Illinois (1995); Citizen Engineer of the Year of the Illinois Section–American Society of Civil Engineers (1997); and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International (2003).
Between 1963 and 1995 Dick Nogaj published approximately 100 technical engineering articles in trade magazines. His social justice articles have included “Harvest for Humanity: A New Paradigm for Farming with Migrant Workers,” presented at the City in a Garden Conference of the joint meeting of the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) and the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society (AFHVS), DePaul University (June 2002); “A New Label: Grown and Picked in the USA by Workers Paid a Living Wage” presented at the Conference on Ecolabels and the Greening of the Food Market, organized by the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University (November 2002); and a SARE/SRDS grant report titled, “Test Marketing of New Labels in Southwest Florida for USA Grown/Living Wage Produce” (2004).
Dick Nogaj is the founder and chairman of the board emeritus of RJN Group, Inc., consulting engineers based in Wheaton, Illinois. Dick and his wife Florence are the founders of The RJN Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of DuPage County, Illinois, and Harvest for Humanity and the Jubilation Development Corporation, not-for-profits in Immokalee, Florida. They divide their time between homes in Wheaton and southwest Florida.
Book Recap:
Since childhood, Dick Nogaj harbored a secret dream to make the world a better place—but it wasn’t until he met his soulmate and retired from a successful career in engineering that he launched into the most meaningful work of his life. And just when he thought his work was nearing completion, a chance encounter with a hitchhiker propelled his journey in a surprising and unexpected direction. Don’t Retire, Get Inspired describes the many joys and challenges Dick and his wife, Florence, faced both as a loving, committed couple, and as partners in their work. His honest account of the struggles of creating and running several not-for-profit organizations in both well-off and financially impoverished communities gives readers an inside look of how dreams become action, how to overcome setbacks, and how everyday people who share a desire to improve the world can make a difference—and the amazing relationships that develop as a result.
Possible Interview Topics:
Fair Food movement
Immigration reform
Issues facing low-income families
Practical ideas on how to get involved in social justice causes
Endorsements:
“An inspiring and compelling story of how life can be renewed by good works.”
--Scott Turow, attorney and author of seven best-selling novels
“An incredible journey of passion and compassion. Mr. and Mrs. Nogaj set an example of how you can give back and certainly nourish the notion that you are not done with your life after retirement. Their example is one to definitely follow. A must-read for people of good will.”
--Luis E. Pelayo, founder and president
Hispanic Council of Chicago
“A life well-lived, someone said, is to have children, plant a tree, and write a book. Dick Nogaj has not only done all three, but so much, much more. And in keeping with his commitments, he was willing to spend the time and effort to share of inkling of how much more it really was. This is a story that keeps on telling of a life lived to the fullest. What a great read!”
--Dr. Wayne Robinson, minister
All Faiths Congregation
Fort Myers, Florida
“Many couples talk about wanting to make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate than them. Dick and Florence Nogaj did more than talk. Their story is an inspiring example of “making a difference” through love, hard work, and personal risk-taking.”
--Alan J. Hollenbeck, P.E., president/CEO
RJN Group
Wheaton, Illinois
“‘That’s too bad’ is a common remark some people use when confronted with poverty and despair. Not the Nogajs. Dick and Florence have a contagious gumption when it comes to tackling a situation in spite of sheer challenges, risks, and discomforts. They have received much and want to give back by working with those in need. Reading this book may give you the courage to say, ‘Perhaps I can do something like that, too!’”
--Linda C. Fuller
Co-founder, Habitat for Humanity International and the Fuller Center for Housing
“Don’t Retire, Get Inspired is an awe-inspiring journey of two people in love with each other, their family, their fellow human beings, and their God. A must-read for all who have an abiding faith in the goodness of the human spirit and in love itself.”
--William J. Carroll, president
Benedictine University
Springfield College in Illinois
“Don't Retire, Get Inspired should be required reading for every ‘baby boomer’ contemplating ‘retirement.’ To Richard and Florence Nogaj, ‘retirement’ is a misnomer for a beautiful time of life in which great spiritual growth is possible with incredible dividends of satisfaction and inspiration. In this fine book, Richard Nogaj tells an inspirational story of how spiritual growth, the desire to bring a life partnership to new levels, and dedication to a cause greater than themselves can be translated into a call to action improving the lives of many people in the farming community of Immokalee, Florida.”
--Dr. John H. Fitch
Director, Sustaining Tomorrow Today Project
Florida Gulf Coast University
“Richard Nogaj shows that we don’t have to go to the Third World to go to the Third World. The same oppressive poverty that he found in the Dominican Republic, he found in his own backyard—and this is the story of what he did about it. This book deserves two thumbs up!”
--Tony Campolo
Professor Emeritus of Sociology
Eastern University
“A moving story of a courageous couple that dared to dream the impossible.”
--Ronald J. Sider, president
Evangelicals for Social Action
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