MEET OUR TEAM
Meet Laurice
1973, Nichols Middle School
LAURICE BELL
Laurice Bell was born in Chicago but considers herself a true Evanstonian, having moved to Evanston at the age of five to be closer to her father’s business, Laury’s Records. She attended Dewey and Nichols schools and is a proud member of the ETHS class of 1980. Although she moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s, her deep love for her hometown and family brought her back, and she returned home to Evanston four years ago.
Before transitioning into her current roles, Laurice produced and directed music videos for iconic musicians such as Miles Davis, Tupac, Selena, MC Hammer, NWA, Soul II Soul, Caron Wheeler, and INXS. A staunch supporter of many causes, Laurice is passionate about amplifying the voices of the underrepresented and working to make their stories heard.
As the Executive Director of Shorefront Legacy Center, Laurice is dedicated to preserving the history of Black communities in Chicago's North Shore. Laurice considers her two children, Oliver and Martha, her favorite people.
1973, Nichols Middle School
RON WHITMORE, Ed.D
Ron Whitmore, an educator with over 35 years of experience in both suburban and urban school districts. Ron was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois and attended Dewey, Nichols and is a 1980 graduate of ETHS. He sees himself as an advocate for children, particularly disenfranchised youth in urban settings. Ron received his degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, received a Master of Education degree from National Louis University and his Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Superintendent Certification from Argosy University. He was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award from Argosy in 2012
Ron began his teaching career in Evanston’s District 65, where he taught pre-school at Kingsley and Kindergarten at Orrington. He served as an administrator for 21 years for Chicago Public Schools, including 16 at John M. Smyth IB World School from which he retired in 2020. Ron is the author of a children’s book, Jermaine’s Journey. He was a recipient of Kohl International Teaching Award. Ron is a current resident of Evanston, an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a proud father of three and grandfather of one.
SPECIAL THANKS
Evanston Rules is grateful to Sam and Noah Goin for providing the soundtrack to our podcast; Evanston SPACE for the use of their studio; Karl Wright for editing the podcast; and Kristen Mitchell for her branding and design work on the project.