Congressman Findley graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Illinois College in 1943. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 20th District of Illinois from 1961 to 1983, and is a member of the Illinois College Congressional Hall of Fame.

“Congressman Findley will be remembered as a man of integrity and conviction,” said President Barbara A. Farley. “He was a celebrated politician, statesman, author, speaker and global citizen. Congressman Findley’s legacy at his alma mater will be his unbridled optimism, his inspiring courage and his lasting commitment to the success of IC’s students.”

Findley’s connections to Jacksonville, Illinois College and Phi Alpha literary society were woven throughout his life. The Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum, established in 2011 as a part of the Khalaf Al Habtoor Leadership Center at Illinois College, is located in IC’s historic Whipple Hall three blocks from the Jacksonville house on Edgehill Road where Findley was born in 1921. It is designed to promote justice and opportunity for all people. The space interprets the government office Findley held for 22 years, complete with his congressional desk.

Findley grew up in Jacksonville, one of five children. As a student at Illinois College, Findley completed a double major in history and political science and was a member of the debate team. He also played tennis and worked as a reporter for the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. He established strong ties to Phi Alpha literary society, a connection that kept him involved on campus. After returning to Jacksonville in 1983, the Congressman devoted time and attention to the students of Phi Alpha. He attended productions, offered counsel and hosted an annual event at his West College Avenue home, at which he served pumpkin pie and listened to the hopes and dreams of members.

Upon graduating from IC, Findley was immediately called to duty in the Navy Reserves. He trained throughout Illinois before being stationed in the Great Lakes, Japan, and later in Guam, where he met Lucille Gemme, who was serving as a Navy flight nurse. The two were married in January 1946. Following his time in the Navy, Findley continued writing about the political and social issues of the time. He returned to the Jacksonville area working as managing editor for the weekly Pike County Republican newspaper in Pittsfield, a publication that he later owned.

In 1960, Findley was elected to Illinois’ 20th congressional seat and relocated his family to Washington, D.C., to begin his political career. Findley strived to “make the biggest waves possible for worthy causes” throughout his career in politics. Findley was an advocate for farmers and the agricultural community, which included many of his central Illinois constituents. Findley felt strongly about many issues including war, trade, human rights, diplomatic relations and famine. In his work with foreign affairs, Findley had the opportunity to travel and work with governments throughout the world. Findley has been recognized nationally and internationally for his work promoting peace in the Middle East and educating others on the region.

Findley’s work in the Middle East fostered a longtime friendship with United Arab Emirates businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Khalaf Al Habtoor H’10, which grew out of their shared values, a mutual interest in enhancing relations between the U.S. and the Middle East, and a dedication to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Findley introduced Al Habtoor to his alma mater and in 2010, the College conferred an honorary doctorate on Al Habtoor. Al Habtoor announced that he was creating the Pathways to Peace program at Illinois College in collaboration with Congressman Findley and his family in 2014. Findley shared the stage with him that day, as did President Jimmy Carter H’14 who delivered the Phi Alpha Literary Society Lecture.

Dr. Al Habtoor and Congressman Findley shared an admiration for Abraham Lincoln. As politicians, Lincoln and Findley represented much of the same geographical area. Findley’s fascination with Lincoln grew throughout his political career and led him to author a book on the historical figure in 1979. During his political career, Findley was instrumental in passing legislation to make Lincoln’s Springfield home a national historic site. In 2016, a new “Looking for Lincoln” exhibit was dedicated on the IC campus, a project initiated and funded by Findley in collaboration with Illinois College.

Findley served on the Illinois College Board of Trustees

from 1963 to 1993 and was awarded an honorary doctorate

in 1973. The Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives at Illinois College house Congressman Findley’s papers. IC students have gained hands-on experience with researching, processing, and digitizing this content. More about Findley and his work can be found in the collection of prolific writings he produced throughout his life including several books, among them his autobiography, “Speaking Out: A Congressman’s Lifelong Fight Against Bigotry, Famine, and War,” in 2011.

Congressman Findley is survived by his sister Barbara Findley Stuart of Normal, his son Craig (wife, Karyl) Findley of Jacksonville, his daughter Diane (husband, Thomas McLaughlin) Findley of Ft. Collins, Colorado, his grandchildren Andrew (wife, Grace) Findley of Indianapolis, Indiana, Cameron (wife, Laura) McLaughlin of Windsor, Colorado, Henry (wife, Katie) McLaughlin of Ashland, Oregon, and Elizabeth Findley ’12 (husband, Anthony Vicha) of Springfield, and his great grandchildren, Dominic and Samuel Findley (Andrew), and Lillian and Vienne McLaughlin (Cameron). He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Ruth, William, and Miriam, and his beloved wife, Lucille.