A Memoir of Adoption, Identity, and the Relationships that Define Family

Marian University will welcome author and Marian University instructor Rick Parks for a book signing celebrating the recent publication of his first book, Sons of Other Fathers, published by Little Creek Press. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 29 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the dining room, inside the Stayer Center. (map). There will be a reception from 4 – 5 p.m., followed by a book talk and signing at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

Parks, the retired CEO of Society Insurance, currently teaches in the  Risk Management and Insurance program part-time at Marian University. During his career in Fond du Lac, he became deeply involved in the community, serving with organizations including the American Red Cross, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Fond du Lac Area United Way, UW Fond du Lac Foundation, and Moraine Park Technical College Foundation. He also served on the task force that successfully merged the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce with the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Council to create Envision Greater Fond du Lac.

The book signing will provide guests with an opportunity to meet Parks, learn more about his writing journey, and purchase a copy of Sons of Other Fathers signed by the author. Parks has long enjoyed reading and writing in his leisure time and was a frequent blogger during his insurance career. He has also been published in several business-related journals, writing primarily about leadership, resilience, and living your best life.

Parks’ first book explores the theme of family and the influence of fathers and father figures. His next book project, Son of a Son of a Storyteller, continues that theme through family stories spanning generations, from his grandfather, whom he describes as a master storyteller, to experiences from his own life.

 Parks currently lives in West Bend with his wife of 46 years, Joni, and near their adult sons, Matt and Kyle.

For more information about Marian University, please visit marianuniversity.edu. 

Sons of Other Fathers, a book written by Rick Parks. Parks will host a book signing at Marian University’s Stayer Center on Tuesday, September 29, from 4 – 6 p.m.

Date posted: September 24, 2026