Ralph Monical graduated from Unity High School in 1952. Upon graduation Mr. Monical attended the University of Illinois for two years prior to enlisting and serving in the Army as a Specialist 4th Class from 1954 until 1956. While serving in the Army, he received his Data Processing degree. Mr. Monical worked in data processing for Clifford and Jacobs for five years before leaving to take a position with First United Life Insurance. While employed with First United Life Insurance, he received National Recognition for the Computer Insurance Program. Mr. Monical entered the pizza business part-time in 1959. The business continued to expand and was so successful; Mr. Monical entered the pizza business full time in 1965 and established Monincal's Pizza. The 26 unit chain was sold in 1982; however, Mr. Monical continued to explore creative methods to update the techniques used for making pizza while preserving the taste. In 2002, Mr. Monical developed proprietary process for the manufacture of microwavable frozen pizzas. Currently, Stouffers Corporation uses this process. In 1999, Mr. Monical re-entered the restaurant business and currently owns Roma Ralph's Pizza in Leroy, Illinois and Zelma's Restaurant in Champaign, Illinois. In 1982 Mr. Monical established a special Central American Study Program though the University of Illinois. This program began by providing three students the opportunity to study abroad in Central America. It has continued to expand and currently sponsors 14 to 16 students a year. In appreciation of his generosity, the University of Illinois honored Mr. Monical by presenting him with a plaque which hangs in Lincoln Hall. Mr. Monical married Alicia Macz in July of 1973. He and his wife raised four children: Doug, Steve, Selena and Brodie and currently resides in Tolono.
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