Commemorating Donald T. Cahill, Ed.D. (1946–2007) Ensuring the legacy of Don Cahill is honored within the new Dr. Richard and Leslie Ridenour Science Center
Science Facility
Commemoration Opportunity If you knew Donald T. Cahill as an acquaintance, friend, family member, comrade, colleague, mentor or leader, one thing is very clear…he could make an impression, he could get things done, and he impacted lives. His larger-than-life persona and no-holds-barred approach, coupled with his irreverently clever wit and bold personality, left many loving him, and others challenged by him; while convinced to leave a donation for the cause. These unmistakable Cahill qualities have made an indelible imprint, and left so very many of us forever changed for having known him. In an effort to acknowledge Don’s lasting impact, we are seeking your support to commemorate his legacy through designated space in the Dr. Richard and Leslie Ridenour Science Center. Your contribution will enhance the academic experience and acknowledge the significance of Don’s contributions to the Marian University and Fond du Lac communities, as well as to his dear friend and leader, Dr. Richard Ridenour. Please consider honoring Don's memory. Like Don, the goal is bold. We recognize he would expect nothing less. This ensures his name is appropriately displayed in the Dr. Richard and Leslie Ridenour Science Center. Sincerely,
Stacey Akey Vice President — Alumni, Institutional Partnerships, and Career Services Interim Vice President — Advancement
Cahill’s Legacy July 29, 2017 marked the 10-year anniversary of Don Cahill’s passing, a man who impacted the Marian community. As the time has passed, our community continues to honor and reflect upon his successes and memorable relationships. Through Don's dedication, coupled with his strong relationship with Dr. Richard Ridenour, Marian University reached new levels, which we continue to build on today. With strong Catholic roots and a great devotion to his family (his mother Alice, wife Carole, son Donald, and grandson Michael), Don lived a purpose-filled life, exhibiting passion for his work. Don’s deep passion for Marian University was acknowledged as Carole reflected, “Don was never happier, personally or professionally, than while he was working at Marian and with Dr. Ridenour.”
The Marian Campaign The continuation of Marian’s success from the era of Ridenour and Cahill can be seen through the recent announcement of “The Marian Campaign: Inspired Students. Stronger Community.” This $13 million project has students at its focus and will serve to advance the University by raising funds to expand our Science Center and provide endowed student scholarship funds. A forward-thinking mindset focused on growth and innovation is the motivation for a campaign that will provide high-quality educational experiences for generations to come. The current Science Hall is a facility with great opportunity for improvement — an opportunity being met with a $13 million project plan to create state-of-the-art laboratory spaces for classroom instruction and research, along with additional student space for interaction and collaborative learning. To see renderings of the new Dr. Richard and Leslie Ridenour Science Center click here.
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Be strategic.
Cahil -isms The time of Ridenour and Cahill Dr. Ridenour’s energy and passion for Marian University brought significant growth and rejuvenation to the campus between 1997 and 2006, establishing a legacy of unparalleled academic achievement and success; however, Dr. Ridenour would be quick to acknowledge Dr. Donald Cahill as a friend, partner, and confidant in advancing Marian University during his presidency. Commemorating these accomplishments, the new Science Center is proudly named in honor or Dr. Ridenour and his wife, Leslie. Serving as executive vice president for advancement at Marian, Don contributed greatly to the University’s development: exceeding the capital campaign; increasing enrollment; enhancing student-dedicated programs, athletics, and facilities; and improving the University. Together, the vision for Marian became reality. This dynamic duo was a powerful force in enacting positive change at Marian University.
Ask yourself: What are the three to five things that really matter? Get the first done, get a plan to do the next and, by then, the rest will have fallen off the table.
Personal impact “Cahill was...a vital member of our executive leadership team who demonstrated practical problem-solving ability and a willingness to tackle straight-on the most challenging problems. Our time at Marian would not have been nearly as successful without him. We were a true team!”
Dr. Richard I. Ridenour Marian University President Emeritus (President 1997–2006) Who has had the greatest influence on your career? “That would be Don Cahill. Don was a mentor, colleague and friend. He taught me how to take challenges head-on, the value of listening to donors and staff, and he gave me the ability to succeed and learn from failure.”
Eric Tillich
Former Marian University Assistant Vice President of Advancement (2000–04) Current President/CEO of Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (Feb 20-Mar 5, 2017 BizTimes Milwaukee)
Accomplishments at Marian University Set records each year in student applications and in the size of both traditional and non-traditional student incoming classes, reaching an all-time high enrollment of 3,046 students.
Title III
Secured its first Department of Education Strengthening Institutions Title III grant.
Established the college’s first endowed professorships. Increased the endowed and invested funds from $0.4 million to over $11 million in less than six years.
Completed an extensive information technology plan to update technological resources for connection between students, faculty, and staff.
Life at a Glance Served our country in the Vietnam War
1966–68
Received Army Commendation Medal
Cahil -isms
Graduated from Queens College, City University of New York
Job success.
If everybody likes you, then you’re not doing your job.
1975 1968–75 Director of public affairs for American Arbitration Association in New York Director of corporate relations in development office at Northwestern University
Director of corporation relations at Case Western Reserve University
Cahil -isms
1975–78 1978–81
Motto to live by:
Associate dean for administration and external relations at the Kellogg School
Do things right; do the right thing.
1981–87 1987–90 President of Northwestern Memorial Foundation
1991–95 1996–99
To learn more contact:
Owner — Printing Company, Illinois
Stacey Akey
Foundation president for City Colleges of Chicago
sakey@marianuniversity.edu 920.923.7652
1999–2005 Executive vice president of Marian College
2005–07
Chief philanthropy officer at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Aurora Health Care Foundation
45 S. National Ave. Fond du Lac. WI 54935 marianuniversity.edu Founded 1936 Sponsored by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes
Accomplishments at Marian University Under the leadership of Dr. Ridenour, with the help of Don Cahill, Marian University:
Constructed Smith Fields soccer and softball complex.
Completed and exceeded a $16 million capital campaign, the largest in the college’s history, resulting in the innovative Stayer Center for Technology and Executive Learning.
Implemented a series of successful academic programs: Honors, Applied Information Technology, a dual-track Masters of Science in Nursing and articulation agreements with Wisconsin technical colleges.
Established and received approval for its first doctoral level program.
Established and secured the Working Families Grant program for single parents pursuing an undergraduate degree.