Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Second Founder Of Gonzaga University

Harry F. Magnuson's civic passion was Gonzaga University. When in the 1960s the Jesuit university found itself in dire financial straits, and banks calling in credit, Magnuson personally guaranteed the school's debts. A Gonzaga trustee for some 40 years -- and the university's first lay trustee -- Magnuson was presented with Gonzaga's highest honor, the Desmet Medal, during commencement ceremonies last year. Gonzaga President, Fr. Robert Spitzer, said of the university's benefactor that if Gonzaga had a second founder, it was Harry Magnuson. Last November, the university dedicated the Harry and Colleen Magnuson Theatre in their honor Harry Magnuson is survived by his wife, Colleen Burns Magnuson, sons James, Thomas and John, and daughters Kathleen and Mary Elizabeth. Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Aloysius at Gonzaga University. .

Link (here)

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