Don Schumacher '65

2010 Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus
Executive Vice-President, Cretex Companies 

Don Schumacher's name graces many lists in Saint John's University annals.  Undergraduate Class of 1965.  Former faculty.  Alumni volunteer.  SJU/CSB parent.  SJU Regent.

At the SJU Homecoming banquet on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, Don Schumacher was added to the list of Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumni.  The Reger Award is the highest honor given by the Alumni Association in recognition of service to alma mater.

Dick Nigon '70 nominated Schumacher, noting his service as a capital campaign volunteer, career networker and mentor, Regent and member of the University's investment committee.

Schumacher retired from Cretex Companies in Elk River as executive vice president.  He holds a SJU economics degree and an MBA from Arizona State University.  He has served as a director and chair of the Borad of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and as a director and officer of Guardian Angels of Elk River Inc.

Schumacher and his wife, Kitty CSB '66 have four children: Greg '91, Steve '93, Dan '96 and Deb CSB '96.  Greg, a past president of the SJU Alumni Association, wrote on behalf of his siblings in support of Don's nomination: "Saint John's has a special place in his heart.  Growing up as children of a Johnnie/Bennie couple, we had countless opportunities to observe his passion for Saint John's.  The times we ran into other Johnnies stand out in our memories.  The warm greetings exchanged between fellow Johnnies and the memories the encounter would bring back for him spoke volumes about his affinity for alma mater.

"Our dad has deep convictions about the importance of giving back to Saint John's," Greg continued.  "He forged many lifelong friendships as a student at Saint John's and has dramatically expanded the network of people he calls friends within the Saint John's community through his volunteer work and participation as an engaged alumnus over the years."