About Donald C. Danielson
A man with extraordinary leadership ability in both business and civic affairs, Donald C. "Danny" Danielson also unceasingly served Indiana University through most of his life. From his time as assistant alumni secretary in 1946, through his years as a trustee of Indiana University, and as a director of the Indiana University Foundation, Mr. Danielson offered good judgement, energy, and personal resourcefulness for the betterment of his alma mater.
Born December 3, 1919, in Spring Valley, Minnesota, Mr. Danielson graduated from high school in South Dakota in 1937 and then entered the School of Education at Indiana University. Of his college years, Herman B Wells said, "Never has there been a more constructive undergraduate." The young Mr. Danielson played second base on the varsity baseball team; served as president of Sigma Chi; was vice-president of the Sphinx Club; was a member of the Blue Key scholastic fraternity; and served as assistant coach for the freshmen football team.
Soon after his graduation in 1942, Mr. Danielson entered the Navy and served on both the Atlantic and Pacific fronts. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant, senior grade. Returning to Indiana University, Mr. Danielson took a position as assistant alumni secretary. He also served as interim baseball coach during the 1948 season.
Mr. Danielson entered the business world by joining New Castle Products (now renamed Modernfold) as a salesman. In 1969 he was elected president of the company. Seven years later, he changed careers and entered the world of investment banking as a senior vice-president with City Securities Corporation of Indianapolis, and was later a vice chairman of the Board of Directors.
During his years in business, Mr. Danielson provided strong leadership for Indiana University, as member (1959-1980) and president (1969-80) of the Trustees; as volunteer for the 150th Birthday Fund campaign (1970); and as vice-chairman of the Campaign for Indiana (1984-89). His labors for the university have borne rich fruit. According to Curt Simic, president of the IU Foundation, "Danny's generosity, his leadership, energy, and personal resourcefulness have left an indelible imprint on this institution."
Service and commitment have also characterized Mr. Danielson's relations with his community. He served as chairman or director of a number of national and local civic organizations, and in 1990 was appointed to the Credit Standards Advisory Commission by President George Bush.
At Indiana University, Mr. Danielson was a member of the President's Council, the Well House Society, Twelfth Man Club, Pacesetters, the Society for the Friends of Music, James Whitcomb Riley Children's Foundation Board of Governors, a Director of the Indiana University Foundation, Walther Cancer Institute Foundation Inc., Indianapolis Rotary Club - Paul Harris Fellow, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, Henry County Community Foundation, and I-Men. In appreciation of his outstanding service, the university honored him with the Zora C. Clevenger Award, the President's Medal of Excellence, the University Medal, and the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. He received numerous awards for service in his community, including the Volunteer Fund Raiser Award, the Jefferson Award, and the SPORT MAGAZINE Service Award. For his contributions to the state, he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by the governor of Indiana. In 2010, Mr. Danielson was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame.
