Joseph J. Foy, Ph.D. President | Benedictine University

Daniel L. Goodwin, an active Benedictine University Board member since 1991, passed away this weekend at the age of 80. Goodwin was Vice Chair of Benedictine’s Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Board Development Committee. He was also a member of several other committees, including the Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, and Finance and Audit Committee.

Goodwin's contributions to Benedictine University were considered invaluable by a wide range of people, including the University's current and past presidents and board members. He played a significant role in the design and financing of major buildings on the Lisle Benedictine University campus, such as the Birck Science Building, the Kindlon Hall of Learning, the Goodwin Hall of Business, and the Founders Woods Student Residences.

According to Benedictine University's new President Dr. Joseph Foy, Goodwin's impact on the University is palpable. Dr. Foy stated, "I learned about Dan's contributions to the University before my first visit here, but I was overwhelmed by his sheer presence when I toured the grounds and stepped into the buildings he helped develop. And his contributions were so much greater than design and architecture."

Charles Gregory, Benedictine's previous President, expressed his admiration for Goodwin, saying, "Dan was an exceptional man who was appreciated, respected and dearly valued by everyone he worked with at Benedictine. Before his life in business, Dan was a teacher, and I believe that ability to teach and inspire never left him. In this way, he was the greatest teacher in my life. We will all miss him so much."

Kathleen Donofrio, a current Benedictine board member, also mourned the loss of Goodwin, describing him as an inspiring man who challenged others to greatness. She acknowledged his significant contributions to the development of Benedictine University and the bright future he helped provide for many students through his generosity.

William Carroll, President Emeritus of Benedictine University, emphasized Goodwin's impact on the institution, stating, "A successful university does not happen in a leaderless vacuum. It is made up of talented faculty, seasoned administrators, and a dedicated board of trustees that steers the institution to the realization of a shared vision. In my 20 years as president, Dan Goodwin enabled Benedictine to be the best it could be. His wisdom, philanthropy, and friendship were omnipresent. He exemplified what a board member should be. He will surely be missed, but we are all better because he shared his time with us."

In addition to his contributions to Benedictine University, Goodwin served on the boards of more than a dozen nonprofit charities and civic organizations. He was the CEO of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies Inc., a multi-billion dollar real estate and financial organization located in Oak Brook. Goodwin's civic and charitable work earned him 65 awards over the years.

Services for Daniel L. Goodwin will be held on February 3, 2024, at 11:30 am at St. Mary of Gostyn Church in Downers Grove. Visitation will be held on February 2, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Knollcrest Funeral Home in Lombard.