UW-Green Bay celebrates its long friendship with Doris Madigan
In an intimate, private celebration at UW-Green Bay, May 12, the Madigan family, their close friends, and members of the University, remembered Doris Madigan, a devoted wife, mother and woman of influence, who had a special fondness for UW-Green Bay.
The family honored Doris with two benches in her memory that will permanently remain at the Weidner Carillon, next to the University Union. The location is appropriate because of the long-standing friendship between the families of the Weidners and the Madigans.
A dedication plate on the bench reads, “In loving memory of Doris M. Madigan ’78 and ’83. Friend and avid supporter of UW-Green Bay. 1925-2009.”
Jim Madigan said that his wife Doris, was a great friend of the institution and passionate about higher education. She paved the way for returning adult women and earned her bachelor’s degree while in her 50s.
Their bond with UW-Green Bay began when the Madigans and Reverend Richard Mauthe worked to establish the Ecumenical Center located near the University proper. The “EC” — a non-denominational theologically-based facility — continues to enrich the lives of students and community members with lectures, social events, and worship services. Mauthe and the Madigans forged a friendship with Founding UW-Green Bay Chancellor Edward Weidner, while working on a land trade for the EC.
The Madigan’s daughter, Cindy Bell, said her mom prided herself on earning both of her degrees as an adult learner, and was an inspiration to many. Like their mom, Bell (1975) and her brothers David (1985) and Jim Jr. (1980), earned their bachelor’s degrees at UW-Green Bay.
Doris Madigan was awarded a bachelor’s degree in Social Change and Development with honors, and later completed her master’s degree in Environmental Arts and Sciences. Her passion for lifelong learning led to a life interest in genealogy, and research trips to Germany, Austria, and Ireland.
The Madigans were founding members and served for many years on UW-Green Bay’s Board of Visitors and the UW-Green Bay Founders Association. They were also active on the Ecumenical Center board. The list of Doris’s activities outside of campus borders is lengthy and distinguished. Among them, she was named a Lady Grand Cross of the Holy Sepulchre by Pope Paul VI and was invested in St. Louis, Mo., by Cardinal John Carberry in 1978.
Doris and Jim are the founders of Feeco International, located just minutes from campus, which continues its strong relationship with the University through private support, hiring UW-Green Bay alumni, involving UW-Green Bay faculty members in research, and hosting UW-Green Bay interns. The company is owned by the Madigan’s, son, Dan.
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Photos by Sue Bodilly, Marketing and University Communication
