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BORN
1941
DIED
2023
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David O'Donnell Obituary
O'Donnell
August 31, 1941
December 6, 2022
David D. O'Donnell, age 81, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away on December 6, 2022. Born to Ferd and Angelina O'Donnell in Washington DC, he was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
His over 30-year career was marked by extensive CEO/COO expertise in proprietary post-secondary education from 1975 to his retirement in 2011. He often commented that academia was not merely a vocation for him, but rather an avocation. His years as chairman of the board and CEO of Colorado Technical University were near and dear to his heart. Students and employees alike appreciated David's open-door policy.
David served the community in many capacities, including as the director of The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce (1995-96). He served The ARC of the Pikes Peak Region with pride. He was a board member 2003-201l, becoming its president in 2011.
Among the numerous awards David received throughout his career were the Easter Seals local division's 1991 Volunteer of the Year for his roles as chairman and host of the local telethon; the Colorado Springs Better Business Bureau Excellence in Customer Service Award in 1995; and a NAACP's National President's Award and Educational Award in1993 and1994.
David always tried to turn any conflict into a win-win situation. It has been said that he was a difficult man to get to know, but a person couldn't find a more loyal friend and confidant. He was a person of unimpeachable integrity and was beyond generous with his family and others. He loved to fish, travel, and discuss business with anyone.
David is survived by his wife, Judy, sons Danny and Richard, sister Sally, granddaughters Chelsea and Ariana, three stepsons and seven step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Sean.
David was a proud United States Marine (1961-65). He carried many of the teachings of the USMC with him throughout his life. He will be laid to rest with full Marine Honors in the Columbarium at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs on February 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to The ARC of the Pikes Peak Region.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David O'Donnell
3 Entries
Prof. Emeritus Don G. Schley, PMP
March 24, 2023
David O'Donnell was the man who built Colorado Technical University into a national recognized institution. He had an incomparable vision of academic and professional excellence on the one hand, and student success on the other. He had a palpable presence when he was on campus: you could feel it, even if you could not see him. He hired a world-class faculty who were required to be active practitioners in their fields and they had to be excellent classroom instructors, too. He kept administrative costs to a minimum in order to hold down student costs. He was a gruff, tough, able leader, who also cared deeply about the university, its mission and its students. He was a big-hearted man who could put past differences aside (I should know, because we had ours at the beginning, but became friends along the way.). An organizational genius, he built CTU as a circular, flat organization with a disciplined ethos of service to students. The world is a poorer place without him.
Yvonne Robertson
January 31, 2023
DOD -
It was a heck of a ride!!.
Thanks for having the vision and leading us on the journey.................AND, the memories!
- YR
Tim Hickey
January 27, 2023
In memorial of a good man. I was a student at Colorado Tech, from 1987 to 1993. I had numerous interactions with David over the years. He was always a great listener and worked for the win-win scenarios. I would say that he help me to graduate and get my life moving in a positive direction. He was a friend and mentor to me during those years at Colorado tech. I am sad to hear of his passing, but the good memories of my interactions will help to remember he with a happy thoughts.
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Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens25203 E US HIGHWAY 50, Lees Summit, MO 64086
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