Better know a Gus Donhowe

We've been learning a lot about ASR units. Now, let's take a more in-depth look at a former University staff member and how he contributed to the institution.

For two short but productive years, a caramel-roll-loving, bow-tie-aficionado financial manager was the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations at the University. The late Gus Donhowe, born Gordon Melburn Donhowe, served in both the private and public sector, but he preferred to use his skills for the greater good of the public.

Gus Donhowe with bow tie, sans caramel roll.

Donhowe received his bachelor of arts in history from St. Olaf college in Northfield, Minnesota in 1951. Afterward, he attended the University and received his master's in economics. Aside from academics, Donhowe also spent two years in the Army (1953-55) as a corporal.

After his military service, he joined Pillsbury Company for 27 years, ending his tenure as the Vice President of Finance. Under former Governor Rudy Perpich, Donhowe became the Minnesota State Commissioner of Finance from 1983-85. In 1985, he became Chief Executive Officer of the Fairview Hospital system.

During President Nils Hasselmo's tenure as president, Donhowe was named senior VP in January 1989 for a temporary one-year appointment. This caused some campus controversy, because he was not one of the finalists recommended for the position by a University search committee. In fact, he was a member of the search committee itself, charged with finding a candidate for the position for which he was hired. Some thought President Hasselmo's decision was politically charged, because Perpich (Donhowe's friend and adviser) threatened to withhold funding until the University addressed financial management problems.

In reply to this, President Hasselmo was quoted in the Minnesota Daily on February 8, 1989 saying, "It became clear to me that this assignment requires a person who comes down sprinting--not just running."

After a national search, Donhowe was named the senior VP in May of 1990. By all accounts, Donhowe was a humble, intelligent, efficient businessman, and one that people respected and liked. A Minnesota Monthly article from April 1989 said, "Donhowe dismisses much of the praise he's gotten, saying he will not be able to simply 'wave a wand' and make the University's fiscal credibility problems disappear."

After only two years as senior VP, Donhowe passed away in January of 1991 from a brain aneurysm while skiing with his family in Wisconsin. A Daily article from January 23, 1991 said, "'The University of Minnesota has lost a tough leader and a devoted friend,' President Hasselmo said. 'Donhowe was key in the U's restructuring and reallocation efforts,' Hasselmo said, 'and the best way to honor him is to 'get on with the unfinished agenda he has left us.'"

In his two year tenure, Donhowe accomplished the following:
- Played a large part in helping the University redirect its resources as part of an overall restructuring of programs
- Guided the revamping of the University's budgeting processes
- Begun an investigation into alternative sources of steam to heat and cool University buildings
- Appointed a task force to examine University health insurance
- Led implementation of a computerized financial system
- Helped lead work toward a renovation and construction of new athletic facilities at the University (new arena and improve Williams Arena without relying on state money)
- Led the most successful charity donation program in the University's history in 1990

A "Bow Tie Club" was formed by those who reported directly to Donhowe. Assistant Vice President Neil Bakkenist presented bow ties to President Hasselmo and Regent Chuck Casey in honor of Donhowe. Also in memory of Donhowe, his love of bowties and caramel rolls was commemorated at the University when the "Bowtie Bakery" was named after him in October 1991.

Before Donhowe ever came to the University, though, he had ties to it. He met his wife Ruth at the University's Northrop Auditorium. The two of them both enjoyed living near the St. Paul campus in St. Anthony Park, of which Donhowe was a resident for more than 30 years. In his honor, there is an annual Gus Donhowe Memorial Concert held in St. Anthony Park.

At the time of his death, Donhowe had two daughters, Margit Shippee and Lis Christenson, a son Michael, and one grandson.