Along with other members of the DePaul community, Donald Casey, former dean for the School of Music, led the initiative to raise the funds to support the construction of Holtschneider Performance Center. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
It is with sadness we have learned of the death of Donald Casey, former dean for the School of Music. He died on Sept. 20 near his home in Western Massachusetts after a brief illness. He was 72.
An accomplished scholar and conductor, Casey led the school from 1995 until his retirement in 2014. Upon joining the university, he immediately began molding the School of Music into the program it is today.
During his tenure he helped transform the School of Music through his vision for the undergraduate and graduate curricula and through fundraising. He facilitated the expansion of the Community Music Program, which provides music instruction and instruments to children from Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood. He also helped initiate and produce Christmas at DePaul, which has grown into one of the university’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Along with other members of the DePaul community, Casey led the initiative to raise the funds to support the construction of Holtschneider Performance Center. Opened in 2018, the performance center houses concert halls and studios dedicated to both teaching and performance.
Casey is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter, Erin, and two grandsons. Information about services will be shared when it is available.