In recognition of Mary Patricia Gannon's generosity and service to the university, DePaul named the state-of-the-art concert hall in the Holtschneider Performance Center after her. The Mary Patricia Gannon Concert Hall opened in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Doug McGoldrick)CHICAGO — Mary Patricia Gannon, a longtime supporter of DePaul University who died in February 2023, committed more than $10 million to the university in her estate. The gift will be transformative for DePaul’s School of Music and will allow the school to focus on student success, faculty growth and program expansion as the school takes advantage of its location in the heart of the global musical city of Chicago.
Mary Patricia Gannon, a longtime supporter of DePaul University who died in February 2023, committed more than $10 million to the university in her estate. Gannon’s involvement with the School of Music spanned several decades, including serving on the school’s advisory board from 2004-23. (Photo courtesy of Doug McGoldrick)“Supporting music and the arts is a core part of DePaul’s liberal arts education. Our musical and theatrical performances serve as a gateway to our community, connecting our talented artists with a diverse and lively Chicago music scene,” said DePaul President Robert L. Manuel. “Mary Pat’s generous gift will continue to inspire and support future generations of world-class musicians and assist the entire university as we
Design DePaul to be the national model of higher education. We will be eternally grateful for Mary Pat’s support of DePaul University throughout her life.”
Since 2018, DePaul has completed two state-of-the-art facilities for the musical arts on the university’s Lincoln Park Campus with the construction of the Holtschneider Performance Center and the Sasha and Eugene Jarvis Opera Hall. In recognition of her generosity and service to the university, DePaul named the state-of-the-art concert hall in the Holtschneider Performance Center the Mary Patricia Gannon Concert Hall.
“Mary Pat Gannon’s devotion to helping aspiring musicians realize their dreams has culminated in this transformative gift to the School of Music,” said John Milbauer, dean of the School of Music. “As it coincides with the implementation of our new strategic plan, she will propel us forward in our goal of uniting music and mission. Her generosity will be felt by all whose lives are touched by the music-making inside Gannon Concert Hall and throughout the communities we serve.”
Gannon’s lasting connection to DePaul
Gannon Concert Hall has become a recognized performance venue in the city for showcasing a wide variety of student musicians and ensemble presentations, from the DePaul Jazz Workshop and the DePaul choirs to Ensemble 20+ and the DePaul Symphony Orchestra. Gannon Concert Hall has also hosted several internationally renowned ensembles, including the Canadian Brass and The Juilliard String Quartet, as well as many Chicago-based professional performing organizations, such as Chamber Music Chicago, Ensemble Dal Niente, Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Civitas, Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and Windy City Performing Arts Ensembles.
An ardent supporter of the performing arts and social causes throughout Chicago, Gannon had deep ties to DePaul and its Vincentian mission. She worked closely with then DePaul President the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., as performing arts committee chair of the university’s Many Dreams, One Mission comprehensive campaign, which raised $333 million.
Gannon’s involvement with the School of Music spanned several decades, including serving on the school’s advisory board from 2004-23. At the school’s 2022 Spring Gala, Gannon was presented with the Pro Musica Award, which recognized her extraordinary contributions to the School of Music and the Chicago philanthropic community.
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