ABOUT THE ENDOWMENT
What is the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies?
Father Don established the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies endowment to provide a space for students, faculty, and staff at Colorado State University to engage in academic pursuits and open conversations about the history and rich theological tradition of the Catholic Church.
For Father Don, an important part of life was asking questions of ourselves: how to get along with people; how to be accepting; how to live a more meaningful life.
It was Father Don’s hope that this position and program will be a catalyst for dialogue and conversation that will enrich the “humanness” of students and faculty on campus, and engage the greater Fort Collins community through lectures and other initiatives.
With this new program, students will have the opportunity to wonder, ask questions, and listen to others with respect to issues of morality and moral theology.
What will the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies faculty member do?
The faculty member will have a deep knowledge of Catholicism and commitment to advancing scholarly and public understanding of Catholicism.
The inaugural Willette Endowed Professor will provide a model of how to explore and discuss religion-society issues publicly in a mutually-beneficial way. The faculty member will develop and teach courses that engage students in understanding of Catholic philosophical traditions.
The search for the Willette Endowed Position completed in Spring 2023. Professor Joel Bacon was named the Fr. Don Willette Chair of Catholic Studies.
How can I make an impact on the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies?
There are many unique ways you can make a gift to the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies.
Make your check out to “CSU Foundation” with “Willette Endowment” in the subject line. Mail to:
Colorado State University Foundation
P.O. Box 1870
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Transformational Giving
Thinking about joining Father Don with a gift of $5,000 or more?
Payment Plan: Make your cash gift in increments over multiple years
Estate Giving: Include the Willette Endowment in your estate plans through a living trust, donating a life insurance policy, or inclusion in your will
Securities: Gift through stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other securities
Thanks to the support of generous donors, we have raised an additional $54,000 for the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies Endowment!
Questions? Contact Kevin Weaver at (970) 491-5120 or Kevin.Weaver@colostate.edu.
“I like to think of the university as a place where various scientists, students, and faculty can search for wisdom, try to figure out how everything fits together. I’ve always believed that theology should be taught as a science. I’m hoping that the Father Don Willette Professor of Theological Studies will give students the opportunity to learn how to wonder, to ask critical questions.”
—Father Don Willette
ABOUT FATHER DON
For 10 years, Father Don Willette served as pastor at St. John XXIII University Parish in Fort Collins, CO.
During this time, he provided oversight to a multi-faceted program in campus ministry, facilitating up to six missionaries with Fellowship of Catholic University Students and missionary trips to developing countries, along with a variety of other outreach efforts.
Prior to entering studies for the Priesthood, Father Don served for 15 years in the U.S. Air Force with three tours in Vietnam. After ordination in 1984, he served an additional 15 years as a chaplain in the Colorado Air National Guard and Reserves, earning the rank of colonel in retirement.
Father Don passed away in May 2023.
Read more about Father Don Willette and his new endowment:
Retired Pastor's Nearly $1M Donation will Fund Colorado State Faculty Position that Examines God –The Denver Post
Retired Catholic Priest Donates Nearly $1 Million to Colorado State University– Coloradoan
Not Your Everyday Priest, Not Your Everyday Gift – College of Liberal Arts Magazine
Father Don Willette enters eternal life at 81 years old– Denver Catholic