Trustee, alumnus Fred Wackerle continues support of Monmouth College
with latest gift of $1.5 million

A retired executive search consultant, Fred Wackerle '61 has devoted 22 years to the Monmouth College board of trustees and was responsible for establishing a career and leadership center on campus in 1996.

May 23, 2001

The Wackerle name is associated with leadership at Monmouth College, and the man responsible for creating the school’s Wackerle Career and Leadership Center in 1996 has stepped into a prominent role for his alma mater once again, pledging more than $1.5 million to Monmouth College.

“We are delighted that Fred Wackerle has decided to make this tremendously generous gift,” said President Richard F. Giese. “Throughout the years, Fred has been a very loyal and enthusiastic supporter of Monmouth College. He’s donated his resources, his ideas and his time to help our students develop, pursue and obtain professional interests and careers. He’s an outstanding example of what is possible with a Monmouth College education.”

Wackerle is the retired CEO of Fred Wackerle, Inc., a Chicago-based executive search consulting firm specializing in CEO succession. Wackerle graduated from Monmouth in 1961 and entered executive search in 1964. He went on to be named one of the nation’s top five general management search consultants and was a frequent speaker and writer on CEO succession. His book, titled “The Right CEO: Straight Talk About Making Tough CEO Selection Decisions,” will be published by Jossey-Bass in October. He’s also served on Monmouth College’s board of trustees for 22 years, the last seven on the executive committee.

In 1996, Wackerle and the college combined their efforts to create the career center that bears his name. The Wackerle Center is committed to helping students explore their career and leadership potential through service learning, involvement, career development and leadership development programs. Wackerle has also endowed the Buck-Wackerle Scholarship in honor of his parents.

“Monmouth College made a commitment to educate me and, in doing so, gave me a nurturing environment in which to grow, learn and mature,” said Wackerle. “The college has blessed me with a lifetime of memories. The Wackerle Center, and now this gift, are two ways that I’m able to give something back.”

Wackerle’s donation consists of an estate gift and cash.