Donald C. “Danny” Danielson was well-known for his business leadership and generous support of individuals and organizations in the state of Indiana and beyond. He began a long and rewarding career with Modernfold, Inc., in 1948, in charge of sales, and later served as president of the company, based in New Castle, Ind. During his tenure at Modernfold, Danielson led the development of a new industry whose product, the Modernfold Door, transformed the way businesses, schools, and churches utilized interior space.

A career move in 1976 led Danielson to City Securities Corporation in Indianapolis, where he served as vice chairman since 1981. At City Securities, he led a succession plan for CEO and president that selected leaders who have more than doubled revenues and earnings.

A graduate of Indiana University, Danielson remained a lifelong champion of his alma mater, serving as a member of the Indiana University board of trustees from 1959-1980 and as chairman of the board for 11 years. He served as vice chairman of the Campaign for Indiana and co-chairman of the Endowment Campaign for Indiana University, both of which far exceeded fundraising goals.

Danielson was deeply involved in his community and served on the boards of numerous organizations. Just a few brief examples illustrate how significant his impact has been in the state of Indiana and the nation:

• He served as chairman of the National Board of Trustees of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from 1983-1987, during a time when the ministry more than doubled in size.
• He was appointed in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush to the Credit Standards Advisory Committee.
• He received two Sagamore of the Wabash awards, and in 2009, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels named him the recipient of the Sachem Award, the state’s highest honor given annually in recognition of a lifetime of excellence and personal virtue that reflects credit and honor upon the state.
• In 2010, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame.
• He was the Indianapolis Business Journal‘s Healthcare Heroes Recipient in 2004.
• Together with his wife, Patricia, he led a $5.5 million campaign to build a new YMCA in New Castle, Ind.

Danielson was a friend and admirer of Dr. Joseph E. Walther and served on the Board of Directors of the Walther Cancer Foundation, which he joined at inception in 1985. He was a great proponent of Hoosier Cancer Research Network since its founding and, through the Foundation, a major contributor to the organization.

Danielson followed a clear principle when considering whether to support an organization. “The first question I ask myself is, ‘Have I benefited from this organization?’ And if so, shouldn’t I feel some obligation to pay back?” That philosophy guided his lifelong dedication to and support of Indiana University, the Walther Cancer Foundation, and many other organizations.

In 2013, Danielson established, through the Walther Cancer Foundation, the Danny Danielson Translational Innovation Award. Hoosier Cancer Research Network is deeply grateful to Danielson for establishing this award, which supports correlative research by investigators working in partnership with HCRN.