Dan Maguire always believed in the power of building and getting involved. “In my life, being involved is one of the necessary ingredients,” said Dan, a retired civil engineer and general contractor whose career, culminating as president & CEO and later vice chair of Executive Construction, Inc., helped shape commercial landscapes across the greater Chicago region and country. Since retiring in 2008, Dan’s focus has shifted to strengthening the community he calls home.

Not long after stepping back from his career, Dan accepted an invitation to join DuPage Foundation’s Board of Trustees, which sparked years of service. He served as Board Chair and continues to play active roles as a Trustee Emeritus and Investment Committee member.

“Being part of this [volunteer work] gives you perspective on the level of need,” he said. “You learn exactly who is out there that needs help. The Foundation knows the playing field, and that knowledge is invaluable.”

It’s that deep local knowledge and connection that inspired Dan to name DuPage Foundation’s Operating Endowment in his estate plan. He sees his planned gift as a lasting investment in the Foundation’s financial sustainability, supporting the people and place his late wife, Beth, cared so deeply about. Last year, he also made a significant gift to our All In DuPage campaign in her honor.

Dan with his late wife Beth at DuPage Foundation’s
30th Anniversary celebration in 2016

For Dan, philanthropy is about more than giving back. It’s about creating something lasting. He’s passed this spirit on to his adult children, Kevin and Elyse, inviting them to recommend charitable gifts through his donor-advised fund at the Foundation.

“Elyse told me that giving gifts to those in need is more fun than getting stuff,” he said. “Teaching your children to be just as giving as you is a phenomenal way to pass on your legacy.”

Dan’s journey from national builder and engineer to DuPage neighbor has been marked by purpose. “I knew a lot about Cook County, Dan said. “But once I retired, one of my goals was to really get to know DuPage. That led me here.”

Thanks to Dan’s foresight and generosity, DuPage Foundation will continue helping donors and nonprofits thrive for years to come.