Nick Paolella Supports Loras in Honor of Mentor

Dominic “Nick” Paolella (’56)

Chicago native Dominic “Nick” Paolella (’56) had never heard of Loras College until he visited a friend from home who was a year ahead of him. “He invited me to campus for the weekend, and I had a wonderful time,” Nick says. “I knew after my visit I wanted to attend.” A child of first-generation Italian Americans, Nick was the first member of his immediate and extended family to graduate from college. “Loras provided me with a wonderful education and set me on a path to success.”

A loyal annual supporter for 50 years, Nick has also named Loras a beneficiary of retirement plan assets and recently established a charitable gift annuity (CGA). “In addition to wanting to support Loras, we set up a CGA with the College because of the attractive annuity rate and charitable deduction. My wife and I will also receive quarterly distributions for life,” says Nick, who has chosen to leave their gift unrestricted because “We want Loras to use our gift where it is most needed.”

As a student, Nick participated in wrestling, golf and intramural sports and was his freshman class vice president. “I so value the camaraderie and friendships formed at Loras,” he says. “There are people from college that I still talk to every day or every week. We made lifelong bonds.” A favorite memory was seeing then Senator John F. Kennedy deliver the Class of 1956 commencement address.

After Loras, Nick became a construction manager—supervising the construction of interstates and bridges all over the country. Later, he co-founded and served as vice president of Jon-Don, a leading distributor of products for the professional and institutional cleaning industry. He and his wife Judy celebrate their 59th anniversary this October and have six children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“Loras kept me on track and provided the framework for me to be a good person,” Nick says. “I was a tough kid from Chicago and a regular guest of JUG detention. Father Ed Sullivan, the Dean of Men, took me under his care and provided guidance after I was suspended for two weeks during my freshman year. I owe a great deal to him for setting me straight and seeing something in me. He is an important factor in why I feel like I owe so much to Loras.”

Nick encourages others to consider giving back to Loras for all it provided to them. “Loras College has helped make you the person you are today,” he says. “Give a small amount or whatever you can, but just start giving.”