Reaction came quickly today following word that Danville philanthropist Julius W. Hegeler II had died. ‘’DACC is a major piece of the legacy Julius has left to our community,’’ said Danville Area Community College President Stephen Nacco in a message sent to faculty, staff and board members. ‘’His name will live forever at the College – in the buildings bearing his name, in the Garden Gateway, and in the permanent display of his Korean War medals and Air Force uniform,’’ said Nacco.
‘’Please keep his loved ones in your prayers as well as his legion of friends, who deeply mourn the loss of someone they knew not only as a philanthropist, business person, and war hero but also as a gentle soul who told funny stories out on his patio.’’
[In the photo Hegeler is at the Vermilion County War Museum with items donated from when he served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. You can click on the photo to enlarge it.]
Vicki Haugen, President of Vermilion Advantage, said it is hard to recount the endless contributions he (Hegeler) made to our community over the years. She noted that with all his efforts at the Fischer Theater, it is particularly sad that he won’t be there to see his extreme generosity come to life at the first concert in September. ‘’With all he has done, his legacy will live on indefinitely in the arts, in education and in our history of industrial evolution,’’ added Haugen.
The Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation is also the title sponsor of Balloons Over Vermilion. This year’s event takes place at the Vermilion Regional Airport next Friday and Saturday – July 12th and 13th.
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. called Hegeler’s death ”a great loss for our community. He did so much for everyone.” Williams recalled when 20 years ago Hegeler told him that he was glad to see someone from Danville — Williams — had been selected homecoming king. Williams said Hegeler told him then that if he ever needed anything to let him know. So, years later when he was the head of the Danville Boys and Girls Club Williams turned to Hegeler for support. The Mayor says Hegeler not only became a partner with the club, he also helped pay-off the mortgage on their building.
Former Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer remembers Mr. Hegeler sponsoring The Polar Express each year at the Festival of Trees. Eisenhauer read the story to the children there each year. ‘’I will always remember the smile on his face as he watched those in attendance intently listen to the story, and even bigger smile on his face while the kids screamed for Santa.”
‘’A quick drive through the community gives you some indication of his immense philanthropy with building after building bearing his name or the name of a family member. Yet he also did so much more that has a lasting impact on so many lives in the area,’’ added Eisenhauer.
‘’I, along with the community, will miss him terribly,’’ he added.
