R. Chad Dreier

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
January 3, 2019

Dear LMU Community:

I am saddened to share that R. Chad Dreier ’69, former trustee and board chair, board chair emeritus, alumnus, and friend, passed away on Dec. 29, 2018, after battling cancer. He was 71 years old.

During his tenure as chair of LMU’s Board of Trustees from 1998-2011, Mr. Dreier helped transform the university through his engaged leadership and philanthropic generosity. Significant achievements during his term include the acquisition of University Hall, the building of the William H. Hannon Library, the establishment of the R. Chad Dreier Chair in Accounting Ethics, and major contributions to our fundraising campaigns that expand opportunities for student learning and faculty development. Mr. Dreier provided support and counsel to three university presidents, and, together with his wife, Ginni, also a former trustee, donated approximately $8 million to our institution.

Mr. Dreier advocated for our students. He endowed the Dreier Family Accounting Scholarship, the Dreier Family Dance Scholarship, the Dreier Family School of Film and Television Scholarship, the Dreier Family Education Scholarship, and the Dreier Family AFROTC Scholarship. The Dreier family’s magnanimity and impact are felt across campus, where the Dreier name is well represented on donor walls and buildings, including the President’s Dining Suite in University Hall. A testament to their longtime support of LMU Athletics, Mr. and Mrs. Dreier established the Chad and Ginni Dreier Strength and Conditioning Center in 2011, immediately recognized as one of the top training facilities in the West Coast Conference. Mr. Dreier also participated in LMU’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon, which he often attended and offered inspiring remarks.

After graduating from Loyola University and serving as first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1972, Mr. Dreier worked at what is now Ernst & Young until the mid-70s, when he entered the home-building industry. In the early ’90s, he became president, chairman, and CEO of the Ryland Group, the seventh largest developer and builder of homes in the U.S. He retired in 2009. Mr. Dreier remained active in charitable and community organizations dedicated to literacy, education, and health-related causes. Mr. and Mrs. Dreier have been honored by the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, the Santa Barbara Police Activities League, the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara, and other organizations.

Mr. Dreier’s family is planning a celebration of life memorial next month. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mr. Dreier’s honor to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara Wellness and Support Programs.

Mr. Dreier was a familiar figure on campus—a champion Lion. His robust laugh and warm heart will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Please keep Chad, Ginni, his daughter, Kristin, his son, Douglas, their family, and his many friends in your prayers. We will long miss our dear friend.

Sincerely,

Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President