Grandillo installed as school chief

LIVONIA, Michigan A Michigan university led by the Felician Sisters founded 78 years ago installed its seventh president Saturday, a former resident of Tiffin. Michael Grandillo accepted his role as the first lay president of Madonna University. Grandillo has more than 35 years of experience in higher education in academic leadership, recruitment, enrollment management, public relations and advancement. “I accept this chain of office with humility and honor and embrace the responsibilities it represents with devotion and determination,” Grandillo said. Grandillo said the story of Madonna embodies the American experience of immigration, economic freedom and freedom from religious persecution. “Most importantly, it embodies the powerful example of the Felician charism, the Franciscan spirit and the spirit of Catholic Education,” he said. Prior to coming to Madonna University, Grandillo served as interim vice president at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He also served as president and CEO of Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, vice president for development and public affairs at Tiffin University and director of development at Heidelberg College. William Cassell, president emeritus of Heidelberg University, read remarks during Grandillo’s installation ceremony. Cassell said in his 22 years of presidency at two institutions, Grandillo was one of the best hires he had made in his life. “I have seen many university and college presidents and have not seen a new president better prepared than Mike Grandillo,” Cassell said. Cassell also read remarks from two president emeritus’ of Tiffin University, George Kidd and Paul Marion. Cassell said “President Kidd said Grandillo could see beyond the pieces, that is first student oriented with the skills to move the institution forward.” “Marion said he credits Grandillo for the dramatic growth at TU, in the institutions academic programs, student services and facilities,” Cassell said. “Here at Madonna, our education is a profound expression of who we are as a people,” Grandillo said. “This is more than a university; it is a community of faith and family. As it is written, ‘To be learned is good if you harken unto the counsels of God.” Grandillo said it is important to take in the wisdom of those who built Madonna over the years. “The quality of a Madonna education is powerful and is always an expression of the universal values of the Catholic Church,” Grandillo said. Grandillo said Madonna University will remain focused on the added value for student success. “Our students are not preparing for a future that needs only a thin set of skills,” he said. Education still is one of the most precious gifts that can be offered, Grandillo said.