wfn.org | John Sagan, United Methodist higher education supporter, dead at 78

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Dec. 29, 1999 News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally (615)
742-5470(10-71B){683}

By United Methodist News Service

John Sagan, 78, a former automobile executive who has been a strong
supporter of United Methodist Higher Education, died Dec. 23 in Dearborn,
Mich.

Sagan was a member of the Endowment Fund Campaign Committee for Africa
University, the United Methodist Foundation for Christian Higher Education
board, and the investment committee for the churchwide Board of Higher
Education and Ministry. 

His association with Africa University began in 1988 when he became a member
of the endowment campaign committee, according to James H. Salley,
Nashville, Tenn., the university's  Associate Vice Chancellor for
Institutional Advancement.

Salley described Sagan  as a visionary and "Mr. Positive."

"John was a firm and compassionate voice on the committee and helped
implement a sustaining scholarship initiative that yields in excess of
$150,000 annually," Salley said.  "He was a major donor and provided
contacts for us in our major donor solicitation."

Born March 9, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, Sagan earned his undergraduate
degree from United Methodist-related Ohio Wesleyan University his M.A. and
Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois.  

He was employed by Ford Motor Company from 1951 to 1986, serving as vice
president and treasurer from 1969 to 1986.  Among the many organizations he
served, Sagan was chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Chicago and the
Ohio Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.

He is survived by his wife Margaret; two sons, John R. and Scott D.; a
daughter, Linda M. Sagan-Harrier; two sisters, and nine grandchildren. 

Memorial services will be held Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist
Church, Dearborn.
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United Methodist News Service
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