Don Washkewicz was born in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He was naturally inquisitive from a young age. From humble beginnings and being one of six children, Don worked hard for everything he earned. In 1972, he graduated from Cleveland State University (CSU) with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Little did he know, CSU’s Fenn College of Engineering would later be renamed the Washkewicz College of Engineering in his honor. Don also earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Case Western Reserve University and was honored with their Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2004, he received an honorary Doctor of Engineering from his alma mater, Cleveland State University.
Don began his unparalleled engineering career at Parker Hannifin in the Hose Products Division located in Cleveland, Ohio. As Don climbed the corporate ladder, he remained steadfast to one company, Parker Hannifin, throughout his entire career. In 2000, he was named President of Parker and served as Chief Executive Officer from 2001-2015. His ‘WIN’ strategy propelled Parker to global success. Don’s extraordinary leadership and commitment to Parker’s growth turned the company into a multi-billion dollar global technology company.
Don is not only a global leader, but also a personable role model and selfless philanthropist in the community. He is a loving family man and a devoted father, grandfather, and husband of 45 years to his wife Pam. Don has a huge heart and a kind, generous, and giving soul. He is a man of Christian faith and strong conviction. Although extremely accomplished, he is most known for being genuine, down to earth, and humble. Since his retirement in 2016, he enjoys boating, golfing, traveling, and spending quality time with family in Florida.
One of Don’s greatest passions is his interest in complementary and alternative medicine. He enjoys networking with physicians and researchers who share similar ideas about holistic medicine and treating the body as a whole system. Combined with Don’s natural affinity to help people, he introduced thousands of employees to holistic wellness through Parker programs, which became a way to enrich their lives. In the same caring and generous way, the Don Washkewicz Honorary Scholarship will support those seeking support to heal themselves as a whole person. His family is honored to establish this named scholarship, as part of ServiceSource’s Community Assistance Endowment, in his name to support individuals in perpetuity as they enrich their lives through holistic health, medical and/or therapeutic needs and services.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Don Washkewicz Honorary Scholarship, visit www.servicesource.org/donate. Please note Washkewicz in the memo line or designation comment box.
This scholarship is made possible by the Community Assistance Endowment through the ServiceSource Foundation. To learn more, visit www.servicesource.org/community-assistance-endowment/
