Alumnus Paying it Forward for 55-Consecutive Years

After earning his undergraduate degree, Warner continued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees. In 1974, he began his career in educational administration as an assistant junior high school principal in Flossmoor, Ill. Soon after, Warner accepted an opportunity that would take him to North Dakota, a state he would ultimately call home for decades.

“It was 50 years this past August when I took a position in education in Fargo, North Dakota, and I am still here all these years later,” explained Warner. “The years go quickly, but it feels like yesterday.”

Warner arrived in Fargo in 1976 when he was named principal at Agassiz Junior High. Following three successful years at Agassiz, Warner took over the reins at Fargo South High School in 1979. As the principal of Fargo South for 25 years, Warner led with the reputation of being compassionate yet firm, and that combination helped him connect with students in a way that motivated them to achieve many successes in their lives. Warner carried with him a focus on seeing the strong potential in each individual, qualities that stayed with him until his retirement in 2004.

“Retirement didn’t last very long for me,” explained Warner, who was inducted into the Fargo South Hall of Fame in 2005. “Just a week after retiring from Fargo South in 2004, I ended up taking an assistant professor job with Tri College University. Tri College University was a long-running academic consortium in the Fargo-Moorhead area. It included North Dakota State University (NDSU), Concordia College, and Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM).”

Known as well-read and intelligent, Warner’s ability to communicate with students, parents, teachers, and staff, was always recognized by his peers. He was widely-respected for always treating his colleagues with respect, and was always available to listen, discuss, and offer solutions.

“I taught and advised in the Educational Leadership Program within the Tri College University for seven years, and it was a great experience,” explained Warner. “After the seven years, I ended up retiring again, but still very involved in the community.”

The long-standing connection between Springfield College and the YMCA is well-documented. As a Springfield College graduate, it was only fitting that Warner is a dedicated volunteer within the YMCA, and he would explore expanded opportunities within the YMCA in Fargo.

“I got involved with what is now known as the YMCA of the Northern Sky,” explained Warner. “I have been involved with the YMCA for just about 50 years, which has led to me serving on different committees and boards for the Y.”

In retirement, Warner enjoys life with his wife Mary, who he has been married to for 55 years. Together, they have three children: Kevin, Matthew, and Kate. Warner’s supportive family allowed for him to not only engage in school activities for the 30 years serving as a principal, but they have always been in his corner during his commitment to serving as a volunteer in the community. Warner has also remained committed to paying it forward and giving back to Springfield College for 55-consecutive years. His dedication to his family and financially supporting his alma mater is something that he learned at a young age.

“I learned from my parents the importance of giving back and philanthropy was ingrained in me at an early age,” explained Warner. “I am always willing to find ways to support the College year-round, including being a part of donor challenges during the annual Giving Day in March. I was also proud to be a part of the group helping with the Class of 1967 scholarship, which was unveiled during our 50th reunion in 2017. It’s rewarding to know we are helping many students complete their degrees. In turn, those students will go out and continue their careers, and impact their communities.”

Warner is targeting to come back to the Springfield College campus in June 2027 to celebrate the Class of 1967’s 60th reunion, and once again visit a place he always considers home.

“Springfield College helped me grow and gave me a chance to educate myself,” explained Warner. “People at the College never gave up on me. I will forever be grateful, and I am always willing to help make a difference for current students at a college that made a difference for me.”