John William Diederich, a 1951 School of Journalism graduate and benefactor to the College of Communication, lost his battle with cancer Monday. He was 76.

"He loved Marquette," said Ana Garner, interim dean of the College of Communication. "He really felt a part of Marquette's mission and values. He really had passion and interest in what we do here at the College of Communication. He wanted to give back.

"He really started a transformation of this college," Garner said of the college's namesake. "It's the students he has given to."

"Great men do great things," said University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild. "Bill Diederich accomplished great things in his life — in business, with his family and through his philanthropy. His legacy will live forever here at Marquette University.

"The Marquette community mourns the death of this great man and extends our deepest sympathy to his family."

Diederich's $28 million gift to Marquette, an "act of thanksgiving" for the blessings he and his wife Mary received during their lives, was unprecedented, Wild said.

According to Brigid O'Brien Miller, director of university communication, the gift is the largest single donation in the university's history. Diederich and his wife Mary donated the money in May 2005 to help establish the college as one of the finest institutions that educates students on print, broadcast and electronic media. The college was renamed to J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication to honor its donors.

Diederich had been named the 2006 Alumnus of the Year prior to his death.

"Next month, Marquette will recognize Bill Diederich as our Alumnus of the Year, and we are very pleased that he knew of this honor prior to his death," Wild said. "In his visit to the campus last fall, he charmed students, faculty and staff with his wit, his straightforward approach and his true love of his alma mater."

"Instead of celebrating with him, we'll be celebrating his life and remembering him," Garner said. "What I remember most about Bill was that he was a very kind and caring person, tied to his values and beliefs. While he did have a great deal of money, that was not what motivated him. He really did embody Marquette's idea of what the whole person should be."

Diederich served as an executive for Landmark Communications Inc., which owns the Weather Channel and other related media, until his retirement in 1990. A native of Ladysmith, Wis., he is survived by his wife, Mary, a 1952 graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences, 13 children and 21 grandchildren, according to an obituary in the Virginian-Pilot. His son, Charles Diederich, could not be reached for comment.