May 30, 2008

Monroe Carell honored as Nashvillian of the Year

Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register

For his contribution to philanthropic causes and business development in Nashville, Monroe Carell was honored as the Nashvillian of the Year by Easter Seals of Tennessee on May 20.

“I’m very honored to join the distinguished group of people who preceded me in receiving the honor,” said Carell, founder and former CEO of Central Parking, a Cathedral parishioner who is a major benefactor of the Diocese of Nashville.

Previous honorees have included: Mike Curb, Buddy Killen, John Seigenthaler, Amy Grant and Phil Bredesen. The former Nashvillians of the Year choose the next year’s honoree. The prestigious Nashvillian of the Year dinner raises funds for Easter Seals of Tennessee, whose mission is to “provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their community.”

Carell does not have close ties with Easter Seals, but is a major contributor to other worthy causes in Nashville. A 1959 graduate of Vanderbilt University, he has served as a member of the school’s board of trust since 1991 and currently chairs the college’s $1.75 billion capital campaign. Additionally, the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University is named for Carell.

Carell and his wife donate $50,000 annually to the diocese to fund the Ann and Monroe Carell Conferences, which bring in nationally known speakers twice a year to address parish religious educators.

One of the grant’s objectives, Monroe Carell told the Tennessee Register in 2006, is “to see children enjoy religious education the way Ann did.” Raised in the Methodist church, Ann had outstanding teachers who made religious education enjoyable, he said. The Carells also wanted their own grandchildren, who attended religious education classes at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, to have a top-notch Catholic education in the parish setting.

The Carells also donated $5 million to build Pope John Paul II High School, and fund scholarships at that high school and at St. Edward School. They also support Aquinas College, Harpeth Hall School and Ensworth High School, among others.

One of the Carells’ favorite philanthropic causes is perhaps the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation. They donated a total of $13 million to the motherhouse renovation and expansion project several years ago, and served as honorary chairpersons for the sisters’ $46 million “Behold the Heritage” capital campaign.

“We would not have our chapel if it weren’t for Ann and Monroe Carell,” said Mother Ann Marie Karlovic, O.P., prioress general of the Nashville Dominicans. She and a contingent of over 30 sisters attended the Easter Seals Nashvillian of the Year dinner honoring Carell.

“It’s wonderful that he was honored,” Mother Ann Marie said. While some people with great wealth “use their gifts selfishly,” she said, “the Carells are perfect examples of using their gifts to benefit others.”

Monroe Carell, who primarily funds causes that help children, said he was drawn to the Dominicans because of “their commitment to God and teaching children.”

Mother Ann Marie said the Dominicans consider Ann and Monroe Carell “really wonderful friends” who support the sisters with more than money. “They are supportive of vocations and really love the sisters,” she said. For example, they keep in touch with the sisters in Australia who are preparing for World Youth Day in July, Mother Ann Marie said.

“I like to say I’m the grandfather to 240 women,” said Carell, of the approximate number of Dominican sisters.

Just as Carell has been very good to the Dominican Sisters and the Diocese of Nashville, “Nashville has been very good to me,” he said. “I’m very proud to live in Nashville and to be a Catholic here.”

Photo courtesy of Easter Seals
Monroe Carell is surrounded by some of the 33 Dominican sisters who attended the recent Easter Seals dinner where he was honored as Nashvillian of the Year. Carell and his wife Ann, in the photo at right, donated $13 million to the Dominicans’ Motherhouse renovation and expansion project several years ago. He was honored for his contribution to philanthropic causes and business development in Nashville.