For Renée McFadden, hospitality was much more than preparing a meal or setting a beautiful table, although she did that quite well. It was a way of moving through the world, paying attention to people, and creating spaces where they felt welcomed. Whether she was teaching fourth graders, hosting college students, gathering family around the table, or working alongside a school custodian, Renée had an intuitive ability to notice everyone.
That instinct was evident from the beginning of her life with her husband, Dave. Although both had spent part of their childhoods in Indonesia, they didn’t meet until Renée arrived at Manchester College as a student. She came to Dave’s family home for lunch before orientation and, when told she could sit anywhere except Dave’s chair, promptly chose his chair. They became engaged and married shortly after, beginning a partnership that would last nearly 45 years and included two children, Rachel and Sam.
Known for her easy laugh, big smile, and outgoing personality, Renée put tremendous care into creating classrooms where students felt welcome. She befriended custodians and other staff and often arrived early, pitched in when work needed to be done. She understood that everyone in a school building contributed to a student’s success, often using her own money to help create a positive environment.
That spirit of collaboration and welcome also shaped her time as “first lady” of Manchester University. While she loved contributing in this way, Renée never particularly cared for the title despite her being instrumental in Dave’s presidency tenure. Renée treated students, staff, and faculty with the same care she extended to trustees – right down to making sure the tablecloths were properly ironed – no matter who she hosted. Together they attended athletic events, welcomed students into their home, and hosted countless gatherings. She excelled at creating opportunities for people (who might otherwise remain in the background) to know they were seen and valued.
At home, Renée planned family adventures, memorable birthday parties, and games that brought everyone together. What might have looked like careful planning from the outside was simply who Renée was. She knew people remembered what mattered to them and found ways to make life special.
When Renée died unexpectedly in June 2023, Dave established the Renée McFadden Educator Appreciation Fund at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in her memory. This fund provides the Claypool principal with resources to care for people in the same spirit Renée cared for others. Renée valued extending recognition and appreciation to teachers and staff – and that “staff” meant everyone – the teachers, custodians and others whose work makes a school community possible. It is a fitting legacy for Renée, who understood that sometimes the most meaningful way to make a difference is also the simplest: notice people, welcome them in, and let them know they matter.
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