By: Matteen Zibanejadrad
KENNESAW, Ga.- Fred Stillwell, a fervent supporter of everything Kennesaw State University, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the age of 95.
It is impossible for one to stroll the campus of KSU without seeing the influence of one of the university's earliest supporters.
After spending his career as the founder and chairman of Cotton States Property, Stillwell began looking for ways to give back to his Cobb County community after he retired in 1988.
"We are grateful for the legacy Fred Stillwell built at Kennesaw State, which remains the foundation of our baseball program to this day," said Director of Athletics Milton Overton. "His contributions to KSU Athletics have impacted countless lives and his legacy will be felt for generations to come."
An enthusiast of sports, music and academics, the residential developer's quest for philanthropy led him to the school known as Kennesaw State College in 1990.
The man known by his friends as "Shake" was the first-ever recipient of KSU's Erwin Zaban Prize for Entrepreneurial Spirit, awarded for his donation to name the Howard Logan Stillwell Theater for his late father in 1992; the contribution was the largest in the school's history at that time.
In 1995, Stillwell donated new lights for the Owls' baseball and softball stadiums and the Owls returned the favor in 1997, by naming the home of the KSU baseball team the Fred Stillwell Stadium.
It was not unusual to see the KSU trustee cheering on the Owls in the stadium named after him, even traveling to see the team in NAIA and Division II World Series.
Stillwell was inducted to the third class of the Kennesaw State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
"My sincerest condolences to the Stillwell family," said KSU baseball coach Mike Sansing. "Their contributions go way beyond just financial, their legacy is etched into this university. Fred was a friend to me, our teams and Kennesaw State. His passion will never be forgotten."
Stillwell is survived by his wife Jane and his two children, KSU alumnus Fred Jr. and Julie. He will always be remembered as someone who poured his heart and soul into the growth of Kennesaw State University.
