Introducing the Hugh K. and Margaret S. Schilling Leadership Institute
Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) has received a $12 million gift to establish and endow the Hugh K. and Margaret S. Schilling Leadership Institute. Named for its benefactors, Hugh Schilling and his wife Margaret (Peggy), The Leadership Institute will advance development of a highly competent workforce to meet needs related to the unprecedented aging of our population. Hugh and Peggy have had a long-term association with Presbyterian Homes—from being children of residents to becoming residents themselves at Waverly Gardens. Hugh served on the PHS Board of Directors for many years and continues to live at Johanna Shores following Peggy’s passing. Hugh is Chairman of the Board of Horton Holding, Inc., a manufacturing company headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota.
Growing leaders for the future
The objectives of the Leadership Institute are to:
- Develop high capacity and Biblically-grounded leaders within PHS and beyond
- Develop the potential of every PHS employee through strong leadership and an innovative combination of hands on learning and advancement opportunities
- Strengthen the eldercare workforce and help the state, region and nation think more deeply about aging issues
The Leadership Institute is designed as a cohort model, bringing select PHS employees together in a small group that meets for six learning sessions. Over the course of a year, participants complete classroom instruction, receive one-on-one leadership coaching and engage in hands-on, real-time business projects. The first pilot cohort began in August 2016 with new cohorts forming every six months
A visionary and dedicated leader
“We are grateful for Hugh’s commitment to endow the Hugh K. and Margaret S. Schilling Leadership Institute. Hugh has always emphasized leadership at every level and this gift will have a significant impact on improving the lives of older adults by investing in the people who care for them,” said Dan Lindh, President and CEO of PHS.
Hugh is clear about the vision for the Leadership Institute that will carry his and Peggy’s names. “Getting leadership right is so important because without leadership the organization will not reach its full potential,” he said. “I would like the Leadership Institute to provide PHS and its residents the quality of care that it is noted for and to be able to expand for the coming years as the organization grows,” he said.
Standing on shared history
Hugh’s relationship with PHS crosses four decades. In 1977, The Rev. Dr. Irving Adams West, the first president of PHS, invited him to serve on the board of directors. Hugh’s service spanned 27 years, including serving as Board Chair from 1991 to 1993. Hugh also chaired the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and focused PHS on strategic growth. The vision then, as it is now, was “to create more opportunities for more older adults to live well” by keeping quality and innovation front and center for the residents and families PHS served.
“As a former Board Chair and current resident, Hugh sees the potential for PHS to continue to grow leaders and aspires for this leadership to benefit PHS at every level of employment,” said Lindh.
Hugh and Peggy began their relationship with PHS as children of residents. Their mothers, Ruth Schilling and Emogene Simmons, lived at Johanna Shores, the location of the first Presbyterian Home. “Our mothers received wonderful care, as did Peggy when we lived at Waverly Gardens [a PHS community located in North Oaks, MN]. After Peggy’s passing, I moved to Johanna Shores. In some ways, our connection with Presbyterian Homes & Services has come full circle,” Hugh said.
In 2012, the Schillings donated $1M to PHS in honor of their mothers toward redevelopment of Johanna Shores, which includes the Hugh K. and Margaret S. Schilling Town Center. “Johanna Shores has a special place in our hearts,” said Hugh.
Hugh is a lifelong resident of St. Paul, MN and an alumnus of St. Paul Academy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, School of Engineering. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force. In 1951, he purchased Horton Manufacturing and continues to play a role in the governance and success of Horton Holding, Inc. as chairman of the board.
Peggy, also St. Paul Academy alumnae, received her teaching degree from the University of Minnesota. She taught 2nd grade at Central Elementary School in Richfield, MN, prior to marriage. Peggy had a life-long interest in education. She volunteered her time and talent in many school tutoring programs and civic organizations. She met Hugh in high school and they married in 1951. Their family includes three children and several grandchildren.
Hugh has been an active leader holding many civic responsibilities including serving as a trustee of United Theological Seminary and on the boards of directors for Junior Achievement, Dodge Nature Center, Employers’ Association of the Twin Cities, Project Earthsense, Boy Scouts of America, Indianhead Council, MN Chamber of Commerce, Norwest National Bank, and Children’s Home Society of Minnesota. He has served as director and chair of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Executive Organization, Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. He is active as a board member of the Business Forum and member of the World President’s Organization and Minneapolis Rotary #9.
Hugh and Peggy have been benefactors of several area organization and causes. “This is the way we would like to be remembered—as people who care not only about themselves and their family, but our fellow human beings,” said Hugh.