Giving Back - The Sauls' Legacy of Support at CDH
By Greta Cunningham ‘23
July 6, 2023
On January 2, 2015, Cretin-Derham Hall dedicated Saul Hall, formerly the Brothers' Chapel in the Sunberg Leadership Center, to honor William (Bill) ’54 and Martha Saul’s steadfast support of Catholic education and the CDH community over many decades. With its traditional style and impressive stained glass windows, Saul Hall is a beautiful space often used for formal dinners, luncheons, and various presentations, especially for Admissions tours. Classes and co-curricular groups often use the space for gathering.
“Bill loved Cretin High School and was an anchor donor for the class of 1954, the most generous class in school history,” said former President Frank Miley, who worked closely with the Saul family.
Bill, who passed away in March of 2015 at 78 years old, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha. He attended the University of Minnesota after graduating from Cretin High School. Martha attended St. Joseph’s Academy and, later, St. Catherine University. After marrying, Bill became president and chairman of Remmele Engineering, Inc, previously owned by Martha’s father, in addition to serving terms as president of the National Tooling and Machining Association, the Association of Manufacturing Technology, and the Minnesota Association of Commerce and Industry.
Bill and Martha have always remained passionately involved in the CDH community. Four of their daughters attended Derham Hall, Shannon Saul Emrich ’74, Ellen Saul ’75, Elizabeth Saul Erickson ’76, and Mary Saul Crabbe ’79, and two of their grandchildren, Willem ’10 and Eve Crabbe ’14, also graduated from CDH.
“Bill and Martha believe(d) that, having been blessed with outstanding educations and opportunities, their faith required them to give back to the Church and community. Bill really loved the Christian Brothers who taught him at Cretin and believed he owed them a debt of gratitude for what they had given him,” said Miley. “They believed that CDH was an outstanding school and should be supported financially so others could experience what Bill, their children, and grandchildren experienced at CDH.”
Bill served on the President's Council of Cretin Derham Hall and received the Bishop Joseph Cretin Award in 2008. He and Martha also received the Monsignor Ambrose V. Hayden Legacy Award in 2007. These two awards honor community members who have generously supported and offered outstanding service to CDH through their contributions and representation of our founders’ values in their professional success. Martha has continued to graciously support CDH since her husband’s passing.
“With generous hearts, the Sauls provided for others with their wealth. I hope their generosity inspires others to do the same,” said Miley. “CDH depends on the generosity of its graduates and their families to advance the school's mission.”