MEET OUR DANCER
DAN FINN
St. Thomas Aquinas the Catholic Center
at Purdue University
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
ABOUT ME
Deacon Dan Finn grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana, after being born in Rhode Island, and graduated from West Lafayette Senior High School. He earned a degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management, where he sang in the Purdue Glee Club, served as President Pro Tempore of the Student Senate, was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, and was active at St. Thomas Aquinas.
Following several years working with trade associations in the Washington, D.C. area, Dan built a distinguished career with Marriott International, serving in leadership roles spanning Information Technology, Training and Development, Change Management, and Project Management. He later served as Executive Director of Human Resources for the Archdiocese of Washington. He has also been a guest lecturer in Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management for more than 20 years and was inducted into the inaugural Purdue Hospitality Hall of Fame.
Ordained a permanent deacon in 2010, Deacon Dan served at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Derwood, Maryland, and currently serves at St. Thomas Aquinas, the Catholic Center at Purdue University. His ministry reflects his favorite Bible verse: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Dan and his wife, Georgana, are the proud parents of six children and grandparents of 17 grandchildren. They enjoy camping and international travel, while Dan is also an avid golfer who is always happy to find a playing partner.
I am dancing because… When Georgana and I moved to West Lafayette more than six years ago, we chose Franciscan Health for our medical care. From our primary care physician to specialists, therapists, and hospital staff, we have experienced exceptional care delivered with compassion, dignity, and Christian values. This year, Franciscan Health Lafayette celebrates 150 years of serving our community. Through the Franciscan Health Foundation, that legacy continues by funding programs that improve health, strengthen families, and save lives.
Through my ministry and my involvement with the Racial Equality and Justice Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center, I have become aware of the troubling reality of infant mortality in Tippecanoe County and the challenges many families face in accessing the support they need. Behind every statistic is a mother, a child, and a family hoping for a healthier future. The Franciscan Foundation support a number of initiatives that address these issues.
This fundraiser has challenged me to step well outside my comfort zone. I am certainly not an accomplished dancer! But if dancing can help support healthier babies, stronger families, and a more compassionate community, then every step is worth it.
Support My Stars & Steps Journey
This year, I’m honored to participate in Stars & Steps: Lafayette’s Dance Spectacular, a special event celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Franciscan Health while raising funds to improve the health and well-being of our community. The event honors the extraordinary legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, whose vision, compassion, and commitment to serving others led to the founding of the ministry that became Franciscan Health 150 years ago. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also investing in the future through Franciscan Health’s Community Health Improvement initiatives, which provide critical programs that support families, promote wellness, improve health access, and strengthen lives across Greater Lafayette and Western Indiana. Thank you for helping me celebrate this legacy of service while making a lasting impact in our community.
Every donation helps support Franciscan Health’s Community Health Improvement programs, including:
✅ Support for new mothers and babies
✅ Nutrition education and healthy food access
✅ Child safety initiatives and car seat programs
✅ CPR, AED, and emergency preparedness training
✅ Community wellness and prevention programs
These initiatives continue the mission of caring and service established by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration more than 150 years ago.