Robert Michael McDannell (best known as “Mike” or “McD”), the eldest son of Robert and Julia McDannell, was born in Woodstock, IL. He was graduated in 1967 from Badger High School in Lake Geneva, WI. Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army and, recognized as an exceptional soldier, was selected to attend the USMA Prep School. He was later admitted to West Point in Company H-1 (“Hawgs”), was graduated in June 1972 and commissioned into Field Artillery.
Shortly after his graduation, Mike married to Deborah Mackey. Together they had three children: Timothy McDannell, Callie McDannell, and Jesse McDannell (Rebecca). His first Army assignment was with the 1-36th Field Artillery in Augsberg, Germany from 1973 to 1977, serving as the battery commander the last two years. Mike was later selected to attend Yale University, from which he received an MBA in 1980. He returned to USMA as an instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership from 1980 to 1984. He was subsequently selected to attend the Command and General Staff College in 1985. Following a second deployment to Germany with the 56th Artillery Brigade, Mike returned to USMA to work in leadership development and education in 1988.
In 1992, Mike was deployed to Saudi Arabia with Operation Desert Shield, which was one of his proudest military accomplishments. Following his service there, Mike once again returned to West Point, serving as Director of Academy Advancement. In this assignment, Mike actively facilitated USMA cadet literature, acting as senior editor of “Leadership in Organizations” and co-authoring Army Field Manual 22-100, “Leadership and Army Concept of Leadership in the 21st Century.”
Mike retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel in 1996. His dedication and sacrifice to the United States, U.S. Army, USMA and fellow soldiers earned him many commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit. His career was defined by multiple tours around the world, leadership, development and USMA advancement, all things about which he continued to be passionate the remainder of his life.
Following his storied military career, Mike’s civilian work began as director of leadership concepts with IMPAC from 1996 to 1999. He then transitioned to director of training and head of practice for Academy Leadership from 1999 to 2002. Mike then served as SVP of organizational effectiveness with Career Concepts from 2002 until 2016.
Mike was a noted lecturer on the topics of leadership, ethics, and diversity on a global scale. On gender issues, his expertise was such that in 1997 he was appointed by the 9th Federal District Court to conduct a study and file an expert witness report on the Citadel’s assimilation plan for women. Mike’s passion for continued development also brought him to several colleges and universities across the globe, notably including Yale University, UPenn, Villanova and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) in Chengdu, China, where he was awarded the Most Valuable Faculty Member in 2014.
Mike also found time for volunteer work. He served as a board member of the West Point Credit Union for over two years and was the Talamore Country Club president for five years until his passing. Mike continued his lifelong service to USMA, serving on the Thayer Award Committee, Class of 1972 50th Reunion and Class Gift, Class of 2022 50-Year Affiliation, and the Class Advisory Council.
After losing his first wife to cancer in 1996, Mike had the great fortune to find love for a second time in 2001 with Susan Dreibelbis Grasso, herself a widow. They bonded immediately, and he became a stepfather to her three children: Jessica Grasso Grater (Jordan), Joseph “JJ” Grasso (Jamie), and Stephen Grasso (Caroline). Mike loved his grandkids: Joseph and Mason Grasso and Jackson and Gianna Grater. As a special way of spoiling them, he became a self-proclaimed pastry chef renowned for his elaborate birthday cakes.
In keeping with his passion for learning and traveling, Mike was an accomplished linguist who spoke five languages. He used this knowledge while visiting 23 countries on five continents, touring and playing golf with Susan. Mike was also an avid collector of military art and memorabilia, with his proudest possession being an original oil painting that he commissioned, “The Long Gray Line” by artist Ben Maile.
During Mike’s long and distinguished dual careers, his hallmarks were expertise in leadership, development, teaching and prolific writing. Mike was certainly more than just the collection of his Army and civilian roles and accomplishments. He was a true friend. A great example of Mike’s selflessness was when he and another USMA graduate (John Spears, Class of 1971) were consulting and teaching in China and his colleague fell ill. Adhering to the creed, “Never leave a comrade behind,” Mike steadfastly stayed in country for another full month until his friend had recovered enough to return to the States. “Mike epitomized servant leadership. Everywhere he went, he sought to add value to other people’s lives. He was a rock of stability. Trustworthy, dependable and competent. But most of all he put others first. The world needs more people like him” (Modupe Taylor-Pearce ’94).
Mike was a legendary storyteller, facilitated by his incredible memory, recalling details from events that occurred decades earlier. At reunions and other get-togethers over the years, his fellow Hawgs often speculated that Mike counted on them not being able to remember as well so he felt free to embellish without concern for contradiction. The lasting impression everyone had who came in contact with Mike was that he was whip smart and had a great, dry sense of humor which was almost always accompanied by a wry smile. His was truly a life well and fully lived.
— Brian Dillon ’72, H-1 “Hawgs” companymate