O’Dowd’s 2026 Cor Unum Awardee: Cherrie Nanninga ’66

The Cor Unum Award, named for the school’s motto, “One Heart in Christ,” is Bishop O’Dowd High School’s highest honor. It is presented each year to a member of the O’Dowd community whose life and work embody our mission to create a more just, joyful, and sustainable world.

The 2026 recipient of Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Cor Unum Award is Cherrie Nanninga ’66.

“I got a very good education at O’Dowd,” Cherrie reflects. “I believe it’s one of the best secondary schools in Northern California.”

Cherrie’s path to O’Dowd began with a surprise. After attending public school throughout her early education, her parents made the decision that she would attend O’Dowd for high school, believing it would provide a strong academic and values-based foundation. What began as an unexpected transition quickly became a formative experience, one defined not only by academic excellence, but by lasting friendships and a deep sense of community. Her younger sister would later also attend O’Dowd, continuing the family’s connection to the school.

After graduating from O’Dowd, Cherrie earned her B.A. from Cal State East Bay and an MBA from Stanford University. She built a distinguished career in commercial real estate and public sector leadership, including serving as Chief Operating Officer of CBRE’s New York Tri-State Region, where she oversaw operations across nine offices, 2,100 employees, and approximately $700 million in annual revenue.

Earlier in her career, Cherrie held senior leadership roles at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, helping manage one of the country’s largest real estate portfolios. She played a key role in closing the net lease of the World Trade Center in 2001 and, following the September 11 attacks, led the relocation of more than 2,000 employees while contributing to redevelopment efforts at the site. She has also served on nonprofit and cultural boards and is a co-founder of the Downtown NYC River to River Festival.

While her professional accomplishments are significant, Cherrie’s enduring connection to O’Dowd is defined by her commitment to giving back.

“I believe it’s very important to pay forward what you have received,” she says. “O’Dowd gave me a very solid foundation, and I want that experience for future students.”

Cherrie began supporting O’Dowd through tuition assistance, helping ensure more students could access the same education she experienced. Over time, her generosity grew alongside her vision for the school’s future.

For her 50th reunion, she chaired her class giving committee, establishing a tuition assistance endowment that has grown to more than $115,000—an enduring source of opportunity for future students.

Her leadership-level giving has also supported key initiatives, including the Center for Environmental Studies and the Living Lab, as well as the Bishop John S. Cummins Center, a dynamic space for athletics, arts, and community life.

Through her philanthropy, Cherrie demonstrates a forward-looking commitment to O’Dowd’s mission, investing in both programs and the students who will shape the future.

“O’Dowd has changed a lot over the years,” Cherrie shares. “I think it’s a wonderful school that encourages students to step into leadership and make a difference. I continue to give because I have total confidence in the future of this school, and in its students.”

Cherrie Nanninga ’66 exemplifies the spirit of Cor Unum through her generosity, leadership, and belief in the transformative power of an O’Dowd education. Her commitment to expanding access and strengthening the school’s future reflects what it means to live as “One Heart in Christ.” With the Cor Unum Award, we honor her lasting impact on the O’Dowd community and her dedication to supporting generations of students to come.