The Milwaukee Art Museum has announced an $8 million gift from longtime supporters Donna and Donald Baumgartner to endow the position of museum director.

In recognition of the largest endowment gift in the museum's history, the endowed position will be named the Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum. The gift was inspired by outgoing director Dan Keegan, who retired this week after serving in the position for more than eight years.

"We've been so inspired by Dan Keegan's leadership and vision for the future, in particular his passion for securing the viability of the museum for generations to come," said Donna Baumgartner. "We wanted to carry on his legacy and keep the momentum going."

Donald Baumgartner is a current trustee and past president of the museum's board and served on its architecture selection committee and chaired its building committee during the construction of the Santiago Calatrava-designed addition that was completed in 2001. He is founder of Paper Machinery Corp., which recently transferred ownership to its employees.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by this significant gift to the museum, and we are all grateful to the Baumgartners for their unwavering support," said Keegan. "There is no finer legacy gift than a gift to the endowment, and this sets a strong foundation for future directors to build on."