Honoring our Friend and Colleague David Marden
Dear Friends of Northwestern’s MS programs,
With great sadness we recently said goodbye to our friend and colleague, David Marden. Many know David through his work with Northwestern’s Master of Science in Project Management, MS in Executive Management for Design and Construction, and Master of Biotechnology programs where he guided students through the administrative tasks of pursuing their degrees and supported our faculty so their classes could run effectively.
David’s contributions were vast and meaningful, always quick to solve a problem or make a connection. David’s behind-the-scenes contributions will be missed. But what we’ll miss most was his mere presence – a joyful and generous spirit which helped our students to feel connected and empowered.
We’d like to share a portion of the obituary his family wrote as we find no better testament to the David we knew other than this expression from a program alum, “I will forever miss his bright and bubbly personality - and his array of glasses to match!”
Celebrating the Life and Laughter of David B. Marden
On February 16, 2026, David stepped out of the spotlight and into a well-deserved rest. He lived his 33 years with a rare kind of vibrance, proving that life is best lived with a bit of charisma, uniqueness, sass, and laughter. He grew up in Lebanon, IN, graduating from Lebanon High School and later after college moving to his favorite city, Chicago.
To know David was to know the sound of a truly great laugh. It was the kind of laugh that didn't just fill a room; it invited everyone else to join in. He was a master of the "big hug”, the kind that made you feel seen, safe, and entirely loved. He loved his friends and his family with a fierce and genuine heart. His little brother, Israel was his greatest joy.
David found his true calling at Ball State University, where he graduated in 2014 with a BFA in Acting. He deeply cherished his time in the program, the mentors who guided him, his time at Muncie Civic Theatre and the lifelong friends he made in the wings. He turned that passion into a career, bringing his dedication to Interlochen Center for the Arts, A Red Orchid Theater, The Second City, Windy City Playhouse, DePaul University Theatre School and Northwestern University, McCormick Office of Professional Education.
While the world feels a little quieter without his laughter, his legacy continues through his family: Parents, Sadie Joyner and Tim Witt. Siblings, Israel Witt and Alyssa (Federico) Olaosebikan, Grandparents, Virginia Joyner, Aunts/Uncles, Brian (Lisa), Crystal, (Mike), Cousins, Maggie and Melody and so many friends. He joins the loved ones who passed before him, likely already organizing a dance party or a very stylish brunch in the great beyond.
