Don Edmondson Remembered For His Generosity and Passion for Architecture

Russell Cothren, University Relations

Don Edmondson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas community is mourning the loss of Don Edmondson, a 1958 graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, who passed away on April 28, 2020. 

Edmondson and his wife, Ellen, who preceded him in death in July 2019, were long-time supporters of the university, particularly for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, and were known for giving back to their community and their state. 

"The Edmondsons left a lasting influence on the University of Arkansas and the state, thanks to their generosity and their involvement," said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. "They were engaged volunteers and always gave to the initiatives that meant the most to them. The university treasured Don as an alumnus and friend, and I know the entire state will mourn his loss. The transformations he and Ellen put into motion on our campus will continue for decades to come."

Don Edmondson's interest in architecture was sparked during a freshman arts appreciation course at the U of A. E. Fay Jones, the late renowned architect and professor of architecture, gave the Forrest City native his first taste of modern design, leading him to the decision that he would one day live in a Fay Jones home. 

The Edmondson House in Forrest City was, in fact, designed by Jones, and is just one of many fitting connections between the two, who developed a lifelong friendship.

In 1999, the Edmondsons made a pledge of $1 million to endow the Don and Ellen Edmondson Endowment of the E. Fay Jones Chair in Architecture, which honored both Jones and his wife, Mary Elizabeth "Gus" Jones. The chair provides support for a full-time faculty member who is nationally respected in the field of architecture and is currently held by Marlon Blackwell, 2020 AIA Gold Medalist. 

Another $500,000 from the couple, given in 2005, created the Maurice Jennings International Experience Honors Endowment for architecture students, supported Garvan Woodland Gardens and provided scholarships for members of the Razorback and University bands through the Lewis E. Epley Jr. Endowment Band Scholarship. In recognition of the gift to Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Great Lawn was named in Ellen Edmondson's honor.

In 2008, the Edmondsons made a $10 million commitment to the university, which resulted in the naming of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. In addition to this gift, another $3 million was split between the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and Arkansas Children's Hospital, increasing the impact of their generosity across the state.

In 2011, the Edmondsons' close friends, Wallace and Jama Fowler, surprised the couple with the naming of the Don and Ellen Edmondson Legacy Studio in Vol Walker Hall, thanks to a $1 million gift.

Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, said, "Don and Ellen Edmondson's philanthropic gifts to the Fay Jones School, Garvan Woodland Gardens and the University of Arkansas fundamentally transformed the school, catapulting the excellence of the school's programs into national prominence. Their benevolence and generosity allowed for the school to be named for Arkansas' most significant 20th century architect, E. Fay Jones, and for the school to recognize now Arkansas' most significant 21stcentury architect, Marlon Blackwell, as a distinguished member of our faculty. 

"The Edmondsons' vision — of a school of architecture and design of national and international reputation and reach — is a charge to all in the Fay Jones School community, our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, to continue our ambitions and to realize our outreach. Don Edmondson was more than a benefactor to the school; he was a counselor to the school's deans and faculty over many years, and a friend to many who gathered in the cause of Fay Jones and the school."

Don Edmondson was generous with his time as well. He and his late wife served as honorary chairs of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Campaign Committee and were both members of the school's Dean's Circle. Don was a member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, as well as the Board of Advisors and Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee. He was a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association and was counted as a Thoroughred for his 32 years of consecutive giving to the university. 

The Edmondsons were members of the Towers of Old Main at the ruby level and were awarded the Chancellor's Medal in 2011.