Donaldson Legacy Supports Future Teachers

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Future teachers will have more scholarship opportunities at the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions thanks to a $1.3 million legacy left by the late Col. John H. and Jane W. Donaldson.

Col. Donaldson, a 1938 alumnus of the College, and his wife established the John H. and Jane W. Donaldson Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund in the mid-1990s through a charitable remainder trust. Their hope was to give back to the institution that played such a big role in Col. Donaldson’s life. At the time the trust was established, Col. Donaldson said, "The degree I earned from the university opened up a lot of doors for me, so I felt like I should do something for them."

The scholarship fund will support the college’s academically qualified masters of arts in teaching students with a financial need. Since the MAT program requires a full-time internship with a teacher-mentor for an entire school year, in addition to graduate course work, students are unable to hold part-time jobs to meet tuition or living expenses.

"We are grateful to the Donaldsons for making provision in their estate plans for the University of Arkansas," said UA Chancellor John A. White. "Col. Donaldson’s wish was to give back to his alma mater as a way to show his appreciation for his University of Arkansas education. He has created a marvelous legacy of support that will be appreciated by students for decades to come. It is through such planning and generosity that the University of Arkansas will emerge as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world."

Reed Greenwood, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, said, "This is a marvelous gift to support MAT scholarships and we’re so grateful that Col. John and Jane Donaldson chose to remember the College of Education and Health Professions in their estate planning. These scholarships will be a great recruitment tool for us as we strive to increase enrollment. "

While at the University of Arkansas on an athletic scholarship, the Little Rock native Donaldson lettered in football and basketball and participated in track. His intention was to become a coach, but a knee injury prevented him from being as active in sports as he had hoped. Following graduation from the U of A, Donaldson worked in the lumber business. He met and married Jane Weathersby in 1940 and a year later entered the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant. After infantry training in Georgia and Texas, he was assigned to the 79^th Infantry Division in Yuma, Ariz. It was that Division that on June 14, 1944, crossed the English Channel as part of the D-Day invasion forces that landed on Utah Beach. His 31 years of active military service led Donaldson to many countries and ultimately, he earned the rank of Colonel. He received the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart with three clusters and numerous other medals and awards.

Col. Donaldson’s nephew and namesake, John Donaldson of Bentonville, said, "Our family is extremely proud of the many gifts that John and Jane shared with others. They were lifelong supporters of the University and John’s beloved Razorbacks.

"Although the Razorbacks and athletics were important, it was academics and the overall image and mission of the University that they were most concerned with," he continued.

"This gift to the College of Education and Health Professions insures that qualified students will have an opportunity to continue their formal education in pursuit of a MAT Degree and, for some, a future in teaching. John and Jane’s gift solidifies their commitment to the University and the State of Arkansas for years to come and our family is happy to acknowledge and applaud the University’s for their efforts in fulfilling John and Jane’s wishes," Donaldson said.

"The Donaldsons were longtime supporters of the University of Arkansas," said Bill Haught, the Donaldsons’ estate planner. "They were charitably inclined people who had such a love for the University. The U of A had always been in their plans."

Col. Donaldson died in 2002, and Jane Donaldson died in 1999.