Donaldson Scholarship One of Several Assisting College Students
John Donaldson of Bentonville, center back, celebrated with recipients of the scholarship honoring his uncle and aunt at a luncheon in May. The winners of the John H. and Jane W. Donaldson Endowed Memorial Scholarship who attended the luncheon are, from left, Jennifer Kauffman, Carly Weatherford, Mary Lassiter, Alana Galloway, Meredith Asbury, Christin Rippy, Roxanne Lott, Carolyn Wise, Bradley James, Suki Highers, Troy Sonnen, Abigail Hunsberger and Ashton Thurman.
At a luncheon reception in May, John Donaldson of Bentonville told the story of his late uncle and aunt to recipients of the scholarship the Donaldsons established. He wanted them to know of the impact education had made on the Donaldsons' lives and how the couple wanted to help others spread that impact.
Donaldson, his uncle's namesake, represented the family at the College of Education and Health Professions event recognizing the winners of the John H. and Jane W. Donaldson Endowed Memorial Scholarship. He gave the young people embarking on their fifth-year internship in the Master of Arts in Teaching program a glimpse of the couple who gave a gift that will help them on the road to becoming teachers.
Col. Donaldson, a 1938 alumnus of the college, and his wife established the fund in the mid-1990s through a charitable remainder trust that yielded a $1.3 million endowment. The first scholarships were awarded in 2002.
The Master of Arts in Teaching program requires an internship with a teacher-mentor for an entire school year, in addition to graduate coursework, making it nearly impossible for students to hold part-time jobs to assist with tuition and living expenses.
A two-sport letterman for the Razorbacks and member of Arkansas' first Southwestern Conference championship football team, Col. Donaldson also distinguished himself in military service, earning numerous medals as he led his men in battle despite being wounded three times. Jane Donaldson, described by her nephew as career wife, confidant, advisor, soul mate and John's lifelong love, was a driving influence in the couple's lives – sacrificing, saving and helping build their portfolios that fund the scholarships.
"John and Jane never forgot the scholarship he received to the University of Arkansas, the education it provided and the impact it had on their lives," Donaldson said. "Their desire was to have the same type of impact on others' lives that they felt from the opportunities given to them during their own lifetimes. They have accomplished that and more."
Donaldson gave the students a bit of advice in words his aunt and uncle would have approved: "Revel in your chosen profession. Excel at it and be proud of what you do. Have an impact on the lives of others. By doing this to the best of your abilities, you can say thank you to the colonel and his lady, Jane."