The GLIAC Mourns the Passing of Our First Tom Donahue Service Award Recipient

BAY CITY, Mich. - Former Grand Valley State University Athletic Director George MacDonald died March 30 at the age of 87.  MacDonald was the first recipient of the GLIAC "Tom Donahue Service Award" given annually to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. 

MacDonald, who was a Professor Emeritus of Physical Education and Recreation, came to Grand Valley State in 1974 and retired in 1989. He served as director of athletics at Grand Valley State from 1976 to 1989 and was involved with the construction and renovation of many of the athletic facilities, including Arend D. Lubbers Stadium and the Fieldhouse. During MacDonald's time as athletic director, Laker athletic teams won 29 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and the athletics program captured the President's Cup twice.

MacDonald began his career in coaching, as he coached basketball, baseball, and cross country at Pewamo High School before moving to Flint Atherton where he was football, basketball, track, and cross country coach. MacDonald joined the college ranks as a basketball coach at Soo Tech (Lake Superior State) and Buffalo State. He received a B.S. degree from Bowling Green and his master's degree from the University of Michigan. MacDonald received his Ed.D. degree in education from the State University of New York in 1970.

In addition to his work as the athletic director at Grand Valley State, MacDonald was a professor and chairman of the Physical Education and Therapeutic Recreation Departments, along with overseeing the Fieldhouse operations.

Visitation from the Eagleson Funeral Home, Southampton, Ontario, on Friday April 2, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Time to Celebrate the Life of George M. MacDonald will be held in the Chapel of the Funeral Home on Saturday at 11am. Interment Southampton Cemetery. Expressions of Remembrance to St Andrews Presbyterian Church Southampton or to St Lawrence Lodge #131 AF & AM., or to the Charles H. Irwin Fund at Grand Valley State University.