This article was originally published in Pacific, Winter 2001.
Arthur McDonald lived life of service
The university lost a strong supporter January 4 with the death of Art McDonald.
McDonald, 58, was a member of the FPU foundation board since 1994, and contributor to many projects. He and his wife, Barbara, served as co-chairs of the Building Our Community capital campaign and were instrumental in the building of McDonald Hall, the administration, office and classroom building that bears their name.
The entire McDonald family were alumni, with Art graduating in 1972, daughter Deborah (McDonald) Elrich in 1988, Barbara in 1992 and son John in 1993. Art studied social science, Barbara management and human resources and both children social work. Art also earned a master's in social work from California State University, Fresno, and eventually earned credentials as a licensed clinical social worker and marriage, family, child counselor.
Many benefited from Art's desire to serve. After working as a youth pastor, in 1977 he founded his first halfway house for community corrections. By the time of his 1994 retirement he had started 17 such facilities throughout the United States for adults and juveniles. He began both Eclectic Communications and International Self-Help Services.
Art's efforts to help others didn't stop with his employment. He chaired the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) University board and belonged to the school's foundation board. In addition, he served on the boards of North American Baptist Seminary Leadership Foundation and Carroll Institute and was past president of the International Halfway House Association.
Barbara serves on the FPU Board of Trustees and the USF Foundation Board. She and son John operate a real estate business. Born in Visalia to Fay and Myrtle (Stewart) McDonald, Art is survived by his wife and children, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, five grandchildren and two sisters.
The family hosted a "Going Home" celebration January 9 in Sioux Falls, where Art and Barbara moved in 1992. The couple attended Oak Hills Baptist Church.