Director of Financial Services
University Administration
Biography/Memoir
Donald was born March 12, 1930, in Owosso, Michigan, and lived his first eight years near Chesaning, Michigan, eventually moving to Flint, Michigan. Upon graduating from high school he was employed by Chevrolet Motor Division of G. M. C. After about one year he enrolled in Flint Junior College (now Mott Junior College) and later transferred to Michigan State University as a Business Degree student and also, by the way, married Jean.
Upon graduating and a short stent at Chevrolet, he was drafted into the Army in 1954 where he served two years in the Signal Corp in Orleans, France. He was introduced to IBM computers at this time. He was also allowed to invite his wife to live off-post near Orleans.
After being discharged they moved back to Flint and Don eventually became a branch manager for the Flint Genesee Bank. After three years, Don was offered and he accepted a position as supervisor in the Office of Staff Benefits, University of Michigan Financial Operations, Ann Arbor, effective January 1, 1960.
In 1964 Vice President Wilbur Pierpont asked Don to set up and manage the Gift Receiving Office in preparation for the Sesquicentennial 55 Million Dollar Campaign. In 1966 Mr. Pierpont asked Don to manage the Office of Staff Benefits.
In 1991 Don became the Director of Financial Services overseeing the operations of the Benefits, Payroll and Risk Management Departments and also as a board member of VERITAS, the University owned insurance company.
Other of his U/M related activities included:
- Board and President (1973-1974) of the University and Risk Management Association Board
- President and Treasurer of the University of Michigan Retirees Association
- A number of Blue Cross-Blue Shield committees.
Don retired in 1994.
In addition to his service at the University, he was involved with a number of community organizations:
~ United Way of Washtenaw County
~ American Red Cross –Board Member and chapter chairman
~ Optimist Club of Ann Arbor-President and Treasurer
~ Various committees of Calvary Presbyterian and Westminster Presbyterian Churches
His hobbies included:
- Golf, especially as a member of the U/M faculty and staff golf league
- Board and Quartermaster of the Portage (sailboat racing) Yacht Club
- Board and President of the Scio Flyers airplane radio control club
- Board and committees of the U/M Credit Union