“That is especially important at non-profit service organizations, which can be very draining at times,” he said.

“Even though he was a director, he still had time to buy you soda if you needed it for a program. Most executive directors just don’t do things like that,” said Damaris I. Wortes ’03, who is president of Leaders, a mentoring program for teenagers.

“He was great about keeping a crazy college student’s schedule,” said PBHA vice-president Tim R. Schneider ’03. “If we were here planning at 4 a.m., he was here. If we sent him an e-mail Sunday night at 10, he would answer it.”

Despite McDonald’s dedication, the demands on his time took their toll.

“I felt like we had so much to do on a day-to-day basis that we never had time to focus on the learning behind the service,” he said. “And it’s tough to keep a college student’s schedule with a wife and kids.”

McDonald plans to pursue a doctorate in service learning with his spare time.

In addition to his many unofficial roles, McDonald played an integral part in the administration of PBHA, making many key contributions to its financial structure. He launched the Centennial Campaign and the Trustee Finance Committee, in addition to completely reorganizing PBHA’s finance system.

“He straightened out PBHA’s finances tremendously,” said Kidd. “They were frighteningly confused before he came.”

McDonald also created continuity in staffing and opened up communication within the entire organization.

Some attribute staff loyalty to PBHA to McDonald’s leadership style.

“He is a man of great integrity and kindness,” said Dominguez. “He never forgets about the people below him, and most importantly, he lets you do things your own way but always has your back.”

A man of great faith in student leadership, PBHA staff members were impressed with McDonald’s ability to defer to students many years his junior.

“His biggest strength was his integrity—and he was never quick to jump conclusions. It is hard to defer to 20- year-olds when you have been in the business of service for thirty years,” said Dominguez. “But he did it. He was never ‘Mr. Hierarchy.’”

Clancy has launched both local and national searches for McDonald’s successor. She has also formed a search committee of students, faculty, administrators, and alumni.

“We are looking for someone with great integrity and a strong commitment to student leadership,” she said.

Dominguez will serve as the interim executive director for the next six months.