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William Wesley McDonald
June 11, 1946 ~ September 9, 2014 (age 68) 68 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Lauren Smith-Morrow
September 30, 2014 7:30 PM
I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Dr. McDonald's (Prof. Mac to me) family. I had him for multiple classes and he was instrumental in my academic success at Elizabethtown College. In addition to that, he was just a nice person and fun to have a conversation or debate with. He will truly be missed!
Message from Selena Updegraff
September 21, 2014 8:18 PM
Wes McDonald was a fabulous teacher and a plain old good guy; I had the pleasure of taking his courses from '83 - '87. His standards were high but that's one of the things we all liked about him - an "A" from Wes was a true mark of accomplishment and I was thrilled when I earned my first one.
The greatest tribute to Wes' character was when he was not initially granted tenure and the Poli Sci students and alumni found out about it. We did not organize, we did not fuss out loud; we simply and quietly sent our individual thoughts and arguments to the Dean - and celebrated when the decision was reversed and Wes got the accolade he so richly deserved. I distinctly remember him shaking my hand and thanking me for speaking up for him. How he ever knew which ones of us wrote on his behalf I do not know. I was happy to do so then, and sad to do so now.
The greatest tribute to Wes' character was when he was not initially granted tenure and the Poli Sci students and alumni found out about it. We did not organize, we did not fuss out loud; we simply and quietly sent our individual thoughts and arguments to the Dean - and celebrated when the decision was reversed and Wes got the accolade he so richly deserved. I distinctly remember him shaking my hand and thanking me for speaking up for him. How he ever knew which ones of us wrote on his behalf I do not know. I was happy to do so then, and sad to do so now.
Message from Dixie Kaley
September 21, 2014 7:18 AM
Wes was a joy to my life. I had the priviledge of his freindship and relished in his visits to my office.
A warm real human being of great knowledge that inspired my life.
Wes you are indeed one of the Best
A warm real human being of great knowledge that inspired my life.
Wes you are indeed one of the Best
Message from Aggie Serrame
September 17, 2014 11:36 AM
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. I am and will continue to be a part of his legacy. Please accept my condolences, he will not be forgotten.
Message from Samuel Mann
September 17, 2014 9:50 AM
This man made a difference in my life. He gave his counsel, wisdom, and opinion freely, with no expectation of results. Results, he said, were up to me. He helped me grow up. And that had nothing to do with classes. To his family: may you know he touched the lives of many and gave a little part to each to keep, and I for one shall cherish that, and pass it on in kind.
Message from Noreen DeMark
September 17, 2014 8:28 AM
My sincere sympathy on the loss of Prof. MacDonald,I have had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions as my daughter Meredith was extremely fond of him. I am forever grateful for their relationship and his guidance,she will miss him dearly.May he rest in peace!
Message from Willetta BaCote
September 16, 2014 10:25 PM
Dear Alice,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the death of your husband. I was one of your fellow travelers on the SewJourn to Ghana in 2013.
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the death of your husband. I was one of your fellow travelers on the SewJourn to Ghana in 2013.
Message from William (Bill) Smith
September 16, 2014 6:41 PM
Wes was an extraordinary professor. He transformed profound thinking in political thought into the basics for students. In my case, those basic thoughts created a desire to learn more and Wes was ever the mentor in helping advance my thinking and passion for the pursuit of political philosophy. He was our advisor for College Republicans (CRs) when I chaired it at Etown and encouraged me to run for statewide office in that network where I became the state Executive Director of CRs. He also made so great an impression on me that I pursued graduate work where Wes did and with his mentors at Catholic University. He also supported me in earning fellowships and financial awards to make graduate school possible. Wes changed my life by inspiring me to dig deep and understand the foundational "why" of political life and to go beyond the mechanics of politics. For this and for his friendship, I'm forever grateful. I wish Alice and his family peace. Rest in peace Wes. And thank you.
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