[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Donaldson_opt.jpg” caption=”Donaldson gift announcement”]When Robert Donaldson attended McMaster in the early 1960s, the thought of taking breaks between classes in a spacious student centre with its own fireside lounge could only be considered a dream. At the time, he and his classmates had to make do with the Wentworth House as a make-shift student centre.

Now, thanks in part to a $1-million gift from the Donaldson family, McMaster students for the first time in the University's 115-year history have a permanent home that provides a meeting space for all student clubs and associations as well as student services all in one central building. Donaldson, his wife Marnie, family and friends were on hand this past Wednesday to celebrate the naming of the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) marketplace as the Donaldson Family Marketplace.

Donaldson says the gift is made on behalf of his entire family. Seven members of the extended Donaldson family, including his father, call McMaster their alma mater and (more will likely follow). As well as graduating from McMaster in 1961, Donaldson has also been a loyal President's Club member for many years.

“The most important reason for this gift is a desire to benefit the future generation of students and so it is very fitting to me particularly that this gift be allocated to the new McMaster Student Centre,” says Donaldson.

The names of the Donaldson family alumni are now engraved on a wooden plaque that hangs in the market place.

“Your impressive space is the first thing all students, faculty, staff, visitors and alumni see upon entering the MUSC. It is  and will continue to be  the heart of the McMaster University Student Centre,” says University president Peter George.

Photo caption: Roger Trull, vice-president university advancement, left, and McMaster President Peter George, right, thank Marnie and Robert Donaldson for their generous gift to McMaster. Photo credit: John Bugailiskis.