John MacDonald was director of the General Alumni Association (GAA) for 38 years. In that time he steadfastly pursued the association’s goal to keep alumni informed and engaged, and to encourage financial support of the University.
MacDonald earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism (‘61) and a master’s degree in education (‘64) from Temple University. After graduating, MacDonald served as the assistant director of the General Alumni Association in 1964. Two years later, at the age of 26, he was appointed director of the GAA.
In his 40-year career here, he has produced a beautifully tailored Founder’s Dinner each season, engineered 40 Homecoming events and has served under five University presidents. MacDonald has worked with 20 GAA presidents, managed functions of alumni clubs in 38 locales nationwide, and supervised a 120-member board of directors.
In June 2004, MacDonald retired from his position, but he has been asked to return as a consultant to the Development Department, continuing his involvement at Temple University.
He and his wife, Tina, reside in East Falls section of Philadelphia.