Published: May 15, 2008 11:17 am         

Farewell to Don Alexander

Editor's note: Kim Leonard, chairman of the Allegany College of Maryland Board of Trustees read the following speech at ACM President Don Alexander's farewell retirement reception held at Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort May 6.

Tonight we honor Dr. Donald Alexander, and just how much he means to our college and our community. Don and Allegany College of Maryland are synonymous, and I can't talk about one without the other.

For purpose of introduction, I am going to use some of Allegany College of Maryland's chronology of events matched to a few of Don's accomplishments.

*1961 - Allegany College of Maryland, then called Allegany Community College is founded. Don was attending West Virginia University where his claim to fame was designing a huge sign that was hung during freshman orientation. It read, "Don't worry mothers, we will take good care of your daughters." That speaks to Don's great sense of humor. Many of us have observed Don defuse heated debates with his humor.

*1971 - Allegany Community College moves from Frederick Street to its present 316-acre campus on Willowbrook Road, and the school graduates 165 people. Don arrives at ACC with his wife Alice and begins 36 years of service to our region. We are one lucky county.

*1980 - ACC's total number of graduates tops 2,000. As Dean of Academic Affair's Don's abilities are noted, and he is selected at the third president of ACC.

*1996 - College changes its name to Allegany College of Maryland, and the two Pennsylvania campuses are growing. As Chairman of the Cumberland Memorial Hospital Corporation Board, Don is instrumental in helping form the Western Maryland Health System, a very clear test of his community resolve. He and I became fast and forever friends over that event. His ability to remain focused and think outside of the box are abilities that are continually in demand.

* 2007 - Highest enrollment on ACM's history of 3,800 with the total number of graduates exceeding 17,000 and continuing education serving over 270,000 people. Allegany College and our community are very fortunate in having Don at the college's helm who helped create its vision and mission and provide the leadership to ensure success. After 28 years as President of Allegany College of Maryland, Don announces his retirement - the longest presiding presidency in the history of Maryland community colleges.

* During 2007, the Turning Point Center opened to assist new nontraditional college students and meet their special needs. The center helps the fastest growing population in higher education to smooth their path to college in their goal to update skills, advance a career or change jobs.

The center truly exemplifies Don's passion for lifelong learning and his commitment to education. Through Don's leadership, the college has helped many attain their dreams and provided hope when this community needed it most. Responding quickly to the community's educational needs in the hallmark of Allegany College of Maryland and has always been Don's mantra.

In many ways, Don, his staff and faculty have made Allegany College of Maryland more than just a college - it is the college for the community. What a legacy.

Honoring Don tonight is our way of saying thank you and a job well done. Again, thanks for helping shape a very bright future for our country.

Kim Leonard, chairman
Allegany College of Maryland
Board of Trustees