Doner, David B.

Born July 7, 1895, in Sully County, South Dakota, to Benton and Harriette L. (Hunt) Doner, David “Dave” Benton Doner became widely known as “Mr. State College” due to his nearly lifelong association with South Dakota State College, later South Dakota State University. He devoted 42 years of service to the institution and its advancement.

Doner had four brothers, Ralph D., John C., Harold H., and Howard M., and one sister, Ruth L. (John) Evans. On April 24, 1918, he married Edna Pearl Beals. Together they had three children, Valeria (Paul) Marcil, Dean Doner, and Keith Doner. Edna Doner died in 1975.

In 1913, Doner arrived at South Dakota State College as a member of the first four year class to graduate from the School of Agriculture for high school age students. His freshman college year was interrupted by World War I. In 1919 and 1920, he taught agriculture at SDSC to returning soldiers. In 1920, he became assistant secretary of the College while continuing his education. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1928.

From 1922 to 1953, Doner served as Registrar of South Dakota State College. In 1953, he became Director of Admissions and Records. He was appointed Dean of Men in 1932. From 1936 to 1961, he served as Secretary of the Alumni Council and was editor of the Alumnus. From the establishment of the SDSC Alumni Foundation in 1945 until 1964, he served as its Treasurer. In 1964, the Alumni Foundation awarded him its Distinguished Alumnus honor. Doner retired later that year and moved to Apache Junction, Arizona. In 1973, South Dakota State University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

Doner was also active in civic and professional organizations. He served as supervisor of the Boy Scouts training program, was a member and President of the Brookings School Board, served as Secretary Treasurer of the South Dakota State Associated School Boards, and held positions as District Governor and International Trustee of Kiwanis. He also chaired the finance committee responsible for raising funds to construct the Crippled Children’s Hospital and School in Sioux Falls.

David Doner died in September 1978.

During his career at SDSU, Doner served under nine university presidents and signed 12,693 diplomas. At his final commencement on June 7, 1964, the last diploma he signed was the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree awarded to Ray C. Cunningham of Ames, Iowa. Cunningham, then of Conde, South Dakota, had met Doner at the train depot when he first arrived in Brookings in November 1913. Doner helped him find lodging and employment and provided mentorship during his early years at the institution.

Field of Activity: Universities and colleges--Admission, Universities and colleges--Administration
Occupation: College registrars, College admission officers
Associated Groups: South Dakota State University