Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1939-1971 (Creation)
Extent
1.0 linear feet (1 oversize box)
Name of creator
Biographical history
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.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The David B. Doner collection is comprised primarily of a scrapbook documenting Doner’s career in higher education administration, alumni relations, and civic service. The scrapbook includes numerous newspaper clippings and approximately twenty certificates related to his professional and public roles. Photographic content consists of black and white photographs, including approximately eight images of South Dakota State University, eight images documenting alumni activities, thirty six personal snapshots, and a group of nine large format and thirteen smaller glossy photographs depicting public figures and events. Identified individuals represented include Governor Foss, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Senator Karl Mundt, and Christy Christesen. Additional materials include five menus or programs, two letters, one telegram, the publication Stadium for State dated circa 1959, and approximately eight photographs documenting travel and sightseeing. The collection also includes five loose black and white family photographs taken on March 19, 1949, in Iowa City, Iowa.
The collection documents David B. Doner’s professional life and public service, particularly his long tenure at South Dakota State College and South Dakota State University. It offers evidence of mid twentieth century university administration, alumni relations, civic engagement, and institutional culture, as well as visual documentation of university events, public figures, and Doner’s personal and family life. The scrapbook reflects Doner’s prominent role in the history of SDSU and his connections to state and national leaders.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
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Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Doner, David B. (Subject)