In memory of brother William Alexander McDonald: October 14, 1989 - November 22, 2012
Alex McDonald was a true gentleman and loyal leader. He befriended countless people with his charm, humility and everlasting smile.
From birth, Alex McDonald was an FSU football fan! Starting at the age of 6, he played organized football at the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club and the Marion County Youth Football League.
Alex was one of only 5 players to become a four year letterman in football at Forest High School his senior year. He was named to the All County Offensive Line Team, after his final season. According to Head Coach David Hodges, Alex was an 'overachiever.'
After graduating in 2008, Alex attended FSU as a third generation student, where he soon became a respected leader on campus. Shortly after arriving on campus, Alex pledged with Sigma Alpha Epsilon. At the time, SAE had just been reinstated at FSU and had less than 25 brothers, plus they were without a Chapter House.
During the early morning hours on Thanksgiving Day 2012, Alex was struck by a hit and run driver, who had been drinking alcohol that night. Alex died within minutes of the crash, at the tender age of 23. The culprit was caught, convicted and sentenced to prison.
Alex was selected by his Brothers as the SAE Gentleman of the Year for two years in a row. On December 15, 2012, Skip McDonald, his father (and now SAE Brother), received Alex’s Bachelor’s Degree from the FSU Business College, School of Hospitality, to a standing ovation. Shortly thereafter, Alex was posthumously inducted into the FSU Greek Life Hall of Fame (2013).
Shortly after Alex’s passing to the Eternal Chapter, a group of his friends formed the Alex McDonald Foundation, Inc., a charitable organization. The Mission of the Alex McDonald Foundation is to provide young persons with an opportunity to further enrich their lives through education, while carrying on Alex’s legacy of kindness, inclusiveness and leadership.
The Alex McDonald Foundation awards two annual scholarships in the amount of $2,500.00, to Marion County public high school student-athletes, who have been admitted into a Florida public university or college. The Alex McDonald Foundation also funds academic and achievement awards for brothers of the Chapter, at the end of each fall and spring semester. One achievement that is recognized is the Alex McDonald Gentlemen of the Year Award, which is probably the most sought after award by the brothers. Furthermore, the AMF contributes annually to the Alex McDonald Memorial Chapter Educational Fund for Florida Beta at SAE National Headquarters, which allows a deserving brother to attend Leadership School every year.
The new Chapter House was Alex’s dream. A Southern Mansion on College Row! Fortunately, the brothers who succeeded him made that dream come true beyond his wildest expectations.
BE TRUE
You can donate directly to the Alex McDonald Foundation by visiting the Facebook page here.
