Don Donnally Joins Chapter Eternal
Dear Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Texas Delta Chapter,
It is with our deepest sorrow we must inform you that Don Donnally, SAE Chairman and Chapter Advisor of five decades, has passed away from natural causes this past Sunday afternoon in his home in Dallas, TX. Don spent his last days with family and friends and working on the SAE finances.
Don began his life of service with SAE in 1963. He graduated in the class of ’67 from SMU and began his tenure as Chapter Advisor in 1973.
Don was the living embodiment of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Delta. He had a lasting impact on each and every member of SAE at SMU. Graduating nearly 2,100 SAE brothers in his time as Chairman and Chapter Advisor, Don left a Dynasty that will forever live in the hearts and minds of all its members. His passion for SAE and his compassion for each one of us will never be forgotten.
He is responsible for the incredible growth and success of this chapter and the tremendous network it now supports. Don put his personal reputation on the line when it mattered most. Day or night, Don would answer your call. He was a father not only to his own children but to each one of us.
He was an exceptional man, whose conduct most definitely proceeded from goodwill. He was a poster for generosity, ensuring everyone had a roof over their head, oftentimes offering his own. His dedication to SAE and those within it is unmatched and his sacrifices are immeasurable. SAE was truly blessed to have such a fine, dedicated man at the helm for the better part of a century.
May we forever preserve and honor Don’s Dynasty.
We are forever grateful for Don Donnally’s lifetime of service. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
A memorial service will be held for Don Donnally at Highland Park United Methodist Church on Monday, May 23rd at 1:00pm Central Time. If you are unable to attend the funeral, it will be livestreamed here.
There are two opportunities to honor Don’s legacy currently available:
The Don Donnally Endowed Scholarship, which supports SMU students that join SAE and have a financial need. The Donnally family will select each year’s recipient(s). For those who would like to honor Donnally in lieu of flowers with a gift to SMU, memorials can be made to the Don Donnally Endowed Scholarship Fund at smu.edu/giving/donnally or mailed to Don Donnally Endowment at SMU:
SMU Office of Development
PO Box 750402
Dallas, TX 75275-0402
You can also make a donation directly to the SAE Texas Delta chapter, supporting future facilities, operations and other needs here.
Phi Alpha
Luke Logan