Messages for President Stephen C. MacDonald

Joseph Gargiulo ' 73
Saturday, December 03, 2011

Dear Dr. MacDonald, As you move into the next chapter of your life, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your assistance in trying to resolve some of the issues surrounding the Alumni Chorale of Lebanon Valley College. I wish there were more we could do to cement that relationship with the college before you leave, but know that your efforts have been appreciated. Thank you.



Lloyd and Ruth
Thursday, September 01, 2011

Steve, nowhere in your bio does it mention your sad and mis-guided passion for the Red Sox or your strong desire to hit the road and see the world with your beautiful wife. As you may be aware on 9/17 we are off on a cruise from Athens to Venice.My question to you Euro. History prof and European traveler, is there a good beer in Dubrovnik? Lloyd



Marie Riegle
Friday, July 08, 2011

I wanted to wish you all the best as you move into the next stage in your life. (Not sure if you were aware that I also "retired" as of fall of '09, per medical advice. Lots of people don't know because it was a quiet decision/fact. I am now doing much better.) Thanks for all your cordial support of me. It meant a lot to me when you said that my Knisely Award was well deserved and long overdue. May your next "phase" be fruitful, meaningful, and full of joy! Marie



Frank '57 and June '57 Lantz
Friday, June 10, 2011

We wish him well in his retirment. And pray for guidance and wisdom on the part of the Board, in choosing the next President. Frank and June Lantz, Class of 1957



Grant Taylor
Friday, May 20, 2011

As President, Steve was a stable and steady force in what emerged as an unstable and precarious period in Higher Education. While the profession is still in a state of flux, Steve’s strong stewardship allows the College to remain in a strong position. Beyond his empathy, intellectual curiosity, and his unending commitment to LVC, I will miss his public speaking. Anyone who has heard him speak will know how he naturally combines gravitas with perfect comic timing. Thank you, President MacDonald, and I look forward to this coming year’s "send-off" celebrations.



Tito Valdes
Friday, May 20, 2011

I already e-mailed President MacDonald personally after I received the news of his retirement, however, I would like to share on here as well. I moved into Stanson Hall on August 28th, 2010. I was feeling scared, nervous, and happy - all at the same time. I wasn't sure if I would have a good time at the college. I was starting to wonder whether I should have committed to a larger school where my friends from high school had gone. I was wondering whet I had made a huge mistake by deciding to stay so close to home. After a year of being here, I am confident in the accuracy of my decision. President MacDonald, along with all of the other members of the faculty, staff, and administration, made me feel welcome here from the very beginning. This is my home. President MacDonald will be dearly missed, and his accomplishments here at the college will be appreciated forever. I wish him the best in his retirement!



Charles McElwee '11
Thursday, May 19, 2011

President MacDonald is a reflection of the College's class, warmth, and kindness toward its students. He merged LVC's traditions with an unyielding pursuit of academic excellence. I will always remember and appreciate his commitment and concern for the College.



Mike Schroeder
Thursday, May 19, 2011

Steve, I've been in this game for a while now & I've seen a lot of senior administrators come & go, but I can honestly say that you have been & remain the most effective, visionary, sane, balanced, good humored, reasonable & accessible college president I've ever had the privilege of working under. You'll doubtless read a lot in the coming days & weeks about how you'll be sorely missed, about how the LVC community won't be the same without you, about how it's been an honor & privilege to work with you over the past years, and so on. The funny thing is, in this case people really do mean it. I know I do.



Chris Rankin '01
Thursday, May 19, 2011

I remember when President MacDonald came to LVC as dean in my sophomore year. I remember his distinguished presence on campus. Since my graduation ten years ago, President MacDonald always provided a warm greeting when I attended campus events and I was impressed that the college president would still remember me. He will be missed and I wish him the best in his retirement!



Jeff Robbins
Thursday, May 19, 2011

It will always be my honor to say that I was hired to Lebanon Valley College by Stephen MacDonald. At the time, he was dean of the faculty. He sold me then on the vision of this particular college with its particular strenghts and history as being not simply a good place to land a job, but more significantly, a worthy job where I could meaningfully invest my energy, my education, and my expertise. It is thanks to Stephen MacDonald that I first came here, and that I have remained here. Along the way, I have depended on Steve's confidence in me as a professional. I have also remembered and taken to heart his words at his inauguration as president that our job here at LVC is to provide a safe environment for our students to encounter challenging, disturbing, maybe even unsafe, ideas. I hope and trust this vision for our noble purpose remains in place even as President MacDonald's stewardship of this place gives way to his successor's. Thank you Stephen.



Eric B. White
Thursday, May 19, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. MacDonald before graduating and appreciate all that he has done for LVC. He has maintained a high standard and done well continuing with the vision of past presidents in making LVC a top destination for matriculation of our next generation. The campus continues to be innovative and looks remarkable. Thank you for everything & good luck in your future endeavors!