ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award

2002 Recipient


Eric Donaldson
Art teacher, Pecatonica High School
Highland Community College (1974)

"Eric Donaldson has been a one-man whirlwind of artistic activity in northwestern illinois," said ICCTA executive director Gary Davis.

"As a teacher of art in Freeport, Lena, and Pecatonica, he has attracted statewide and even national attention."

Highland board chair Frank Walker sums up Donaldson's contributions by describing him as "a gifted, dedicated and passionate teacher."


Eric Donaldson (center) receives his Distinguished
Alumnus Award from ICCTA Awards Committee members Dr. Clare Ollayos (left) and Mary Nolan.

Donaldson is credited with revitalizing Pecatonica High School's award-winning art program, including the development of an artistic blacksmithing class that is the first in the Midwest and one of only five in the United States.

He has also recorded interviews with native American artists on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota -- a contact initially made while a student at HCC. The tapes will be donated to the libraries of Northern Illinois University and Oglala Lakota College.

"Has my Highland experience shaped my life?" asks Donaldson. "You're darn right it has, and I only hope that it continues to do so for many years to come!"