Nonagenarian Roy McDonald Receives Honorary Associate’s Degree from MCC

Roy McDonald

Roy McDonald receives an honorary associate's degree from MCC. Pictured with him are: (left to right) Jennifer Jones, Jean Roberts, George Maniates and Nicholas Budimir.

Roy McDonald, a World War II veteran who attended Muskegon Community College for many years, was presented with an honorary associate’s degree by MCC during a reception on Sept. 11 at his Christian Care Nursing Center residence in Muskegon.

McDonald, who will turn 91 years old on Sept. 19, worked at the Continental Motors plant, where he was a member of UAW Local 113 and a champion of Social Security rights.

During his many years of attendance at MCC, McDonald served as an example of perseverance, persistence, and patience. He has often shared his years of experience in social science courses and never failed to champion the cause of lifelong learning.

MCC Social Sciences Instructor Nicholas Budimir, who has taught McDonald in nine classes over the past five years, had the honor of presenting his friend with the honorary degree. Other MCC faculty and staff on hand included Dean of Student Services and Registrar Jean Roberts, Instructors Jennifer Jones and George Maniates, and three of McDonald’s former MCC classmates – Paul Bourne, Tanya Lynn and Nate Johnson. Greg Russick, McDonald’s friend and caregiver, welcomed attendees and shared personal recollections.