Margaret, best known as Peggy, was a passionate advocate of Chatham College (now Chatham University) for more than 50 years. She died on August 24, 2004, at the age of 82.
Prior to attending Chatham, Peggy went to the Squirrel Hill School, formerly the Pennsylvania College for Women, and graduated in 1944. She attended Chatham as a student and went on to serve as an administrator, fundraiser and volunteer.
Peggy served in several key positions at Chatham, first as Director of Admissions for almost 30 years and later as Director of Community Services and Director of the Annual Fund.
She was instrumental in initiating the Gateway Program, a continuing education initiative at Chatham for "nontraditional age women." Following her retirement in 1989, she went to work as a fundraiser and organized several popular events including "An Evening with Scott and Zelda" at Mellon Hall, Andrew Mellon's former residence. She also helped to raise monies for Chatham's new Athletic and Fitness Center.
Peggy and her younger sister Gretchen were active alumnae of the Chatham College community. In 2006, the college completed major renovations to Woodland Hall for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) and designated it the Donaldson Wing in their honor.
Then Chatham President Dr. Esther Barazzone described the Donaldsons as not only dedicated alumnae, but also long-time friends of the College and major contributors to the success of the completion of the Woodland Hall project.
Peggy was a charter member and first chairman of the board of the Executive Women's Council, as well as an advisory board member of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She also was an active member of East Liberty Presbyterian Church.
She enjoyed politics and was a member of the League of Women Voters and the Pennsylvania Women's Political Caucus.
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