The Bowdoin Orient

To Members of the Bowdoin Community,

I write with the tragic news that our former Board Chair, Don Zuckert '56, died last night at the age of 79 after suffering a heart attack. Don was a devoted friend to Bowdoin who served this College for many, many years in vital leadership roles, as a colleague with a wonderful sense of humor, and as a trusted advisor to me and several of my predecessors. He assumed important roles in the Campaign for Bowdoin in the 1980s and served as chair of the New Century Campaign from 1996 to 1998. He was elected an overseer of the College in 1987 and trustee of the College in 1995. Don served as chair of the Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2005, and was elected trustee emeritus in 2005. A year later, in recognition of his loyalty and service to the College, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Commencement. His brother, Owen, is a member of the Class of 1954, and his son Timothy is a member of the Class of 1986.

Don was always willing to take on the difficult tasks in thoughtful ways with warmth and a generosity of spirit that made us all smile. Those of us who knew him will miss him very much. The College will provide a more complete review of Don's many contributions to our College, along with information about memorial arrangements. In the meantime, I know each of you joins me in extending heartfelt sympathies to Sue and to the entire Zuckert family for this terrible and sudden loss.

Sincerely,

Barry Mills