Microbiology Professor Gives Back to Future Students
By Robyn Murray
Tom McDonald was raised on a farm in northwest Iowa, where his parents spent long hours working the land. Familiar with hard work, they had lived through the Dust Bowl and two world wars. But they were determined to make sure McDonald and his two brothers had greater opportunities. So, they put their money aside and sent all three kids to college.
“They believed in education,” McDonald, a Burnett Society member, said. “Thanks to Mom and Dad, we went to school, and we all have had a successful life.”
One brother went to work for IBM, the other earned his Ph.D., and McDonald did, too. He studied microbiology at Washington State University.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I was always interested in healing, helping people get over things,” McDonald said. “I love the science behind medicine and the discovery and possibility of developing some kind of a test or a new drug or a new therapy.”
After receiving his Ph.D., McDonald joined the faculty at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He said he was attracted by the collegiate feeling on campus and the spirit of collaboration.
“The interactions between the medical staff and the medical doctors, as well as the research scientists, were incredible,” McDonald said, “and that’s what made me come here.”
That feeling never changed, which is why McDonald is still working in the same lab in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at UNMC 45 years later. He has taught countless students and contributed significant research, including what led to the development of a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. McDonald said he is most interested in seeing his research move beyond theory to having an impact.
“I was more interested in the results of my research having direct application to humans or animals,” McDonald said. “The best way I figure I can help people is using my brain and science and making practical, usable discoveries.”
That desire to help people and make an impact also led McDonald to make a gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation to support graduate students in his department. Provided through his retirement assets, McDonald’s gift will provide funding for research, rewards for publishing papers and other opportunities to support graduate students in their work and future careers.
McDonald said it makes sense for him to leave money for his department and the people who work in it.
“They were part of me,” McDonald said, “part of my family.”
McDonald said leaving a gift as a legacy also helps to ensure that his work will continue.
“You work and you work, and all of a sudden you built this infrastructure of knowledge and papers,” he said. “What happens to them when you leave? Having this is a way to perpetuate some of the science that you did and some of your thoughts.”
It also completes a circle for McDonald. From the hard work his parents put in to make sure he had every opportunity, he is now doing the same for the students who will come after him.
But for him, the bottom line is simple: “It just makes you feel good.”
“Ever since I was a little kid, I was always interested in healing, helping people get over things. I love the science behind medicine and the discovery and possibility of developing some kind of a test or a new drug or a new therapy.”
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