National Park College hosted a dedication ceremony Friday for the Ray and Willodene Donathan Pavilion, named for the longtime board of trustees member, outside the Student Commons building.
"Ray and Willodene Donathan believed strongly in the value of an education for improving the lives of students," a news release said. "Ray Donathan was elected to the Board of Trustees for Garland County Community College, now NPC, in 1976, where he served for 40 years."
Ray Donathan passed away in 2019, and the family wanted to honor his legacy by naming the pavilion next to the Student Commons building in honor of him and his wife, Willodene, the release states.
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"He served faithfully on the board through changes in the presidency, transformation in the College name, and affiliations with other regional universities he trusted would help grow opportunities for National Park College and its students," Cyndi Donathan Morgan, their daughter, said in the release.
"The Ray and Willodene Donathan Pavilion will provide vital meeting space for students, classes, and events. Additionally, the Ray and Willodene Donathan Scholarships will give financial aid to students pursuing a business degree," it said.
"The Donathan family is excited for the future of National Park College and thrilled to continue to play an active role," Morgan said.
Don Harris, a former NPC board of trustees member, said he and Ray Donathan worked together for 20 years.
"There is something about being on this board that is such an honor," he said, noting Ray Donathan sacrificed a lot of his life for what the college has today.
Harris said he shared Ray Donathan's pride and commitment to his family and how proud he was of his two daughters.
"He was a good man. He had a good head on his shoulders, and he wanted what was best for the administration, the staff and particularly the students that attended this school," Harris said in the release.
Harris said the pavilion would benefit students because it will be a great asset for them.
"It will be a place for the students to meet, and it can be something that the community can enjoy," he said.
"Ray and his family understand that our students' dreams are our dreams and that we listen to the voice of our students. This building is representative of that vision for what the college would be and what he held us accountable to put into play," NPC President John Hogan said.
