Don was known for his gregarious demeanor, he never met a stranger. After graduating from Stivers High School where he played on the 1952-53 Stivers Hall of Fame basketball team, Don went on to graduate from the University of Dayton in 1958. He earned a Master’s Degree from Miami University in 1964. Don worked at the Dayton Boy’s Club where he made a positive impact and was a great example to many young boys during his time there.
Don became the Sports Information Director at Central State University in the late 1960’s where he was later inducted into the Marauder Athletic Hall of Fame for his work and accomplishments. In 1970, he started his career as Sports Information Director at Wittenberg University. He secured visits by Sports Illustrated and ABC’s Wide World of Sports among other top tier outlets. Don also promoted 20 men and women athletes for All-American honors and became highly respected by his peers. He contributed chapters to the Definitive Guide for college information professionals published by the NCAA in the 1980’s.
In 1976, Don was promoted to Director of Public Relations at Wittenberg and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1997. His accomplishments and awards include the Frank M. Ashmore Award for his work as a lecturer, authorand mentor, the Wittenberg University’s Athletic Hall of Honor in 2002, the honorary Alumnus Award in 1980 and The Class of 1914 Award in 1993. He was frequently in the national news and was called upon often by other colleges and universities as a consultant to sharpen their public relations. Don was also very involved in his church and community serving on many committees in the Springfield area.
Don passed away on September 3, 2021. He was married to his wife, Marilyn for39 years. He is survived by his son, Daniel and two daughters Julie Porter and Tamara Dobbs, three grand children, Megan and Kyle Porter and Cameron Foster and great-grandson, Maddox Ramsey.
