[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. JOE McDONALD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 11, 2021

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Dr. Joe McDonald, who passed away on November 16, 2019. Joe was a man 
of deep faith, an exceptional sportsman on and off the field, and an 
inspiration to the thousands of students who had the great privilege to 
learn from him. A beloved member of our community, Joe's life was 
marked by steadfast commitment to education and service to others.
  Joe grew up in Bakersfield, California and was the fourth of seven 
children. His childhood was filled with family and faith; Joe played 
sports and made harmless trouble with his brothers, gained a strong 
work ethic from his parents, and worshiped proudly, singing alongside 
his family in their church's choir.
  After two years at Bakersfield Community College, Joe caught the eye 
of Arizona State University Football Head Coach Frank Kush who 
recruited him to play tight end for the team. Off the field, he earned 
his degree and met the love of his life, Sharon, before beginning his 
career as an educator. A few years into his teaching career, Coach Kush 
reached out again, this time to ask Joe to be an assistant coach for 
Sun Devil football--he said yes. Throughout Joe's return to ASU, he 
coached for six years, served as the associate athletic director and 
earned both his master's and doctoral degrees. Joe brought both success 
and diversity to ASU football, leading the Sun Devils to the 1970 Peach 
Bowl and the 1971-1973 Fiesta Bowls as one of the first Black coaches 
at a Division One University.
  Following his time at ASU, Joe returned to the classroom as a teacher 
and was later named the first principal of Desert Vista High School. 
During his principalship, the school was recognized multiple times for 
its academic achievements and excellence in athletics and fine arts. 
Joe always saw the good in everyone. He constantly advocated for the 
best interests of his students, teachers, and administrators because he 
knew they were the foundation which made Desert Vista a welcoming and 
inclusive learning environment for all. In recognition of his more than 
a decade of service to Desert Vista, the school's auditorium was named 
after him upon his retirement.
  Joe was also active and engaged in our community; he was a member of 
the First Institutional Baptist Church congregation for 52 years, where 
he regularly taught Sunday School. He served on the Sun Angel 
Foundation Executive Board and the Memorial Hospital Board. For all of 
his work in the community, Joe was recognized with the Arizona African 
American Achievement Award, the NAACP Leadership Award, the Tribune 
Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Administrator's Award.
  Joe will be dearly missed by his friends, family, colleagues and all 
whom he empowered during his lifetime of service as an educator and 
school administrator. We join his family in grief and gratitude, 
thankful we bore witness to his incredible legacy which will be felt 
for generations to come.
  I thank Joe, and wish him Godspeed.