[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 10 (Friday, January 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E38-E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JOHN McDONALD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 14, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
legacy of John McDonald, Local 1650 president and emeritus faculty 
member at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. His significant 
contributions to Henry Ford College, the greater Dearborn community, 
and beyond are worthy of commendation.
  After graduating from Detroit Catholic Central High School, Mr. 
McDonald attended Henry Ford College and then the University of 
Michigan--Ann Arbor, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in 
English. He began teaching 19th century American literature and English 
composition at the college in 1969. After gaining tenure in 1971, he 
became involved in Henry Ford Community College American Federation of 
Teachers' Local 1650 and soon became a trusted leader

[[Page E39]]

among his peers. Under his leadership, Mr. McDonald was the master 
negotiator and Local 1650 was a force to be reckoned with. They 
negotiated strong contracts featuring shared governance, community 
service, wages, post tenure review, distance education, intellectual 
property, and professional development. His leadership brought 
recognition to the union on a national level, where Mr. McDonald served 
as the American Federation of Teachers National Vice President. To 
celebrate his 40th anniversary as president of Local 1650, his fellow 
officers dedicated the Library of Labor Studies at Henry Ford College 
in his honor.
  A fixture at Henry Ford College and in Dearborn, Mr. McDonald was an 
advocate for education and for his community. As he often said, ``Henry 
Ford College is Dearborn's College.'' He knew that this school opened 
doors for its students and relished in uplifting all who crossed his 
path. The ultimate educator, the world was his classroom. Those who 
knew him know of his tenacity, compassion, and sharp wit.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
John McDonald, we are all thankful for his dedication to education and 
the labor movement. A trusted friend and confidante of mine and a giant 
in our community, our thoughts are with his wife, Denise, and his 
family at this time. We are forever grateful for his lifetime of work 
and know that his legacy will live on in those who he touched at Henry 
Ford College.

                          ____________________