In Memory of Mr. Donald Abbott

Donald Abbott worked at Southwestern College from 2000 until this February. He died on May 10 of complications from lymphoma. During his years at Southwestern, Mr. Abbott taught a variety of classes, including psychology, government, and GED preparation. American Government was probably his favorite subject, and he was known as a caring and knowledgeable instructor. Former students’ comments at Ratemyprof.com are enthusiastic, saying, “Mr. Abbott knows more in his little pinkie than any other professor here at SWC!” and “The man knows his Gov! … He’s very open to discussion and answers questions thoroughly.” He was always eager to increase his knowledge: during his last days at Southwestern, he spent his spare time reading The Case for Goliath: How America Acts as the World’s Government.

Mr. Abbott was in charge of the library when it was located across the hall in the current GED classroom and in fact personally assembled many of the library’s current bookshelves. For the last two years, he helped students with computer and reference questions, kept usage statistics, and created a subject guide for GED resources. His former colleague, Medical Instructor Carole Bretcher, says, “I remember Mr. Abbott as a very private person of high intelligence and integrity. He cared deeply for all people over himself. He loved his students even though they, at times, exasperated him as all of us teachers know they can. He may have led an obscure life, but he touched the hearts of many as he touched mine.”

At Kent State University, Mr. Abbott was a football standout, playing defensive end on the All-MAC (Mid-Atlantic Conference) team in 1966 and 1967. In the above photo, he is #81. He was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Later, he earned an MS in education from Northern Kentucky University, and he was working toward a PhD when he became ill. Before coming to Southwestern, he taught in the Dayton Public Schools. He is survived by his son, Donald, Jr., of Concord Township, Ohio, and two grandsons.

The library is collecting money to buy books on American government in Mr. Abbott’s honor and welcomes donations.