The Dick and Martha Donner Endowed scholarship was established by Dick and Martha Donner to fund scholarships to students. Mr. Richard Donner was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and received his education at Rugby School in England. He served in the U.S. Air Force where he flew 50 missions over enemy territory during World War II. His military service earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He retired as Chairman of the Board of Dyersburg Fabrics in 1986 after a career that spanned 42 years. In 1945, he joined Dyersburg Fabrics as a member of the company’s management training program. Later that year he was elected to the Board of Directors, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position on the Board. Two years later, he was elected as Secretary, and was elevated to the office of Executive Vice President in 1959. In 1960 he was elected as President, a position he held until he was named Chairman of the Board in 1981.
Mr. Donner took an active role in the community. He was Chairman of the Board of McIver’s Grant Public Library, a board member of the First American National Bank, and a board member of Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Dyersburg State Community College gratefully remembers his service as Foundation Board Member, trusted advisor, and generous benefactor.
Mrs. Martha W. Donner is well known for her concern and dedication to scouting, her church, and college scholarships. She is a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where she has served as a Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Donner helps many people attend college including a number of students who attend Dyersburg State.
The Donners are the parents of Suzanne E. Donner, Betsy Donner Bloch and Richard W. Donner, and the grandparents of Cheraton Donner, Mary Anna Donner, Elliot Bloch and Nina Bloch.