Founding of the Dr. Donald B. Saunders Memorial Scholarship for History Honors Students
Remembering a Mentor
“Dr. Don transformed the lives of many students, faculty and friends of the Appalachian State community for over 50 years. His steadfast commitment to faith, education, brotherhood and community leave an indelible mark on many. The Dr. Donald B. Saunders Scholarship for History Honors Students perpetuates his legacy of giving to current and future AppState students. Dr. Don is fondly remembered by so many. He was a true and great friend. He is dearly missed.” - Chris McCaw '03
"Don taught me in his Modern Europe class, and I think that was my first taste of intellectual history. I remember his wit and eloquence in class, and his assignment of Modris Ekstein's Rites of Spring was, and continues to be, a formative text for me. I shall ever remember his kindness and collegiality to me after his retirement at numerous Watauga County Historical Society meetings. I am thankful to have known him as a teacher and a friend." - Ralph E. Lentz II, senior lecturer, Department of History, Appalachian State University
About Dr. Don
Dr. Donald Bishop Saunders, "Dr. Don," as he was known by all, retired from his positions of history professor, director of the Honors Program (now Honors College) and faculty advisor to Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Appalachian State University after 32 years of service.
He received his B.A. in history from Davidson College in 1962 and his Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974. He joined Appalachian in 1971. His focus of study was nineteenth- and twentieth-century European and German history. Don's passions in life were steadfast love of friends and family, dedicated membership to his church, teaching and mentoring, historic preservation and environmental conservation.
In his honor a new scholarship is being established to help undergraduate Honors College students studying history at Appalachian.
This scholarship will provide support to sophomore, junior or senior students who are majoring or minoring in History within the College of Arts and Sciences and are members of the Honors College.
Don was a great colleague and a source of stability and unity in the Department. He was quite an engaging teacher, which is to say that he was full of engaging stories with which he enlivened tightly-knit, accessible classes. Don Saunders truly is one of the architects of what is now a well-led, prospering Honors College program. Most of all, I will remember Don as one of those invaluable people who made the Department of History a congenial place to work. He was a good friend. - Michael Wade, professor, Department of History, Appalachian State University.
Consider honoring Dr. Saunders with your support of this scholarship for Appalachian students interested in history.
*All photos from University Archives Historical photos - https://omeka.library.appstate.edu/collections/show/10