The Forge Owner Who Dreamed Big Dreams That Helped Others

Don Jones ’52

Don Jones ’52 led a life that straddled the hard-as-steel reality of his forge business the dreamy imaginings that entertain possibilities. The mix contributed to his thriving business and to GU’s growth.

Don’s faithful generosity made possible the SMART Center on Greenville's square, JKL Academic Hall, home to the Bastian School of Theology, Philosophy, and Ministry; the Prairie Street Center that houses GU’s University Pathways program; Prairie House that houses GU’s Office of Advancement; the Light & Life Digital Media Center; GU’s track; and more.

Buildings serve students, and students were ever on Don’s heart. Sometimes a check from Don would show up at the University, with a note like this one, recalling a time in 1951:

Enclosed please find a check for $300, the budget amount for starting GC’s first track program. I went with Coach John Strahl to St. Louis to buy the equipment for starting the program. We purchased a pole vault pole, javelin, and two pairs of shoes, sizes nine and 12. (Every runner had to wear either nine or 12.) It has been great to see the program grow.