story by Cathi Douglas
photo by Kelly Lacefield
As he pursues his many business, volunteer and government commitments, Bobby McDonald ’75 (B.S. physical education) keeps in mind words from the book of Luke: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required…”
McDonald, executive director of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s newly appointed trustee to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. The 17-member board oversees 109 community colleges in 17 districts throughout 58 counties statewide.
To celebrate the appointment, McDonald threw a swearing in reception for 200 people, attended by a significant number of Orange County luminaries.
“This appointment was a big deal for the community, so I wanted the community to know about it – I’m there because of them,” McDonald says.
A product of both Los Angeles Harbor Community College as well as Cal State Fullerton, and a Vietnam veteran, he views his job as a trustee to help boost the credibility, exposure and visibility of the community colleges. “People should know the value and positive impact of the community colleges,” he says. “If it wasn’t for them, I’m not sure I would have made it here.”
Among many other associations, McDonald is a member of the California Cultural Historical Endowment Board. He founded both the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame and the Orange County Presidents Council, a group of 27 ethnic chambers and business organizations who share calendars and ideas. He was Cal State Fullerton’s second Alumni Association president. A member of the Alpha Phi Alpha
fraternity and the Buffalo Soldiers, he is a historian, speaker and author. Last summer, as a member of Cal State Fullerton’s 50th Anniversary Steering Committee. 
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