Tom McDonald, PhD, a beloved educator who passed along his expertise in the field of immunology to decades of UNMC students, has died.
A professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology with a 45-year career at UNMC, Dr. McDonald is being remembered in many ways.
As a gifted medical immunology teacher. A dedicated researcher. A humble man who was admired by his students and gave of himself for their good. And a valued colleague who became a mentor, a teaching partner and, in the end, family.
UNMC leaders and co-workers shared one uniting sentiment: He will be greatly missed.
“Dr. McDonald touched many over his 45 years as a faculty member in the UNMC College of Medicine as a teacher and researcher,” said Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. “He was dedicated to the field of immunology and was instrumental in generations of students learning this complex topic. He always sought to provide support for his students and recently established two endowed funds to support the ability of graduate students to travel to present their research at scientific meetings. He will be greatly missed.”
Said Joseph Khoury, MD, the Stokes-Shackleford Professor and chair of the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology: “Dr. McDonald will be missed dearly. He taught and inspired generations of learners during his long career at UNMC. He embodied everything that is great about our institution: collegiality, professionalism, dedication and scientific inquisitiveness, to name a few.”
As much as Dr. McDonald loved to teach and enjoyed being in his research lab, Dr. Khoury said, his passion for supporting students in the graduate studies program was unparalleled.
Dr. Khoury said, “I am comforted by the fact that he got to see how his generosity to UNMC will make a difference in lives of graduate students by enhancing their learning experience and promoting scientific excellence and distinction.”
Earlier this year, Dr. McDonald and the University of Nebraska Foundation announced his gift to the department – a gift described as “a capstone to his legacy at UNMC.”
Dr. McDonald joined UNMC as an assistant professor in 1980, having completed his PhD at Washington State University and undertaking postdoctoral training at the Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine.
His expertise was in immunology, and his research lab studied acute phase proteins and inflammation. Dr. McDonald invented, developed and manufactured prototype diagnostic tests for human and veterinary applications, according to his faculty bio, as well as established start-up companies and was awarded at least 12 patents.
For all his important research, his colleagues said he was dedicated even more to teaching medical students.
Said Allison Cushman-Vokoun, MD, PhD, a UNMC alumni, professor in the department and director of the Division of Diagnostic Molecular Pathology and Human Genetics: “Dr. McDonald taught so many physicians and health care workers in this state (and around the country) medical immunology, and he made it interesting and fun. I know my immunology because of him.
“He was so humble. I can’t emphasize enough how loved and admired he was by all medical students. As wonderful of a teacher that he was, he was an even better human being, and he will truly be missed but always remembered.”
Geoffrey Thiele, PhD, the Umbach Professor of Rheumatology at UNMC, said: “Tom was my teacher, my mentor, my colleague, teaching partner, my neighbor, but most importantly he was family. … His commitment to his research, students and UNMC was unparalleled. He will be greatly missed.”
Jonathan Vennerstrom, PhD, professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said: “In Tom, we just lost a dear friend who was the heart and soul of UNMC. When he was head of UneMed, Tom was a great advocate for PNT, the little company that was founded by several COP faculty members. He will be sorely missed.”
James Talmadge, PhD, emeritus professor in the department, said he knew Dr. McDonald since around 1976 when they were at Washington State University together.
Throughout the decades, Dr. Talmadge said, Dr. McDonald lived for teaching med students.
“He will be missed, especially by the students.”
Services are pending.
I met Tom 25 years ago at the center of healthy living and enjoy talking to him and his encouragement to do more for myself, rest in peace Tom you’ll be surely missed. Kathy
I took the Introductory Immunology course in 2021, and Dr. McDonald often praised my ability to complete a two-hour exam in just 15-20 minutes. It feels like just yesterday, we were discussing immunology and COVID in DRC1 1004. It is hard to believe he is no longer with us. He created an exceptional learning experience with Dr. Thiele, and I can confidently say that Dr. McDonald was among the very best teachers I have had throughout my educational journey across several countries. Not only was he an incredible educator, but he was also a genuinely kind and helpful person. His knowledge and support were remarkable, and he embodied all the qualities that make an outstanding teacher—truly rare qualities.
Early morning was usually quite while I was in the Wittson Hall. But my neighboring lab was already grinding! It was Tom in active search of a new recipe for drug delivery. I approached him and asked whether the breakfast was ready. He smiled to me and nodded his head. Then, our great day started! Tom is a great man and will be always missed!
I am sad of the passing of Tom, but at the same time it is uplifting in knowing how much he contributed and impacted so many people. I really got to know Tom a number of years back and I had injured my hamstring training for a marathon. Nothing seemed to help heal this injury. A number of friends at the Center for Healthy Living then told me about the creatinine Tom had developed. Although skeptical at first, I talked to Tom and used it and it somehow worked (many of us at the CHL have become a devout believers of this cream he created). I found Tom to be funny, humble, and always willing to help.
My God,
Always motivate us at the gym. Always happy to have a conversation with students.
ॐ शान्ति। 🙏🏾
What a man! Tom truly made a difference. He will never be forgotten. RIP, buddy.
Tom and I were the last remnants of the Department of Medical Microbiology that merged with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in 1985. We were both hired under the then chair Dr. Harry McFadden. He was an excellent scientist and educator and although we had different scientific interests (Tom in immunology and me in microbiology), he always provided me with encouragement as we pursued our careers, and he will be sorely missed!
I took Dr. McDonald’s immunology course back in 2012. He was a great teacher and made the class so fun. I still go back and check the notes from the course. He was also a great colleague and a friend. He will be truly missed.
I’m very shocked by the new. I visited him last month and he tried to give a lot of suggestions. I overcame very hard time this June. He gave me a lot of kind words. We made a deal whenever I’m available, I can go to his lab to chat with him and I will bring him orange juice. He will be truly missed.
Great Man and Scientist! He will be truly missed!!!
Tom and I were friends and colleagues for over 30 years, sharing a few laughs and many hallway conversations. We had many enjoyable interactions when one of us got a phonecall or package looking for the other “Dr. M(a)cDonald!
I already have been missing him since I retired. Rest in peace, Tom.
Dr. McDonald was a fabulous instructor. I still remember really enjoying that part of my medical school education.
He will be missed.
I was very lucky to have one extended conversation over an hour about a month ago. We had a very interesting conversation and I certainly hoped to have many more. I’ve only been here a few months but our meeting was very memorable. Al
I’ve only known Tom for the last ten years as his neighbor next door. I knew he was a highly educated and smart man but he was also able to relate to me and the neighborhood like the farm boy that he still was, at least in his heart. I will miss the many backyard conversations from this unique and humble man. Rest In Peace Tom.
A legend among the students. Rest in peace Dr McDonald.
Truly was a gem of a man and one of the most passionate and amazing professors I’ve ever had the privilege to study under… He loved immunology and teaching unlike anyone I knew… It was an honor to have learned under him. May you rest easy, Dr. McDonald.
Back in the day, Tom, Jim and I were regulars at 5:30 aerobics classes at the Center for Healthy Living. And then there were Friday 5 o’clock hours at the Riv or Pauli’s. Tom was great fun to be around whether in or out of the laboratory! All of us being in the field of immunology, Tom and Annika provided guidance with developing and trouble shooting finicky immunoassays. Tom’s wit and curiosity were a joy. Many fond memories were made!
Tom was always inspiring others. His work ethic, knowledge, technical applications, kindness and generosity especially during the last few years exemplified his character. I enjoyed his comradery and his dry sense of humor. Even in our most recent conversations he always ended by checking on how I was doing. Rest in peace Tom!
Tom is UNMC at its very finest. He was a master educator and scientist with a complete, unbridled vision of what academics is and should always be. He inspired each of us at every level. His vision and tenacity will continue after his death.
Yes my brother was all of the above in all the comments that everyone has said about him. When we were growing up on the farm in Iowa he was always the one to have things happen to him that could have not allowed him to teach graduate school. He said he wanted to help mankind which he did with his many discoveries concerning healing skin problems. Let me just tell you a few memories. He fell off a cow we rode up from the pasture and broke his wrist. Ran his arm through a house window and cut an artery in his wrist. Almost lost him then. Fell under a freshly thrashed straw pile and we dug him out with pitch forks. Last in his year book on graduation from high school a teacher wrote Thomas was least likely to succeed. Boy was he wrong. Rest in peace Bro.