Remembering Jim McDonald
With heavy hearts, we’re sharing that former colleague Jim McDonald passed away on June 26, 2025. Jim’s impact on the NWHSU community was immeasurable. He served in a wide assortment of roles from 1977-2012: from Anatomy Professor to Chief Financial Officer. Just as importantly, he was a dear friend and colleague to many. He will be missed for his thoughtfulness and remembered for his innumerable contributions to the success of the University.
Debbie Peterson, former Executive Director of Alumni and Career Services and friend of McDonald, summed it up perfectly: “Jim had such a presence and everyone knew him. He was so dedicated to Northwestern and gave his all for the students, alumni and friends of the University.”
Jim was known in the NWHSU community for his intelligence, wit, and most of all, his kindness. “I am grateful to Jim for his steadfast commitment to NWHSU and our students,” shared President Deb Bushway. “He bent over backwards to help students and had a knack for maintaining close relations with alumni. He had many “chiropractic kids” around the globe.”
University-Wide Impact
President Alfred Traina, Bill Harris, Jim McDonald, President John Allenburg, and Chuck Sawyer
Jim played so many roles at NWHSU that it would almost be easier to list those he didn’t once fill. Dr. Grace Jacobs hired him in 1977 to teach basic sciences and eventually taught business courses as well. Before becoming CFO, he took on leadership roles in admissions, student services, and development/alumni relations. He earned his MBA at St. Thomas, with a double concentration in health care administration and finance.
Dr. Chuck Sawyer recalled that this vast experience made Jim an excellent administrator. He recalled going to Jim for requests: “He always got it, because he was a teacher first and foremost.”
Of course, that didn’t always mean he would approve. “And in those moments—you can quote me on this—I’d say ‘damnit, he’s right!’ He was always looking out for the welfare of the institution.”
“Jim was such an integral part of the growth and success of Northwestern,” shared Debbie. “He created so many lasting relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University.” In his roles in institutional advancement and development, he was pivotal in securing major gifts, including the Greenawalt Library and the renovation of the bookstore.
Growing the Chiropractic Field in Mexico
Jim and Dr. Allenburg during the 1994 Latin American Congress of Chiropractic International Interdisciplinary Chiropractic Seminar in Cancun, Mexico.
In connection with Dr. Enrique Benet, Jim was responsible for welcoming many Mexican students to study chiropractic at NWHSU. He and his family would host the students at their home for Thanksgiving, and he was a resource for them throughout their time in Minnesota, and beyond.
Jim, along with former President John Allenburg, was instrumental in helping to establish a chiropractic college in Mexico, feeling it was important for the profession to spread chiropractic worldwide.
Creating Community
Jim grilling at the university picnic
Jim was a strong, comforting presence on campus, for students and staff alike. You could always find him at student events. For many years he planned all the food for the University picnic and could be found at the grill handing out chicken and burgers.
He will be remembered as a dear friend, and an inspiring leader. “His support and confidence in me made me want to work harder, take on new things and just be better,” said Debbie.
On behalf of NWHSU, we remember, honor and celebrate the life and impact of Jim McDonald – a lasting friend who cared deeply about Northwestern and gave selflessly for the benefit of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and professions.
Jim’s family is planning a celebration of life in New Jersey in July.
