For more than four decades, Rosemary MacDonald ’81 has exemplified what it means to be a Clarkson alumna — dedicated, generous and deeply connected to her alma mater. Following a distinguished career at Verizon, MacDonald has consistently used her success to give back, ensuring that future generations of Golden Knights have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.
In 1997, MacDonald established the Michael Lewis Jaeger Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of her friend, who passed in 1993. After his passing, she discovered a poem he had written about being a “looker-forward” — someone who believes in their dreams and their fulfillment. That message became the inspiration behind the scholarship, a lasting tribute to optimism and perseverance. Each year, the scholarship supports incoming Clarkson freshmen at a pivotal moment — the very start of their college journey. For many, it becomes the deciding factor in choosing Clarkson, opening doors to experiences, opportunities and personal growth that might otherwise have been out of reach.
One of those students is Owen Cyrus ’29, an engineering major from Massena, New York, and a member of Clarkson’s ROTC program. Reflecting on the award, Cyrus says, “This scholarship has made a grand impact on my education here at Clarkson University… Thank you so much for making attending Clarkson such an easy choice.”
Stories like those of Cyrus and fellow recipient Ben Loria ’25 demonstrate how MacDonald’s generosity continues to shape lives. Her support not only eases financial burdens but also enables students to fully engage with all that Clarkson offers — from hands-on learning and leadership development to extracurricular and professional opportunities. Loria shared that this support “helped me be able to become a civil engineer” and relieved the stress he would have faced without the award. Through the success of students like these, MacDonald’s legacy endures — empowering future generations to learn, lead and make a difference.
In recognition of her lasting commitment, MacDonald has earned the distinction of Loyal, Leadership and Legacy within the Golden Knights Guild — a testament to the profound and ongoing impact of her philanthropy.
Thanks to MacDonald’s vision, dozens of Clarkson students have been empowered to chase their dreams, strengthening both the University and the communities its graduates serve. The Michael Lewis Jaeger Memorial Endowed Scholarship is more than a financial award — it is a living tribute, a source of inspiration and a reminder of how alumni generosity can shape lives for generations to come.