Don Galarneau ’49, a longtime benefactor and supporter of the University’s mission, passed away on Saturday, August 20. Galarneau graduated from UP with a degree in general science/physics and worked as a field engineer internationally for GE for many years. He gave over $1.5 million dollars over his lifetime (including matching gifts from GE) and was one of UP’s most ardent supporters.
Galarneau was especially generous when it came to supporting the Shiley School of Engineering. He established the Donald T. Galarneau Endowed Scholarship for electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and math majors in 2002; since that time, there have been 25 recipients who have been awarded the scholarship, totaling $56,530.
In addition to the scholarship fund, he made gifts to the Engineering Building Fund for renovation of the Engineering Building; the Galarneau Engineering Student Project Fund; Murdock Challenge Engineering Match Fund; Clark Family Library Renovation Fund (Don funded two study rooms in the library which bear his name); the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering Fund; SAE Society/Galarneau Mini Baja Project Fund/Formula Team; the Science and Engineering Equipment Fund (Don funded the purchase of a 3D printer in addition to other equipment); Portland Magazine, the School of Engineering general fund; Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C. Distinguished Professorships; the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center, and more.
Our prayers and condolences to Don’s family and humble thanks for his generosity. For more information contact Sharon Hogan at hogans@up.edu.