Robert H. McDonald earned the bachelor of arts degree in 1922 and the juris doctor in 1926 from the University of Iowa, then entered the investment banking business. He became a partner of McDonald & Company, members of the New York Stock Exchange. The company, founded by his brother, is located in Lima, Ohio, where Mr. McDonald makes his home. He has been director and president of the chamber of commerce in Lima, a member and president of the board of trustees of Memorial Hospital there, and a member of the business advisory committee for Ohio Northern University. Mr. McDonald is a charter member and past president of the board of firectors of the University of Iowa Foundation.
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.