Susquehanna Announces $10 Million Gift

Spring 2019 Issue

University Names Stadium in Honor of Alumnus Doug Arthur, WWII Veteran

Susquehanna University today announced a $10 million gift commitment from Lucille Arthur, widow of Douglas Arthur, Class of 1949 and World War II veteran. In recognition of the gift, the university named its athletic stadium the Doug Arthur Stadium.

The gift will support:

  • Enhancement of an endowed scholarship fund for students from Dauphin County attending Susquehanna,
  • Operating and facilities needs for Susquehanna’s 23 NCAA sports teams, and
  • Creation of an endowment to support the position of the university’s athletic director.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust this donor has placed in us and are honored to be able to recognize Doug for all he did for Susquehanna and his country,” said University President Jonathan D. Green.

Doug Arthur Stadium

Susquehanna named its athletic stadium Doug Arthur Stadium. Pictured from left are Pamela Samuelson, athletic director; Ms. Lynn Buck; President Jonathan D. Green; Lucille Arthur, donor; and Erich Majors ’10.

“This generous gift enables us to realize one of our most important aspirations, which is to make a Susquehanna education attainable for deserving students and to provide access to truly transformative experiences on and off campus.”

The sign on the newly named Doug Arthur Stadium was unveiled Saturday during a halftime dedication ceremony at the River Hawks’ final home football game of the 2018-19 season.

“It is particularly appropriate that we are able to honor Doug this Veterans Day weekend as we recognize our many Susquehanna University alumni and community friends who have provided military service to our country,” Green said.

Arthur, who died in 2006 at the age of 84, and his wife, Lucille, who survives, have a long history of philanthropy at Susquehanna.

In 1987, they established the Douglas E. and Lucille Groff Arthur Scholarship for academically able students from the Millersburg area. A gift from Mrs. Arthur in her husband’s honor also funded the Douglas E. Arthur Plaza on campus.

Prior to Arthur’s graduation from Susquehanna in 1949, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He flew over 20 missions, but it was during a final humanitarian mission that his plane was shot down. He was captured and held for 30 days as a prisoner of war at Camp Konan in what is now North Korea. For his distinguished service to his country, he earned the Purple Heart and the Air Medal with clusters.

Arthur played with distinction on the football team during his four years at Susquehanna for the legendary father-son coaching team of Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. and Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr. Arthur later received the university’s Russell W. Gilbert Award in 1991 for longstanding loyalty to the university’s athletic program. In 2001, the football practice field was named in his honor.

Arthur earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Susquehanna, and continued his education at Dickinson School of Law, Franklin University’s law school, Temple University and Rutgers University. He had a distinguished career with Nationwide Insurance Company, retiring in 1986 as a vice president and regional manager after 37 years. A leading industry spokesperson, he served as an officer and member of the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, a member of Pennsylvanians for Effective Government and as chair of the Pennsylvania Guaranty Fund. He was also director of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and in 1980 was named Businessman of the Year.

A tireless supporter of Susquehanna, Arthur served as a member of the Board of Trustees for 20 years before being awarded emeritus status in 1993. He was also the first person to receive the two highest awards given to Susquehanna’s graduates: the Alumni Association’s Achievement Award in 1985 and the Alumni Association Award for Service in 1994. In 1996, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his distinguished achievements in business and in service to others, and his devotion to Susquehanna and the region. In 2013, Lucille Arthur was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Susquehanna students.

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