Stanford University’s First Black Administrator

Every now and then, someone comes along who does not seek the limelight, fame, fortune or riches, yet ends up leaving a remarkable legacy.

Such is the case with Sam McDonald.

The descendant of slaves, Sam Emanual McDonald, was born in Louisiana in 1884. He was the fifth of seven children. His family moved around quite a bit. By 1903, he settled in Mayfield, which was eventually incorporated into Palo Alto. There, he took a position at Stanford University as a teamster.

What he did not realize was that this position would have a profound impact on the rest of his life and on Stanford University, as his relationship with the university would span some 50 years.

After being employed in several positions, McDonald was eventually promoted to Superintendent of Athletic Grounds and Buildings. Thus, he became Stanford University’s first black administrator.

However, that’s not all he was involved in.

During his employment, McDonald took a correspondence course in law. As a result, he served as a Secret Service Agent for the US Treasury Department, Deputy Constable, and Deputy Sheriff for Santa Clara County.

During this time, he began acquiring property in La Honda, purchasing a two-room cabin and some acreage along Alpine Creek. He also built a lodge on his property.

Wearing multiple ‘hats’ put McDonald in touch with a wide variety of lay people, students, government personnel, and business and civic leaders.

His widespread network of contacts led University President Dr. Ray Lyman to utter on one occasion, “I am glad I do not have to run against Sam for office, as I would fear the results.”

One of McDonald’s favorite projects was the Stanford Convalescent Home for Underprivileged Children. There, he planted large gardens for the children and cooked barbecues for them.

For his dedication to these underprivileged children, the home was eventually named after him.

McDonald passed away in 1957.

When he died, he left his 400+-acre La Honda property to Stanford, which had afforded him much opportunity.

McDonald specifically requested that his heirs use the land as a park for the benefit of young people. San Mateo County acquired the land in 1958 for $67,000 and dedicated it for public use. The County dedicated Sam McDonald Park in 1970. In 1976, an additional 450 acres were acquired, bringing the total park acreage to 867 acres.

Thank you, Sam Emmanuel McDonald!

Everything else is just history

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