Rev. Dr. Don King (2018)

Don King served both campuses of Luther College in roles that have covered nearly every facet of the College’s operations. Don and his wife Pat began their life at Luther College in 1966 and remained directly involved for thirty years. Don was instrumental in leading or coordinating several important initiatives including the successful campaign and construction of the Luther College university building and initiating the chaplaincy, student services and residence programs. Pat also contributed and was involved in serving, supporting, and cooperating with Don in many ways during their Luther journey.

Don’s work at Luther College began in 1965, as a Board Member while he was Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Weyburn. In 1966, he was hired as the Director of Development & Alumni Relations and the High School Religious Studies teacher, roles he had until 1974. During this time, he coordinated the campaign to raise the necessary funds for the construction of Luther’s university building on the University of Regina campus.

When the University campus was established in 1971, he had three roles as the University’s Chaplain, Dean of Students, and Religious Studies instructor until 1980.

Don then served as Principal of the High School from 1980 to 1991. His leadership included a significant curriculum addition, the International Baccalaureate Program, and the construction of a new classroom and library wing.

As principal, Don served on a provincial committee that recommended to the government that schools with a long history in Saskatchewan such as Luther be designated as “Historical High Schools.” This was enacted into provincial regulations in 1991. This ensured a number of financial arrangements and particular legal status for Luther.

On July 1, 1991, Don became the President of Luther College, a role he held until 1994. He then spent his last year, in 1994-1995, in a role he had in the beginning, as the Director of Development for the College.

Don’s family is also connected to Luther College, as one would expect for someone who spent his career here. Don and Pat’s four children are alumni – Robert King (HS’77), Paul King and his wife Nancy (HS’79), Dawn Pearcey (HS’80), and Lisa King (HS’83). Lisa also served Luther College in the alumni office for two years. Two of Don’s grandchildren Carly (HS’09) and Mitchell (HS’13) are also alumni.