Honoring the Life and Legacy of Elizabeth “Ms. Liz” Clark Donald (1958–2025)

Elizabeth “Ms. Liz” Clark Donald, BHS’87, devoted her life to nurturing and uplifting Northeastern students. As associate director of student leadership and global engagement at the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute, and a cherished member of the Village of Belonging, she was more than an administrator — she was a mentor, a confidant, and, to many, family.

“I’m like the mother on campus — if you look in my cabinet, you’ll find cereal, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese. If you’re hungry, your mind can’t function correctly. I just don’t want that to be a barrier for you.” – Elizabeth “Ms. Liz” Clark Donald

Ms. Liz lived her values through Caring Cuisine, a program she founded to create a warm and supportive community where students could gather, share a meal, and feel at home. Her passing on August 15, 2025, leaves a profound void, but her spirit of care, community, and belonging lives on.

The Ms. Liz Student Care Fund has been established to continue her legacy of compassion by providing temporary financial assistance to students in need. This fund helps address urgent challenges that no student should have to face alone, including:

• Food gift cards for those experiencing food insecurity
• Replacement of books or belongings lost to fire or other emergencies
• Travel expenses to return home after a sudden family death or crisis
• Emergency lodging for students experiencing homelessness or unsafe living conditions

By contributing to this fund, you are ensuring that Ms. Liz’s care continues to touch the lives of Northeastern students — offering them not only relief in moments of crisis, but also the reassurance that they are part of a community that sees and supports them.

Your gift will help keep Ms. Liz’s legacy alive: a legacy rooted in compassion, generosity, and an unshakable belief that every student deserves to belong.