Brooke T. Donaldson

2014 Distinguished Young Alumna

Brooke T. Donaldson, a 2011 graduate of Coastal Carolina University, is from Long Valley, N.J., and works as a dog trainer with The Seeing Eye. She has trained 20 dogs that have since been matched to blind or visually impaired individuals from across the United States.

While at Coastal, she was a resident assistant, a peer leader, a tutor in the Writing Center and a senior eco-representative, as well as a member of several social clubs and organizations. She received the Outstanding Student Award for earning the highest GPA in the University College, was a Ronald Lackey Public Service Award finalist and received the Unsung Hero Award.

Donaldson has been active in her local community, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, preparing dinner for the residents of the Eric Johnson House (a housing service for those with HIV) and coordinating a community garden. She also works with the Literacy Volunteers of Morris County to provide free tutoring to those who speak English as a second language. In addition, Donaldson and her dog Brady have passed the therapy dog test and will soon begin participating in the Paws for Reading program at local libraries.