Donald R. McGee was Saginaw’s first and most famous aviator. Donald built his own plane in 1915 and taught himself to fly after reading up on what was then available about aviation. His first plane had wings made of spruce ribs and cotton cloth and the landing gear was a set of bicycle wheels protected by a pair of skis. He was 19 when he made his first airplane flight. At age 21, Mr. McGee was killed when the plane he was piloting plummeted into Lake St. Clair. Local residents so admired him and his accomplishments, they purchased World War I Liberty Bonds to establish a scholarship fund in memory of the former Saginaw High School star quarterback and football team captain.

This scholarship was established in 1918.