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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF ANIMAL AND RABIES CONTROL, DONNA M. ALEXANDER, VMD
WHEREAS, Dr. Donna M. Alexander was born in East Orange, New Jersey on October 24, 1956; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander received her undergraduate and Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris degree from the University of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, while at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Alexander was the winner of the New Bolton Esquire Award (1982), published in the Journal of Biochemistry (1978), and Journal of Animal Behavior (1982); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander helped catapult a historic decrease in animal euthanasia while previously working at Chicago Animal Care and Control from 1989 to 1999; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander, a true advocate who dedicated her life’s work in the caring of all animals, began her Cook County career in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Donna Alexander vaccinated 4,500 animals every summer and even had the procedure timed to 15 seconds per shot; and
WHEREAS, this past week would have been the first mobile animal clinic headed by Dr. Alexander; and
WHEREAS, as tradition, Dr. Alexander would have performed every single shot like she has in the past; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander also had other talents. Upon winning America’s Junior Miss for 1974, she represented New Jersey and was given the grand opportunity to be a “Breck Girl.”; and
WHEREAS, she was the first black woman to be chosen for the renowned shampoo campaign at age 17; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander appeared in magazines such as Seventeen, Glamour and Mademoiselle and even had a few modeling jobs; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander was a voracious reader, avid Scrabble and Jeopardy player, excellent cook that liked to prepare exotic meals from different ethnic groups, and famously known for wearing socks that depicted animals; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander was called home on May 29th, 2018 and has rejoined her sister Joyce Alexander Walker; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander is survived by her mother Kathryn Edna Alexander; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander will be sorely missed by colleagues, friends, family and also all the animals throughout Cook County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, commemorate the life of Dr. Donna M. Alexander, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the contributions she has made to the citizens and animals of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of Dr. Donna M. Alexander.
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