Donnie Williams Biography

A member of the Ryken High School Class of 1971, Donnie Williams attributed much of his success to the values and discipline he was taught by the Xaverian Brothers. Mr. Williams let the values shape the person he would become as he grew through adolescence into a young man during his transformative years at Ryken High School. Donnie was president of his class sophomore and junior years and vice president of student government his senior year. He was active in many clubs and extracurricular activities, and he is remembered as the catcher when the varsity baseball team won the Maryland State Championship in 1971. He was truly a Knight!

After graduation, Donnie attended Salisbury University, and soon after he established two successful businesses, Alarm Guard and Advanced Property Rental. Through the years he became a very prosperous developer, entrepreneur and mentor to other individuals who were starting out in new business ventures or real estate. He loved helping people succeed, and he loved to serve others.

Donnie passed away in May 2012 and established the Donnie Williams Foundation so that children would have the opportunities in life that he did not have growing up – places to come together, in formal and informal settings, to participate in activities after school.

The St. Mary’s Ryken community is grateful for the support from the Donnie Williams Foundation. It is our pledge to honor Donnie’s legacy by staying true to the Xaverian Brother’s values and ensuring the Donnie Williams Center is a facility where students, faculty, staff and the community are always welcome.