Donald R. Spang

B.S., Urban Affairs, 1977

The Department of Urban Affairs & Geography has selected Donald R. Spang as its Outstanding Alumni for 2007. Donald became the Executive Director of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) in September 2006. He has been with MVRPC since 1977. In this position and his other positions, he has played a critical role in the development of the Greater Dayton region. As the Executive Director, Donald recommends funding strategies to provide for regional economic growth, improve the region's transportation system and roadways; and protect the quality of our air and water. MVRPC is at the forefront of $146 million (2005) of investment in roadways, transit systems and bike ways, and is in forefront of environmental planning and finding solutions to regional issues such as urban decay, vacant housing, and social and economic disparities.

We not only selected Donald our outstanding alumni because of his good works in the region, but also because he has been a faithful graduate of the Urban Affairs Program (1977). He contributes annually to our student scholarship fund; we deeply appreciate his generosity. We thank him for his service to our region and wish him well as Executive Director.