The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Donald R. Koralewski Inducted 2026 - Class of 1975
After graduating from Woodward High School in 1975, Donald “Don” Koralewski studied fine arts photography at Ohio University and earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from the University of Toledo prior to joining the United States Navy in 1979. Don attended recruit training followed by photographic training at the U.S. Naval Schools of Photography in Pensacola, FL. He qualified as a Naval Aircrewman, earning the distinctive Aircrew Wings of Gold, which enabled him to photograph from nearly all types of Naval aircraft. He subsequently was selected by portfolio review to attend the prestigious Military Photojournalism Program at Syracuse University.
Following graduation and designation as a Navy Photojournalist, he became a writer and photographer, spending two years at the Navy Public Affairs Center in Norfolk, VA. Don finished his active duty career as the only photojournalist on the 6th Fleet Staff and was sent to the aircraft carrier America during Operation El Dorado Canyon, documenting the Navy’s part in launching airstrikes against Libya.
Post Navy, Don dedicated much of his life and career to small-town journalism. Over his 30-plus years as a journalist, Don worked as a reporter, writer, photographer, and editor at small community newspapers and also served several years as a public affairs specialist and webmaster with the University of Toledo. He held positions as managing editor at several Virginia newspapers before becoming the editor of The Bryan Times in September 2016. He received many accolades for his work in news, editorial writing, and photography. In 2018, the Bryan Times staff, under his direction, won first place for Best Public Service Reporting from the Ohio Press Association for its coverage of the Michindoh Aquifer issue.
Don was married to his wife, Nelda, for 23 years and served as her caretaker until her death in December 2019. He passed away from cancer on December 11, 2020, and is survived by his sisters, Karen Carr, Donna Hatch, Darlene Spradlin, and Angela Arvanitis, and his stepdaughter, Kelly Sweet.