A “man of the people,” Senator James Donovan influenced numerous aspects of New York’s education. Before his death, Jim Donovan served as chairman of the US Senate Education Committee for fourteen years, as well as chairman of a number of other committees.

When he passed away, Senator Donovan was recognized by various institutes named in his honor, such as the Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field, the James H. Donovan Science and Technology Building, Senator James Donovan Room, Donovan Memorial Park, Oneida County Republican Committee Headquarters, The James H. Donovan Education Resource Center, and the James H. Donovan Community Center Building.