American International College

Jake O’Donnell, a 1956 graduate of AIC, starred on the school’s basketball teams of the mid-1950s that made three NAIA Tournament appearances and captured the 1956 New England Regional Championship. The Springfield Cathedral High School graduate was later named to AIC’s all-time “Dream Team”. Following graduation, O’Donnell served a two-year stint in the United States Army. 

Following his time in the service, O’Donnell joined world-renowned game maker Milton Bradley in East Longmeadow, Mass. as an assistant warehouse supervisor. Joining the sales staff in 1965, he ascended the ranks of the Educational and Games divisions, assuming the title of General Manager of those divisions in 1979 as well as being named Executive Vice President that same year. O’Donnell eventually assumed the title of President of the company before his retirement. O’Donnell also served as chairman of the committee that brought the Division II Elite Eight to Springfield for its inaugural run in the city from 1980-94.