Eastern Michigan University Awards Area Philanthropist, Educator Laura Stanton An Honorary Doctoral
(YPSILANTI, MICH) - Laura M. Stanton has dedicated her life to helping children, both as a teacher and a philanthropist.
Stanton's work with education and homeless youths was recognized when the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents presented the EMU alumna with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during its regular June 21 meeting.
Stanton, and her husband, David, are founders of the David and Laura Stanton Foundation, which promotes education and adoption. She also sponsors the Hillsdale County Teacher of the Year award, and provides scholarships for non-adopted students in the foster care system. Stanton spent 20 years teaching in Jackson Public Schools as a reading and instructional specialist. She is the author of 'Animal/Animales,' a bilingual children's book, and is currently working on a second one. After retiring from teaching in 1997, she began her efforts to support children in challenging situations.
During her years of working with education and homelessness, Stanton became friends with Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's.
'Dr. Laura,' as Thomas called her, helped coordinate the annual Wendy's Charity Classic golf tournaments held annually at the Country Club of Jackson. Over the past 15 years, the event has raised more than $2.5 million for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Wendy's Wonderful Kids program.
Stanton earned her bachelor's and master's degrees through Eastern Michigan's College of Education.
Stanton said she models her life as a life of service. 'Warriors never wait. They act,' Stanton says. 'I fight on and make my mark.'
About Eastern Michigan University Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.
