Lauren McLester-Davis epitomizes the spirit of service so many Lawrence University students embrace. And Veteran’s Day holds special meaning for her.
A freshman from De Pere, McLester-Davis annually honors the legacy of her grandfather, who served in the U. S. Navy and the Marines, by serving food to veterans.
During the past nine years, McLester-Davis has served more than 3,000 slices of pizza to veterans and their spouses, including more than 500 slices alone on this year’s celebration of Veteran’s Day to the Greater Green Bay Veterans at the Oneida Post VFW 77884. Since the fifth grade, she has served as the Wisconsin Ambassador of the Pizzas4Patriots organization.
In addition to honoring veterans, McLester-Davis promotes literacy through her own foundation, First Book – Greater Green Bay. Since the organization’s founding in 2007, McLester-Davis has fundraised enough to provide 20,000 new, free books to children in need.
A member of the Oneida Nation, McLester-Davis’ efforts, which include more than 3,000 volunteer hours, have been recognized with the 2014 UNITY 25 Under 25 Youth Leadership Award. She also has been honored as a 2014 Champion for Change for the Center of Native American Youth, which was founded by former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan.
About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2015 and the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.
