Adrian College Professor is Honored for Community Leadership posted 2/15/10
Dr. Marianna Staples receives award

ADRIAN, Mich. – Adrian College is pleased to announce Dr. Marianna Staples, professor of modern languages, will be honored with a leadership award offered through Washtenaw Community College Foundation, (WCC) in Ann Arbor. 

This prestigious annual award is offered each spring. The WCC Foundation Women's Council honors three outstanding women who are seen as leaders in the community. This award recognizes Staples' philanthropic leadership and engagement with the community. 

Selection for the award recognizes Staples’ 19-year-long involvement in supporting a Salvation Army homeless shelter in Ann Arbor. Staples and her husband Ken started a small yearly auction in 1991 to raise money for the shelter. This dinner and auction is entitled "The Festive Affair.” Over the years the event has grown to include over 200 guests annually and has brought in over two million dollars. Information on the event is available online at: http://www.bragannarbor.com/se_FestiveAffair.cfm

The shelter is now named the Ken and Marianna Staples Salvation Army Family Center. The Center, which is located on Packard Road in Ann Arbor, houses up to 35 men, women and children and provides programs to help clients establish greater self-sufficiency with the goal of being able to move into permanent housing and employment.

Dr. Staples has taught at Adrian College since 1968, 35 years full-time and most recently half-time.  In her current position, Dr. Staples specializes in Montaigne and 16th century French literature while teaching as a generalist in French language at all levels and in French language literature of the francophone world. She also served two terms as faculty president.

Dr. Staples will be formally honored during the Salute to Women's Leadership luncheon on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at noon in the Morris Lawrence Building at WCC.  The proceeds from this event provide services and resources that support the students at Washtenaw Community College. For additional information regarding the luncheon or to purchase tickets, contact WCC Foundation at 734-973-3665 or e-mail at chouts@wccnet.edu.

Some information courtesy of Washtenaw Community College.