Emily Hauser King, 1963
B.A., Denison University
Philanthropist and Community Volunteer
Burr Ridge, Ill.
Citation awarded on Saturday, June 3, 2017
Graduating from Denison with a wonderful education but with no defined career path or any idea of how to seek a job was a frightening start to Emily “Emmy” Hauser King post-college journey. But it ultimately led her back to Denison in 2013 to help facilitate an initiative to improve postgraduate outcomes for career success. In development for two years, “On Board,” a series of online courses that introduce the student to the language and principles of business, is now a key component of the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration. The goal is to provide the liberal arts grad a marketable edge to finding a job. Over the years, Emmy’s experience in the nonprofit world, particularly in education, has led to a partnership with her husband, Bob, to merge their passions, visions, and focus on creating initiatives whose driving theme is improving educational outcomes.
Involved with the Zoological Society of Chicago, Emmy spearheaded the King Conservation Science Scholars initiative with 280 inner-city kids currently participating in after-school, summer, and online opportunities to expand their knowledge in science and develop interpretative skills, readying them for college. The program recently received national recognition.
After 20 years with Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colo., Emmy began a project working with Native American tribal groups and students at the Santa Fe Indian School. The goals of the project are to increase the number of graduates attending college, revitalizing native language and culture, and bringing educated leaders back to the tribes, ensuring better futures for all. Drawn to Africa since the 1970s, and with Bob’s involvement in African Wildlife Foundation, they spearheaded Classroom Africa, building schools in rural Africa. Seven schools in five countries are now operational or under construction. The challenges are overwhelming, but the outcomes are so rewarding.
For 50 years, Emmy and Bob have lived together in Chicago where they are widely involved in education initiatives in the inner city. They have three children and seven grandchildren, have traveled the world, love golfing, hiking, skiing, and basically enjoy life’s pleasures.
