Donald Danforth III ’89, P’20

Don Danforth’s commitment to the betterment of both the Laurentian and greater St. Louis communities is steadfast.  A 1989 graduate of St. Lawrence, Don earned a double major in English writing and history and was a brother of Sigma Chi.  Following his time in Canton, he began his professional career at Ralston Purina Company before being named the education director for the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, where he had served as a volunteer tutor.  He would later co-found City Academy, the only private independent elementary school in St. Louis providing scholarship support to all students, and assumed the role of president when the school opened in 1999.  The school serves approximately 250 students three year-olds through sixth grade. 

Don’s service to St. Louis extends to his work on numerous non-profit boards, including the American Youth Foundation, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, KIPP St. Louis and Teach for America.  His local community showed their appreciation for his efforts, as Don was awarded The Princeton Award for Community Services as well as the CORO Leadership Center Emerging Leader Award.  He was also named to St. Louis Business Journals “40 Under 40” in 2002 and the Opportunity Maker Award from Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis.

While Don has been a tremendous resource in the St. Louis Community, members of the Laurentian Community have also benefitted from his time, energy and passion.  He and his wife, Susannah Webb Danforth ’89, P’20 served as co-chairs of the University’s Senior Parent Initiative during their son, Danny’s senior year.   Don represented his alma mater at the Washington University presidential inauguration in the fall of 2019, and he and Susannah have been members of the Parents Committee throughout their son Danny’s tenure on campus.  A past Laurentian event host in St. Louis and a Laurentian in Residence panelist, Don most recently participated in the inaugural SLU Connect LIVE – Social Impact program in January of 2021.  Don and Susannah are also Sustaining Saints, having showed consistent and generous support of the St. Lawrence Fund.