Awards

Honorary Degree - 1991

L.H.D.

Doctor of Humane Letters

Commencement

Bloomington, Indiana

Presenter: Thomas Ehrlich

About Ann Landers

Ann Landers, known in private life as Esther Pauline Lederer, is the most widely syndicated columnist in the world. She has earned numerous distinguished honors for her work in promoting public health and expanding public knowledge of health services.

Ms. Landers was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and attended Morningside College. Since launching her column in 1955, she has used her talents and fame to advance humanitarian and charitable causes, especially in the areas of health services and research. Her tireless lobbying was a significant factor in encouraging Congress to approve increased funding for cancer research. Her vigorous campaign against drunk driving led President Reagan to appoint her to the Board of the President's Commission on Drunk Driving.

In addition to her syndicated columns, Ann Landers is the author of five books and numerous articles and public service publications. She has lectured widely in the United States and abroad and has served as a trustee of the Meninger Foundation, the Dermatology Foundation, the Hereditary Disease Foundation, and Meharry Medical College. She is the recipient of honorary degrees from more than twenty colleges and universities.

Her honors include the National Family Service Association Award, the President's Citation of the National Council on Alcoholism, the International Lions Club Humanitarianism Award, the Robert T. Morse Award of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Cancer Society's Stanley G. Kay Medal, and the American Medical Association Citation for Distinguished Service.