Bexley, Ohio
An Ohio Buckeye, Laurel Schaefer graduated from Ohio University receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in June 1971. Three months later she had achieved the auspicious honor of "Miss America".
Laurel had a goal as Miss America to "raise the bar" on the relevancy of her title. Her mission: to be a role model for values, character and ethics while inspiring others to challenge their levels of personal and professional leadership in seeking their potential. Laurel also became a staunch advocate in support of our American servicemen in Viet Nam.
For the past 31 years, Laurel has effectively parlayed her theatre arts and music degree into an extensive and varied entertainment career. Her training afforded her opportunities as leading lady to notables as: Howard Keel, John Davidson, Peter Marshall, Ed Ames, Joe Namath, Giorgio Tozzi, and Gorden MacRae. Her resume includes such productions as "The Music Man", "The Sound of Music", "Camelot", "South Pacific", "Showboat", "My Fair Lady", "Oklahoma", "Hello Dolly", "Carousel", "The King and I", "Guys and Dolls", "Anything Goes", "Under the Yum-Yum Tree", "Star-Spangled Girl", and "Plaza Suite".
Laurel's television work included a recurring role on "Falcon Crest" and guest starring on "Matlock", "L.A. Law", "Quantum Leap", "Love Boat", "Three's Company", "Rockford Files" plus TV movies and commercials. She is highly sought after as a corporate spokesperson, infomercial host and media presenter.
Laurel's vocal career saw her performing the National Anthem at the
Inaugural Concert for President Richard M. Nixon, headlining the Miss America USO Tour to Viet Nam and Thailand, entertaining on cruises with her one-woman show, and touring "Capturing the Heart of Gershwin" Anniversary Concert where she received critical acclaim for vocal solos ranging from swing to blues to light opera.
Laurel is owner of Schaefer Consultants, a personal imaging, career consulting and grant-writing enterprise. She is Founder and Executive Director of the Women's Leadership Foundation, providing educational programs for youths and adults on leadership. The foundation is also the official sponsor of the "Save Amelia" Bronzing Project raising $175,000 to restore, bronze and rededicate the Amelia Earhart Memorial Statue in North Hollywood, California during the celebrations for the "Centennial of Aviation." For more information or to view "Amelia" a 4-minute streaming video hosted by Laurel visit www.zontaburbank.org
Laurel is a published author, keynote speaker, professional fundraiser and second-generation member of Zonta International. For eighteen years she has worked in commercial casting and travels nationwide as a talent scout.
Laurel is the recipient of many awards including The American Academy of Achievement- Gold Plate Award, Outstanding Alumni Award (Ohio University), Tom Dooley Humanitarian Award, New Jersey and Ohio "Woman of the Year" Award, Ohio Governor's Award, Bexley Alumni Association-Significant Achievement Award, President's Award for Leadership from Zonta International and a listing in Who's Who.
Laurel believes, "one must be a perpetual student of their own potential, constantly seeking success and accomplishments through professional ethics, personal integrity, and humanitarian compassion."
She is known for her optimistic spirit, spunky sense of humor and legs that won't quit!
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