The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Donna Stauber '78, Ph.D.
After her father was killed in a car accident in February of 2004, Donna Stauber '78 started thinking about her own mortality. As the family arranged to donate as many of his organs as they could, Stauber realized she didn't want her husband or daughter to have to go through the same process."I realized I hadn't made arrangements for myself if something were to happen to me" Stauber says. "We never really face the idea of what our families will do with us when we die until we lose someone close to us. It really got me thinking about what I wanted."
Her decision ultimately ties back to her days as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University. The daughter of a Baptist preacher who also worked at the A&M Blackland Experiment Station in Temple, Stauber inherited her father's love for Texas A&M. When she moved to College Station in the mid-1970s, she walked on the basketball team, an experience she considered a great opportunity. After graduating with a degree in physical education and health in 1978, Stauber worked as a coach in public schools for nine years. She then returned to school and received a master's degree from Baylor University and her Ph.D. from Texas Woman's University.
Today, Stauber is the Director of International Operations for Curves International, the largest fitness franchise in the world with more than 9,000 locations. And in addition to her busy work and travel schedules, Stauber finds time to do mission work in Mexico with the non-profit organization her father founded, Gap Ministries. So exactly how did this small-town girl go from being a high school basketball coach to a high powered executive?
"I think more than anything, I have tenacity," Stauber says. "I wanted the opportunity to work with the international side of the organization. I have been so blessed with the most incredible career. My goal is to help women improve their quality of life, and Curves fulfills that need."
In addition to her desire to help women, Stauber is a teacher at heart. So two years ago when she was faced with the idea of her own death, she turned to her aunt, Marie Parmer, who works in the College of Medicine Dean's Office on the Temple campus.
"My Aunt Marie told me about the College of Medicine's Willed Body Program where people can donate their bodies to science," Stauber remembers. "I found out all about the program, filled out the paperwork and told my husband and daughter that this is what I wanted them to do with me. It was such an easy process."
So what do her husband and daughter say about her decision?
"They have been so supportive and have never even questioned my decision," Stauber says. "I told my daughter that when my ashes come, she can sprinkle them at the Oregon coast."
When asked why this was the best decision for her, Stauber doesn't hesitate for a moment.
"I have always been an educator, and I wanted to keep doing that for medical students," Stauber says. "What better way to continue to teach and help people after I'm gone? I'm very happy and honored to have this opportunity, and I just love this school so much."
To learn more about the College of Medicine's Willed Body Program, visit us online at: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/willed-body/index
To find out more about Curves International, visit: http://www.curves.com/
(April 2006)
