A Lawrence High School alumnus who is the president of Pepperdine University will speak to businesses and community members this fall at the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s Community Education breakfast.

Andrew K. Benton, who graduated from LHS in 1970, has served as president of Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., since June 2000. He began working at the university in 1984.

“I am sold on the experience I had in the Lawrence public schools,” Benton said. “I attended Lawrence schools from kindergarten through graduation. It was a wonderful experience. If I can return to be part of a fund-raising event and help the students, I’m happy to do it.”

The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization. It provides scholarships to students and funding for school programs.

“We’re very excited to have Dr. Benton,” foundation director Susan Hazlett said. “I think he will be a wonderful speaker and really help bring the community in.”

Benton attended Oklahoma Christian University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in American studies, after graduating from LHS. He then earned a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law and was admitted to the Oklahoma State Bar in 1979.

Benton said his speech, “In Search of a Teacher,” would discuss the difficult and important tasks a classroom teacher has to deal with. He also will reflect on some of his own experiences as an educator.

“I hope it’s encouraging to the teachers present and inspirational to business and community leaders attending the event,” Benton said.

Hazlett said the Community Education Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Lawrence Holidome, would be an opportunity for businesses and community members to show their support for public education. Money raised at the event will be used to support children in Lawrence public schools.

Sponsorship opportunities for the breakfast include major corporate sponsor for $3,500 and up; corporate table sponsors for $1,000; and corporate table hosts for $600. Individual tickets will be available for $30 by the end of August.

For more information, contact Hazlett at 832-5000, ext. 108.