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Lola Kramer (BS '67)

Lola Kramer graduated from SHSU with a major in Physical Education and minor in English. After she completed her required vaccinations and received security clearance to join the American National Red Cross, she was employed as a unit director in the Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas program in Vietnam. “I went in during the Tet Offensive in February 1968 and returned to the U.S. in February 1969,” Kramer said. “There were 627 who served in the program. I know of other Texans who served, but to my knowledge, I am the only Vietnam Donut Dollie from SHSU. I learned more in that one year than any other single year in my life.”

She went to Mexico for three months and supported herself by teaching English for Berlitz Language Schools. Kramer was then hired by the American Red Cross as the director of Blood, Nursing and Health Programs for the Greater Long Beach Chapter, and then the Pasadena Chapter, both in California. “My greatest professional achievement is having recruited more than 87,000 units of blood over a seven year period,” she said. “I also volunteered as a first aid and CPR instructor and taught health classes for expectant parents.” She became employed as the assistant chapter director for the Tri-County American Red Cross in Fargo, N.D., where she volunteered as a water safety instructor. “I then moved to Washington, D.C., to work as a systems analyst for a naval defense contractor,” she said. “I was also a volunteer at the American Red Cross National Headquarters and the White House.”

After 20 years, Kramer returned to Texas to raise her daughter, Kasaundra, who earned her master’s degree at SHSU and is employed at the university as the coordinator of intramurals and club sports. Kramer is currently employed as the lead technical administrator at Johnson Space Center. Since she’s been back, Kramer has been involved in establishing the SHSU Alumni Bay Area Club and helps recruit students for SHSU.