Newsmaker: President Named for International Literacy Organization

On 1 June 1999 Dr. Richard T. La Pointe of the McLean First Ward, McLean Virginia Stake, was named president of Laubach Literacy, the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit literacy education organization, with 1,100 member programs throughout the United States and 69 partner programs in 36 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. “It is a privilege to be part of an organization with such a distinguished history and such a noble purpose,” says Brother La Pointe. “The 21st century will pose a significant challenge for those of us engaged in efforts to help make the people of the United States and of the world more literate.”

Brother La Pointe has had a long career in education. He recently served as superintendent of public instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia and has formerly served as deputy assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education in the U.S. Department of Education under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

One of Brother La Pointe’s longtime interests has been the Boy Scouts of America, and he spent 12 years as a Scoutmaster. He has earned the Silver Beaver Award and is currently serving as vice president of the National Capital Area Council, Washington, D.C.

Brother La Pointe, a high counselor in the McLean Virginia Stake, is married to Ruth Ann Williams, and the couple have nine children ranging in age from 13 to 33. Two sons are currently serving missions, one in Montreal, Canada, and one in Durban, South Africa.

Dr. Richard T. La Pointe