Edwin Meader

Edwin Meader (September 21, 1909 – February 1, 2007) was a geography professor at Western Michigan University and philanthropist.

Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Meader moved to Kalamazoo in 1925.[1] He studied at Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1933.[1] While serving in World War II, Meader visited a University of Michigan excavation area in Egypt, fueling his interest in geography and archaeology.[1]

After the death of his first wife, Margaret, Meader married Mary Upjohn in 1965.[1] The new couple donated millions of dollars to Western Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and various Kalamazoo charities.[2] One of their largest gifts was the donation of $4 million to Western Michigan University.[3] It resulted in the creation of the W.E. Upjohn Center for the Study of Geographical Change, after her grandfather.[3] It digitizes maps and aerial photographs from all over the world and documents and evaluates geographic changes.[3]

Meader died on February 1, 2007, at the age of 97.[1] He was survived by his wife Mary, who died March 16, 2008.[3]

References
  1. "WMU mourns death of benefactor Edwin Meader". WMU News. 2007-02-13. Retrieved 2008-03-31.
  2. Martin, Douglas (2008-03-22). "Mary Meader, 91, Pioneering Aerial Photographer, Dies". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-29.
  3. Person, Dave (2008-03-18). "Mary Meader lauded as great 20th-century explorer". Kalamazoo Gazette. Retrieved 2008-03-29.


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