Laurie Stupak

St. Anne, Escanaba

Laurie Stupak has dedicated her life to public service, education, and faith. She served as the Mayor of Menominee and has worked as a political consultant. Currently, she holds the position of Director at Stephenson National Bank & Trust.

Laurie’s early education was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. She attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School in Escanaba from grades 1-8 and continued her education at Holy Name High School until its closure in 1971. She then graduated from Escanaba Area High School and pursued higher education at Bay de Noc Community College and Northern Michigan University.

Her commitment to education extended into her volunteer work. In the 1990s, she served as Vice-President of the Menominee Catholic Central Board of Education and also worked as a substitute teacher at Menominee Catholic Central Grade School and Menominee Area Public Schools.

Laurie's involvement with the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation (UPCF) began through her connection with Bishop Garland and Terri Gadzinski during the formation of the Bishop’s Ambassadors group. She and her husband became Bishop’s Ambassadors, and Laurie’s role expanded as she collaborated on various diocesan projects. She was appointed as an Advisory Board Member of the UPCF by Bishop John and is currently serving her last year in this capacity, also holding the position of President of the UPCF Advisory Board.

Under her leadership, the UPCF has grown significantly, doubling its size and providing financial assistance and guidance to numerous Catholic organizations throughout the Diocese. Laurie takes pride in her role, stating, “It has been an honor for me to serve the Diocese as a UPCF Board member over the past six years. Under the leadership of Bishop John, Terri Gadzinski, and the Diocesan staff, the UPCF has assisted hundreds of Catholic organizations by promoting the Catholic faith.”

Laurie exemplifies what it means to be an active Catholic, advocating for the faith through weekly Mass attendance, receiving the sacraments, and living her faith through volunteerism, charitable contributions, good deeds, and leadership by example.