W.A. “Bill” Krause, co-founder of Kum & Go, has been named a 2007 honoree of the National Catholic Educational Association’s highest honor–the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.

The committee, which selected Krause, looks for awardees whose contributions to education and youth have been major and far-reaching. Krause was one of five 2007 honorees who received a $1,000 scholarship presented in their honor to a deserving Catholic school student from their community. Krause accepted the award during the NCEA’s 17th annual award dinner and ceremony held earlier this month in Washington.

“We are grateful for all of the benefactors who support Catholic education, but Bill is a special angel for the way his personal and financial support have helped specific schools,” said Dr. Karen Ristau, NCEA president. “We at NCEA value his friendship and were pleased to recognize his efforts at the national level.”

Krause, chairman of Krause Gentle Corp., has long served on many philanthropic boards and has given significant support to a number of community organizations. NCEA highlighted his work with Holy Family School, a Des Moines school serving a diverse, low-income population. Krause’s relationship with Holy Family School began in 1996 when he was asked by the principal to speak to students. He agreed and taught eighth-graders the Junior Achievement curriculum every Friday for several years. Over time, Krause invited his employees to visit the school and work with the class.

“We don’t often see benefactors involved in the classroom,” Ristau said. “From his experience in working with eighth-graders at Holy Family, Bill saw a need firsthand and did something about it — not just in generalities, but also in specific assistance to Holy Family School and Dowling Catholic High School.”