Spring 2012 (PDF) - Virginia Tech

ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
AWARD RECIPIENT
John R. Lawson, II
John R. Lawson, II is a recipient of the 2012 Alumni Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication and
outstanding service to Virginia Tech.
Mr. Lawson, a resident of Newport News, Virginia, graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in geophysics
in 1975. During his time at the university, he was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Following graduation, Mr. Lawson began his career with W. M. Jordan Company as a field engineer. He currently holds
the title of president and CEO. Under his leadership, W. M. Jordan Co. has become one of the largest general contractors
in Virginia, with annual revenues of $500 million and a consistent ranking for the past 28 years in Engineering New
Record’s Top 400 Contractors in the United States.
Mr. Lawson remains connected to his alma mater by serving in various roles across the university. He is a past rector
of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, a current member of the Virginia Tech Foundation Board, a former co-chair of the
National Campaign Steering Committee during Virginia Tech’s recent and successful $1 billion comprehensive campaign,
and a board member of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction that carries his name.
Along with his service to Virginia Tech, Mr. Lawson serves on numerous boards in his local community including
TowneBank. He is vice chairman of the Fort Monroe Authority, chairman of Children’s Health System, and chairman
of The Mariners' Museum. He has received many awards throughout his career, including the Peninsula Chamber
of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award, the Ernst and Young Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year, and United Way’s
Volunteer of the Year.
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