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Society of Alumni Recognition Awards
One of the missions of the Randolph-Macon Society of Alumni is to identify alumni and friends of the College who are deserving of special recognition for their professional achievements and contributions to the life of the College. Click each link below to view the most recent award presentations.
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R. Gaillard Owen - Distinguished Friend Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College's Society of Alumni honored Gaillard Owen with the Distinguished Friend Award during a regional reception held at the Hanover Country Club on Thursday, March 20, 2008. He was presented the award and was recognized for his long, faithful service to Randolph-Macon College students, faculty and alumni.
Gaillard’s long standing relationship with Randolph Macon College started with his father, Ted, who was a member of the Class of 1945. His mother, Flavia, served as the College’s head librarian from 1942 – 1984 and then as assistant librarian until 1989.
Gaillard earned his BA degree in history from Washington and Lee. For a number of years, Gaillard worked as a stock broker with A. G. Edwards. He is currently a Vice President at Davenport & Company in Richmond.
Gaillard served on the R-MC Board of Associates from 1998 – 2007. As a member of that board, Gaillard was a dedicated volunteer who was ready to help Randolph-Macon with any project that came his way. He served on the Presidents Society Steering Committee and eagerly participated in phonathons, in fact, he even hosted phonathons at his brokerage firm. No matter what was requested of him, Gaillard always graciously accepted. His service to the College has been invaluable and we have deeply appreciated his gifts to support the library and the Annual Fund.
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Edward G. Stiles - Distinguished Friend Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni honored Edward G. "Eddie" Stiles with the Distinguished Friend Award during a regional reception held at The Hanover Country Club on Thursday, March 20, 2008. He was presented the award and was recognized for his years of service to Randolph-Macon College.
Eddie has been a part of the Luck Chevrolet organization in Ashland for many years where he is the General Manager. He has always been active in the Ashland community where he is a third generation member of the Ashland Kiwanis Club, and a life-long member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church where he is presently serving on the Staff Parish Relations Committee. He coached Ashland Youth Association basketball and soccer for 10 years, plays basketball on the “Over 50 Team” and is a member of the Hanover Country Club.
Eddie’s close relationship with the college began with his birth as the son of Joe Stiles ’44 and as a member of a family that can claim a number of R-MC alumni. He has been a member of the Presidents Society for many years and serves on the Board of Directors of the Yellow Jacket Club. His contributions to the athletic department have been recognized by the student athletes and by the Randolph-Macon community at large.
As Jack Luck has said, “Eddie has been a faithful sideline attendant at nearly all home football games and a regular champion of the basketball teams rarely missing a home contest, and often traveling to away games.” Eddie and Jack have led the football “chain gang” for many years, arranging for a kink or a stretch whenever needed by the Yellow Jackets!”
Eddie’s wife, Robbin, tells how Eddie’s passion for R-MC athletics and their family life go hand-in-hand. When she was expecting their oldest child, she waited patiently for Eddie’s return from an R-MC basketball game that had gone into triple overtime so that he could take her to the hospital! For the birth of their second child, she had to call R-MC (no cell phones then) and tell them to send Eddie home to take her to the hospital. Then when their youngest child was about 3, Eddie had Clay with him at the R-MC football game. Eddie was carrying the chains and panicked when he couldn’t see Clay. The visiting football team realized that Eddie was looking around and motioned that all was well – Clay was sound asleep on their bench with their team surrounding him!
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Bruce J. Adkins '70 - Yellow Jacket Salute Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni honored Bruce J. Adkins '70 with the Yellow Jacket Salute Award during a regional reception held at the home of Michael Colangelo '93 on Wednesday, March 12, 2008. He was presented the award and was recognized for his special acts of service in supporting the mission of the Society of Alumni and service to the Randolph-Macon College students, faculty and alumni.
After graduating from Randolph-Macon College in 1970, Bruce received his commission in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired in 1977 with the rank of Captain. While in the Marine Corps, he began working on his master’s degree in Administration from George Washington University which he earned in 1976.
In 1977, Bruce joined General Products and served as Vice President of Sales. In 2001 he joined White River Hardwoods-Woodworks, Inc. and is currently the Director of Sales.
Bruce has served on the R-MC Board of Associates from 1988 to the present and served as its chairman from 1996-1997. In his capacity as chair, he served as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees for two years.
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Dr. John Randolph Smith '52 - Yellow Jacket Salute Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni honored Dr. John Randolph Smith '52 with the Yellow Jacket Salute award during a reception at the Chatmoss Country Club in Martinsville, Virginia on Thursday, February 28, 2008. The award was presented in recognition of his special acts of service in supporting the mission of the Society of Alumni, and his service to Randolph-Macon’s students, faculty and alumni.
John Ran is a member of Randolph-Macon’s Heritage Society and has been a member of the R-MC Presidents Society for many years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1952. While a student at Randolph-Macon, he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, as well as Chi Beta Phi and ODK. He also earned Phi Beta Kappa honors and played on the basketball team. After graduation, John Ran pursued his medical degree in internal medicine at that Medical College of Virginia.
After completing his residency at the University of Virginia, John Ran returned to Martinsville where practiced internal medicine for 38 years. He is a member of the Patrick Henry Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
John Ran’s ties to Randolph-Macon run deep, including five members of his family who attended the College: His father, Hubert Ziegler Smith, Class of 1915, his uncle, James Randolph Smith, Class of 1923, and his cousin, James Randolph Smith, Jr., Class of 1967. John Ran’s daughter, Jane, is also a member of the R-MC Class of 1983 as well as her husband, Kent Dodge.
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Conway W. Smith, III '67 - Yellow Jacket Salute Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni honored Conway W. Smith, III ’67 with the Yellow Jacket Salute award during a reception at the James River Country Club in Newport News, Virginia on Wednesday, February 13, 2008.
Smith has a long history of service to the R-MC community. He has been an active member of the alumni Peninsula Club and served as president from 1998 to 2000. He also served for eight years on the Board of Directors of the Society of Alumni, was chair of his 25th reunion committee, and most recently served as co-chair of his 40th reunion committee during Homecoming 2007. In addition, Smith has been a consistent supporter of the annual fund and is a member of the Yellow Jacket Club and The Heritage Society.
Serving others is a big commitment for Smith who volunteers his time with several professional and community organizations. He is a past president of the Newport News Bar Association, past president of Peninsula Family Service/Travelers Aid, and has served on the Boards of Riverside Convalescent Center and Riverside Retirement Service, Inc. He is active in the First United Methodist Church and has served on the administrative board, the board of trustees and the board of directors of the First United Methodist Church Foundation.
Smith, whose father graduated from R-MC in 1937, received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1967 and his jurist doctorate from William & Mary in 1970. He is currently a partner with the law firm of Stein & Smith in Newport News, Virginia.
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John H. Gibbons '49 - Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni celebrated the work of Dr. John H. Gibbons ’49 by awarding him the Distinguished Alumnus Award during a reception at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. The award was presented by Board of Trustee member Robin Anne Floyd ’85 and President Robert Lindgren.
Dr. Gibbons is internationally respected for his contributions to physics, energy, the environment, technology and public policy. He served as the chief advisor to the President of the United States on matters of science and technology from 1993-1998. As senior advisor to the U.S. Department of State, he assisted the Secretary of State in revitalizing science and technology capabilities. He also served as head of the U.S. congressional office of technology assessment, advising congressional committees on issues involving science and technology on society. In December 2007 he was appointed by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to the newly created Commission on Climate Change, whose main goal is to significantly reduce emissions in Virginia by 2025.
Gibbons’ professional career began at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where he spent 20 years leading research in nuclear geophysics and astrophysics; he also directed its environmental program. In 1973, during the nation’s energy crisis, he was appointed as the first director of the Federal Office of Energy Conservation; there he initiated work on energy efficiency and directed public awareness programs about the need for energy conservation. From 1974-1979, Gibbons joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee where he taught physics and directed the university’s energy, environment and resources center. In 1998 he taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
In recognition of his contributions in science, technology and public service, Gibbons has received six honorary doctorates and many distinguished awards from within the United States and from the governments of France and Germany.
Gibbons is a 1949 graduate of Randolph-Macon College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in physics from Duke University in 1954.
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J. Robert Hicks, Jr.’60 was awarded the Alumni Distinguished Service Award for his years of special service and dedication to Randolph-Macon College. The award was presented during a reception at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond on Tuesday, January 29, 2008.
Hicks is currently the vice president of development and community affairs with Goodwill of Central Virginia. He has generously provided internship opportunities with Goodwill for R-MC students for many years and is always willing to serve as a guest speaker in the area of non-profit organizations for the Careers Symposia at the college. Hicks is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Alumni and was chair of his 35th reunion committee in 1995. He currently serves as a member of the Randolph-Macon College Heritage Society and has faithfully supported the college’s annual fund for many years.
Hicks graduated from R-MC in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in English. In 1975, he graduated from UVA’s Graduate School of Retail Bank Management.
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Allison Rickman Starr '03 - Young Alumna Service Award 
Allison Rickman Starr ’03 was awarded the Young Alumna Service Awardfor her outstanding support of Randolph-Macon College. The award was presented during a reception at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond on Tuesday, January 29, 2008.
Starr has served on the R-MC Board of Associates since 2001 and on the Young Alumni Board since 2004; additionally, she has been a member of the Presidents Society since 2006. Starr has given invaluable support to college events, including the “Macon Connections” business networking breakfasts. Additionally, she has been a guest speaker during R-MC Careers Symposia and has participated in phonathons to benefit the work of the college.
Starr graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business. She is currently an associate buyer at Circuit City Stores in Richmond, Virginia.
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Dr. Scott Colley '64 - Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2008
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni has awarded its Distinguished Alumnus Award to Dr. Scott Colley ’64. The award was presented during a reception at the Greencroft Club in Charlottesville, Virginia on Wednesday, January 30, 2008.
Dr. Colley retired as president of Berry College in Rome, Georgia in 2006. During his tenure, the college constructed a $25 million science center, a residence hall, an alumni center, a research dairy, and it underwent numerous renovations. Berry College recently completed a $100 million capital campaign.
Colley began his career as an English professor at Vanderbilt University, where he also served as chair of the department. In 1981 he was named associate dean of the university. From 1988 to 1998, he served as provost and dean of faculty at Hampden-Sydney College; there he also taught literature, humanities, writing and courses on Shakespeare. Several of his articles and reviews have been published in journals such as Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England, Shakespeare Quarterly, and Shakespeare Studies.
He is the recipient of Berry College’s Omicron Delta Kappa Chapter’s Leadership Award, Vanderbilt’s Madison Sarratt Award for Excellence in Teaching and Hampden-Sydney’s Keating Medal for Leadership.
Randolph-Macon College President Robert Lindgren presented the Society of Alumni’s Distinguished Alumnus Award to Robert T. Hawkes, Jr. `64 on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 in Fairfax, Virginia.
"I am honored by this recognition,” said Hawkes. “My beloved alma mater, Randolph-Macon College, gave me a sound perspective with which to understand the world. More importantly, the caring faculty there guided me toward a sense of how my talents could be used to improve that world, as an individual and as a part of society.”
Hawkes joined the faculty at George Mason University during its early stages in 1969. At that time, the university had six buildings and 1,200 students, today it’s grown to five campuses and more than 30,000 students.
During his 37 years at GMU, Hawkes was an assistant professor of history, specializing in U.S. Southern History. He also served as director of the continuing education center and was eventually promoted to dean of the division of continuing education. His work influenced so many students to achieve success that in 1989 a scholarship fund was established in his name at GMU for adult, part-time students.
He took a break from teaching during the 1990-91 academic year to work as a resident scholar at Gunston Hall Plantation, home of George Mason. This time was spent helping to coordinate the bicentennial celebration of the signing of the Bill of Rights. When he returned to teaching at GMU in the fall of 1991, he was named the Mason Commonwealth Scholar.
Hawkes’ profound commitment to his students over the years -- something for which he credited the example of his own student experience at R-MC -- was recognized in 1997, when he was named “Teacher of the Year” at GMU. He retired, with much celebration from former students, in 2006.
“We are proud to recognize this important alumnus,” said President Lindgren. “His significant role in helping to build George Mason University into the impressive institution it is today, as well as his distinguished service to higher education in general, have brought great honor to his beloved alma mater, Randolph-Macon College.”
Hawkes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from R-MC and was awarded the National PDE medal at graduation. He was a very active student and was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Gamma Mu, and Pi Delta Epsilon. He was also involved with the pre-ministerial program Clericus and served as editor of the weekly Yellow Jacket student newspaper.
He earned a master’s and Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia, and was hired as the university’s coordinator of history and assistant to the dean. His early research was on Governor Harry F. Byrd and in 1974 he wrote an article entitled, “The Emergence of a Leader – Harry Flood Byrd, Governor of Virginia, 1926-1930,” which appeared in the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography.
As an alumnus of R-MC, Hawkes was a member of the Society of Alumni Board and volunteered during the $7.17 million "Challenge Campaign” in 1977 and again, during the $15 million “Heritage Campaign” in 1984. He has frequently served as class agent with the responsibility of engaging fellow classmates in campus activities and encouraging them to support the R-MC annual fund.
“The nurturing environment of Randolph-Macon College is where I discovered myself and my place for service to humanity, “ said Hawkes. “Thank you, Randolph-Macon College for placing me on the path to what has been a rewarding, purposeful, and wholesome life."
______________________________________________________________________________________Allison McCabe O'Brien '77 - Alumni Distinguished Service Award, 2007 
Randolph-Macon College President Robert Lindgren presented the Society of Alumni’s Distinguished Service Award to Allison M. O’Brien ’77 on Friday, October 5, 2007.
Allison is a native of Richmond, Virginia and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
While attending Randolph-Macon, Allison was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa national honorary fraternity and played on the women’s basketball team. She was student director of Women’s Intramurals, a student member of the Athletic Council for two years and a student director of the Student Admissions Committee.
After her graduation, Allison served in the capacity of Assistant Director of Admissions at R-MC and is currently the Business Development Manager in the Relocation Department for Long and Foster Realty Company.
Randolph-Macon College has been fortunate enough to have Allison serve as a member of the Society of Alumni Board; the Board of Associates and the Yellow Jacket Club Board. She has tirelessly helped with career networking, fundraising and admissions activities. Her volunteer efforts of working on capital campaigns, phonathons, and other committees have been recognized throughout the years. The creation of the Alumni Recruitment Team known as “ART” has triumphed under her direction and leadership. Allison has always said “I can make a small impact when I give financially to R-MC, but I can make a huge impact when I help recruit a new student to the College.”
According to John Conkright, “Allison has always been a class act- bright, articulate, committed and good hearted. Randolph-Macon has always occupied a huge portion of her heart.” Steven Nape says, “Allison continues to be a great ambassador for Randolph-Macon College. Her leadership in helping form and direct the Alumni Recruitment Team has been outstanding. Not only has she helped the College recruit and enroll new Yellow Jackets, she has helped many alumni re-engage in the life of R-MC in a very meaningful way. Her love of Randolph-Macon College coupled with her unending energy and enthusiasm sets a great example for all of us. She is a leader, a role model, and an outstanding citizen. I am proud to work with Allison.”
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Frank E. "Pepper" Laughon '59 - Distinguished Service Award, 2007 
Randolph-Macon College President Robert Lindgren presented the Society of Alumni's Distinguished Service Award to Mr. Frank E. “Pepper” Laughon ‘59 on Friday, October 6, 2007.
Pepper is a native of Richmond, Virginia and is a member of the Randolph-Macon College Class of 1959. After leaving Randolph-Macon, he became a navy pilot in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon his return to Richmond he started working for Richmond Cold Storage Co.
Pepper is now the Chairman of the Board and President of Richmond Cold Storage Co., Inc. which consists of over 32 million cubic feet of refrigerated space and eight warehousing complexes located in Virginia and North Carolina. He is also President of Flare Corporation which is an international consulting firm, which Pepper was instrumental in establishing.
He is an associate of the Food Executive International Congress, the National Frozen Food Association, the Meat Import Council of America, the Virginia Manufacturers Association and the Richmond and Virginia Chambers of Commerce. He was elected to the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats (leaders in the frozen food industry) in 1994. He is a director of Rubicon, Inc. and the Virginia State Board of Directors for Branch Banking & Trust.
Randolph-Macon has been the beneficiary of Pepper’s constant contributions of time, dedication and resources that he has graciously shared with the college over the years. Pepper served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1993-2005. He has also been a strong supporter of the Yellow Jacket Club and Greek Life on campus. Because of Pepper’s love and contagious enthusiasm for Randolph-Macon, he was chosen as the graduation speaker in 2005. Pepper is well known on campus by the students and faculty. Kathryn Hull says, “Pepper is someone who really cares about the students at R-MC. He truly wants to have a college where students can excel and enjoy their living and learning experience. He is always interested in student development and participates in many activities from cheering at many athletic events, to sitting on college committees, and supporting student endeavors like the Dance Marathon and the Leadership Summit. Pepper Laughon’s life and commitment to R-MC is a true testament to what it means to be a Yellow Jacket through and through.” According to Denis Kanach, “Pepper, like Tiger, Michael and Elvis only needs one name to be recognized.”