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President Lindgren congratulate Edward Stiles and
R. Gaillard Owen during a reception at the Hanover Country Club |
Randolph-Macon College’s Society of Alumni honored two dedicated supporters with the Distinguished Friend Award during a reception at The Hanover Country Club on Thursday, March 20, 2008. Board of Trustee member Anne McDougall ’79 served as emcee for the evening.
R. Gaillard Owen was recognized for his long, faithful service to Randolph-Macon College. His long friendship with the college dates back to his father, Ted, who was a member of the class of 1945. In addition, his mother, Flavia Owen, was head librarian from 1942 until 1984 when she became assistant librarian until her retirement in 1989. In honor of his parents, Owen has been a generous contributor to the library and the Annual Fund.
He has served on the R-MC Board of Associates from 1998 – 2007 and also on the Presidents Society Steering Committee. He is a dedicated volunteer who eagerly participates in phonathons and also hosted the event during his time as a stock broker for A.G. Edwards. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Washington and Lee and is currently vice-president of Davenport & Company in Richmond, Virginia.
Edward G. Stiles was honored for his outstanding support of Randolph-Macon College. His sense of pride comes from deep family roots with five members having attended the college including his father, Joseph Jr. ’44; his aunt, Virginia ’35; his uncle, Ned ’54; his brother, Clay ’66; and his cousin, Rob ’88. All have been very supportive of the college.
Stiles’ passion for R-MC athletics and his family life go hand-in-hand. He rarely misses a home football or basketball game and often travels to away games. Through the years, he would bring his three children along to help cheer on the Yellow Jackets. His generous contributions to the athletic department have been recognized by the student athletes and by the Randolph-Macon community. Stiles serves on the Board of Directors of the Yellow Jacket Club and has been a member of the Presidents Society for many years.
He is also very active in the Ashland community. 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. Stiles has coached Ashland Youth Association basketball and soccer for ten years and plays basketball on the “Over 50 Team.”
Stiles and his wife, Robbin, live in Ashland. He is general manager of the Luck Chevrolet organization.