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| Harold E. Starke Jr. '67 (l.) and President Robert Lindgren (r.) present the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Congressman J. Randy Forbes '74 |
The Hon. J. Randy Forbes ‘74 was presented with Randolph-Macon College’s Distinguished Alumnus Award on Monday, May 23, 2008 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Forbes was lauded for his commitment of service to others, which has been the cornerstone of his professional career. Elected in a special election in 2001, he is now serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Forbes focuses his efforts in Congress on protecting the security and sovereignty of our nation, preserving the moral and historical roots of our country, strengthening our military and supporting veterans, growing educational opportunities for our children, and promoting economic development through fiscal responsibility.
As a student at Randolph-Macon, Forbes was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, served as president of Omicron Delta Kappa, was foreman of the Conduct Council and a member of Pi Gamma Mu. Following his graduation as valedictorian of the Class of 1974, Forbes continued his education at the University of Virginia School of Law where he earned his degree in 1977.
Forbes began his law career in private practice and ultimately became a partner in the largest law firm in southeastern Virginia. From 1989-2001, he served the Commonwealth of Virginia in the General Assembly, where he eventually served as the Republican Floor Leader in the House of Delegates and later as the Republican Floor Leader in the Senate. He served as the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia from 1997-2001.
Forbes currently serves on the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Armed Services. He is also the founder of the congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, the Congressional China Caucus and co-chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus. Since taking office, Forbes has sponsored legislation ranging from the prosecution of Weapons of Mass Destruction to the reformation of the military mail system. He also sits on the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims and is the founder of the Congressional Prayer Caucus whose purpose is to recognize the vital role that prayer by individuals of all faiths has played in Congress and in America.
While serving on the Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees the Base Realignment and Closure process, Forbes’ efforts nearly doubled the personnel assigned to Ft. Lee and kept the Defense Supply Center Richmond open. He has received national recognition for his work to protect communities by authoring the Alien Gang Removal Act, which provides for the immediate deportation of aliens who are found to be members of violet criminal gangs. Forbes was awarded the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his committed service and leadership in advancing the U.S. Navy.