With an impressive record of over 340 hours of community service, Randolph-Macon recognized Kemp Jones ‘25 as the 2025 recipient of the Pepper and Stuart Laughon Commitment to Community Award Friday afternoon. 

“Kemp has demonstrated his devotion to community both through engagement within the Randolph-Macon College family and through his enthusiastic participation and leadership in community service outside of the RMC campus,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Grant Azdell. 

Jones is the current President of the SERVE Committee on campus, a student organization that focuses on community service. He implemented The Big Event and Macon a Difference Day to give back to the community through house and yard projects requested by Ashland residents as well as initiated the Cardz for Kidz event, which seeks to bolster children enduring health issues. Additionally, he has worked with the homeless through Daily Planet Health Services, ensuring that vulnerable community members received the care they needed.

“Randolph-Macon has allowed me the opportunity to not only be the president of the SERVE Committee but also give back to the Ashland community,” said Jones. “Growing up in Ashland has made my service even more meaningful and it is with great honor that I accept this award. I want to thank all my SERVE Committee peers and Elizabeth Simmons ‘21, who has worked with me for the last four years. Without them I would’ve never achieved this honor.”

Jones, a chemistry major, is a member of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society and presented his SURF research at the 2024 national ACS meeting. He has also served as a Resident Assistant and participated in the Leadership Fellows program.

Azdell quoted the Assistant Dean for residence life in praising his leadership qualities, saying “he is the student leader that every higher education professional dreams of working with. He is kind, dedicated, insightful, and always willing to lend a hand when it is needed. He is an exemplary RA and makes a pointed effort to encourage and help new RAs so they feel as supported as possible.” Azdell also quoted Jones’ nominator in commending his compassionate service: “He truly exemplifies Yellow Jacket enthusiasm, loving kindness, and generosity.”

The award was established in 2004 by the late Frank E. “Pepper” Laughon, Jr. ’59 and his wife, Stuart Bost Laughon, and reflects its namesakes’ legacy of championing campus leadership and service. The Laughons were actively involved in and showed tireless support for the RMC community. Pepper served on the Board of Trustees, Student Affairs Committee, Athletic Committee, and Greek Alumni Advisory Board. Likewise, Stuart was committed to increasing opportunities for all Yellow Jackets.

Jones has been hired as an EMT for Henrico Fire and EMS after graduation, with plans to pursue a career as a physician. The winner of the Laughon Commitment to Community Award is granted a monetary prize to be given to the on-campus organization of their choice. Jones has chosen to give back to the SERVE Committee.