Rep. Richard Lawrence Medal of Distinction
Rep. Richard Lawrence Medal of Distinction
May 12, 2017
Lyndon State College to Award Presidential Medal of Distinction to State Representative Richard Lawrence at Commencement May 14
LYNDON CTR., Vt. – Lyndon State College Interim President Nolan Atkins will award the Presidential Medal of Distinction to Representative Richard Lawrence in honor of his lifelong service to his community and the State of Vermont.
The award, created in 2013 by former Lyndon State College President Joe Bertolino, honors a prominent individual or organization who has contributed significantly to Lyndon State College, the Northeast Kingdom community, and the State of Vermont. The medals will be awarded during Lyndon’s Commencement Ceremony May 14.
“Representative Lawrence is the ideal recipient of the LSC Presidential Medal of Distinction. He has dedicated a lifetime of service to the Northeast Kingdom community and the state of Vermont,” said President Atkins. “And we can’t thank him enough for his commitment to Lyndon State College.”
According to his biography on the Vermont State Legislature website, Rep. Richard Lawrence was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on July 5, 1942. He is an alum of Lyndon Institute and the University of New Hampshire. He is a retired business owner of Agway in Lyndonville. He has served as a selectman and moderator for the Town of Lyndon and was a trustee for Lyndon Institute for 31 years. Rep. Lawrence also served as the President of the Caledonia County Fair for 25 years and on numerous local committees and boards, including the long-standing Lyndonville Rotary Club. He is a Republican who served as Member of the House in 2005-2006, 2007-2008, and 2009-2010, and as the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry in 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014. He lives in Lyndonville and is married to Nancy Eaton Lawrence; they have one daughter and a grandson.
Lyndon State College’s 2017 Commencement is Sunday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m., under the tent on the College’s soccer field. The ceremony will also be broadcast live in the climate-controlled Alexander Twilight Theatre. Senator Bernie Sanders will give the commencement address.
Public Safety officials will be on campus all day to direct guests to available parking areas. Shuttle service and/or accommodations will be available for those unable to walk distances. Commencement is a ticketed event. For further details, visit LyndonState.edu.