Norfleet Society Honors John Hull Dobbs
“We have a world class institution with world class management.” — John Hull Dobbs
2 | Hutchison
AT T H E A N N U A L Norfleet Society Dinner on April 22, charter member John Hull Dobbs was honored for his extraordinary contributions to and loyal support of Hutchison. A successful entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, and devoted father and grandfather, Mr. Dobbs was a member of Hutchison’s Board of Trustees from 1969 to 1978, serving as chairman during the last three years of his tenure. Much of this time was a period of transition for the School. When Hutchison’s long-time leaders Helen Lowrance and Robert Lynn announced their retirement in 1976, Mr. Dobbs was tasked with putting a transfer team in place to take the School to the next level. He led the charge to hire Headmaster Jack Stanford. Additionally, Mr. Dobbs spearheaded a successful capital campaign in 1977 that significantly reduced the School’s debt and paved the way for financial sustainability. The Dobbs family has been involved with Hutchison as trustees, parents, grandparents, and students for over 50 years. Collectively, Mr. Dobbs, along with his brother James K. Dobbs Jr. and nephew Jimmy Dobbs III, served a combined 32 years as trustees. Daughters Kirby Dobbs Floyd ‘82 and Julie Dobbs Allen ’86 are graduates, and his granddaughter, Ella Dobbs ’24, joined a new generation of Hutchison girls when she entered pre-kindergarten last fall. The Norfleet Society was established in honor of former Board of Trustees Top: John and Sue Dobbs; above, Current Board Chair David Popwell (center) Chair, Frank M. Norfleet II, joins former Board Chair and current Trustee Reid Sanders in the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating John Dobbs' (left) service and philanthropy to who is recognized as the Hutchison. driving force behind Hutchison’s bold move to East Memphis in 1964. During the inaugural Norfleet Society Dinner held in April 2006, 75 charter members were inducted to a prestigious circle of philanthropists to pay tribute to Frank Norfleet’s leadership and to honor the inspirational philanthropists who have have increased philanthropy and driven improvements to facilities and programs—enhancements that will sustain Hutchison’s commitment to excellence in the 21st century. Today, the Norfleet Society numbers 92 members, including new 2010 inductees Lindsay Byers ’87 and Tommy Farnsworth, Hal B. Howard Jr., Scarlett and John Lynn, Cindy and Jack Straton, and Abbie Ware ’89 and Duncan Williams.