A Legacy of Impact: Honoring Leonard Lawson

By Stacey Walters

The University of Pikeville lost an advocate and one of its most generous philanthropists with the passing of the late Leonard Lawson. Entrepreneur, visionary business leader and well-known champion for education, Lawson was a charitable UPIKE benefactor holding a legacy throughout Appalachia that impacted thousands.

The son of a coal miner and one of eight siblings, Bell County native Lawson became a Red Bird Mission School graduate in 1958. He once said he would have had limited opportunities were it not for the education he received by walking several miles each day to the school from the three-room house he shared with his family.

Lawson rose from his humble roots to prominence as a successful businessman in 1970 by establishing road asphalt companies that operated under the umbrella of Mountain Enterprises.

In 1983, Lawson became a significant donor to Red Bird Mission School by financing the construction of a new school building. The building bears a sign honoring him and his wife, Bonnie. The two met while attending high school at Red Bird and respectfully did not seek recognition for their part in financing the school. It was important to Lawson that the school prospered and continued to reach students in some of the poorest parts of the commonwealth.

Upon his business success, Lawson’s long and impactful relationship with the university began, providing support and building improvements and opportunities.

Shortly before Christmas in 1997, the Lawson family and Mountain Enterprises donated $1 million to then Pikeville College to provide renovations to the women’s residence dorms. Derriana Hall was the first building on the upper campus and was completed in 1908.

The $1 million gift also helped provide for the addition of the fourth floor to the Armington Science Center, creating much-needed classroom and office space for the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. These two projects made a tremendous difference in the students’ lives and the region.

In 2000, upon the completion of the renovations, Derriana, along with Condit Hall, was dedicated in honor of the generosity of the Lawson family. Bearing the name Lawson Family Residential Center, it houses up to 75 undergraduate students.

Influenced by his father, Lawson’s son Steve became a part of the university’s history, donating a seven-ton piece of Kentucky limestone that rests against the backdrop of Derriana Hall, creating a gathering place for students on campus called “the rock” in honor of his parents.

Roughly 500 million years old and sculpted by Louisville artist Kimberly Knepshielf Hillerich, “the rock” was carved to give students a place to sit, recline, rest upon or examine its geological history.

Steve believes UPIKE is a special place and a driving force for the citizens of Eastern Kentucky.

“Growing up, I always heard my father talk passionately about his desire to help the people of Eastern Kentucky. Given his respect and admiration for UPIKE, he decided that giving to the university would be a way to help students and their families throughout the region,” said Steve. “I am humbled that my family played a small part in allowing the university to help those families.”

Former Kentucky Governor and UPIKE Chancellor Paul E. Patton says that Lawson never lost sight of what his success could mean to others.

“Leonard was a generous person. He didn’t give to expect anything in return and was not eager for recognition. It was his way to express his appreciation for this region,” said Patton. “He was raised in the mountains, prospered in the mountains and loved the mountain people.”

Patton added that one of the ways you can move the region ahead is to help educate the people and provide them with the support to flourish.

“If there is one thing I know from the Lawson family’s philanthropy and Leonard’s legacy, it is the great pride and joy he received from giving students opportunities,” said Patton. “He left a lasting impact on this community and in the hearts and minds of his friends and family.”

Colleague, friend and President of Utilities Management Group Greg May agrees that Lawson’s love for the people of Appalachia was unmeasurable.

“Leonard loved the mountain people and was a true pillar of this community. He was an inspiration to many who were positively impacted by his generosity,” said May. “His decades of championing UPIKE have been nothing short of transformative, and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Lawson and his wife were married 63 years and enriched the Pikeville community for decades. An avid fisherman, dedicated son, father, and grandfather, Lawson will be remembered by many for his vision, tenacity, integrity and philanthropy.