By Mark C. Whitt

(Nov. 20, 2015) — The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropyhas recognized a UK College of Law emeritus professor and three members of its staff for their demonstrated excellence in philanthropy at the 2015 Terry B. Mobley Development Awards, announced by D. Michael Richey, vice president for development and chief development officer. The ceremony was conducted Nov. 12 in the Helen G. King Alumni House.

Robert G. Lawson, emeritus professor in the UK College of Law, received the Development Service Award. Presented to a UK senior professional, administrator or faculty member who has demonstrated extraordinary support for the philanthropy effort at the university.

Lawson has been associated with the College of Law since 1966, with terms as dean (1971-73 and 1982-88). He received the UK Great Teacher Award in 1971 and 2001, and received the Kentucky Advocates for Higher Education’s Outstanding Professor Award in 2001. In March, the Kentucky Senate honored Lawson with a resolution recognizing his retirement from the UK College of Law and his academic contributions. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Berea College and a law degree from UK.

Also recognized for their professional achievements were three members of the Office of Philanthropy staff: Jennifer Combs, administrative coordinator, Office of the Vice President for Philanthropy; Sarah Fitzgerald, associate director of annual giving; and Laura Sutton, major gifts officer, College of Arts and Sciences.

Combs received the Front Line Award. This honor is conferred upon a Philanthropy or other support staff member in recognition of outstanding performance in support of fundraising efforts at UK.

Fitzgerald was selected for the Rising Achievement Award. This recognition is presented to a professional staff member who has a UK Philanthropy tenure of less than five years, and who demonstrates excellent work performance, great success and potential of further outstanding achievement, and impact as a fundraiser.

Sutton received the Professional Achievement Award. This honor is given to a professional Philanthropy staff member with tenure of five or more years, who consistently demonstrates excellent work performance and has achieved great success and impact as a fundraiser.

“I am very proud of each person honored as they have faithfully given of themselves to the betterment of the University of Kentucky through the Office of Philanthropy,” Richey said. “These four individuals exemplify our mission to be donor centered and principle driven. Through their excellence, the University of Kentucky is quickly becoming a major voice of philanthropy across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Recipients of the Terry B. Mobley Development Awards are nominated by UK staff and faculty. Each award consists of an honorarium and an engraved julep cup. Recipients’ names will also be added to a recognition wall located in the lobby of the Sturgill Philanthropy Building on UK’s campus.

Mobley retired from UK in 2010 where he served 33 years as director of development and chief development officer, interim athletic director, vice president for development and vice president for institutional advancement. He is a member of the UK Board of Trustees.