2016 Saint John Spring Convocation
Lawson, Gerald M. (Gary)
Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Orator: LeVert, Laurelle
Citation:
SPRING CONVOCATION, MAY, 2016
GERALD M. LAWSON
to be Doctor of Laws
Gary Lawson was born in Saint John, NB and graduated from Millidgeville North High School. He received two degrees from The University of New Brunswick: a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1976 (UNBSJ) and a Bachelor of Law in 1979 (UNBF). At the convocation ceremony in Saint John, he represented the graduating class as its valedictorian.
In 2012, Gary Lawson received his Queen's Counsel designation, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to his community. Currently, he is a senior partner at Lawson Creamer where he focuses on business, estate planning, labour and employment law. He has contributed to his profession by teaching courses and giving seminars, as well as having served as chairman of the labour and employment law subsection of the New Brunswick branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
For over 15 years, Mr. Lawson has worked tirelessly on behalf of the underprivileged in Saint John, and has demonstrated a long history of community involvement. Of particular note, he is a former co-chair of the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI), which received national recognition for its innovative approach to anti-poverty solutions. His contributions to BCAPI have resulted in benefits to the community and reduction of poverty in Saint John. Some of the projects with which BCAPI has been involved include: First Steps Housing Project, Partners Assisting Local Schools (PALS), Pro-Kids, the Early Learning Centre Project, and the Resource Center for Youth and Vibrant Communities Saint John. In 2014, Gary Lawson received the Red Cross Humanitarian Award for making a significant contribution to his community.
Mr. Lawson has served as President of the Saint John Board of Trade, chair and/or board member of organizations such as Hospice Greater Saint John, Rocmaura Nursing Home and the Villa Madonna retreat house. He has been involved with Hospice Greater Saint John for a number of years, and its residence hospice, Bobby's Hospice, honours his mother Catherine (Bobby) Lawson who was a 20-year hospice volunteer. Currently, he is a board member for both Hospice Greater Saint John and Enterprise Saint John, and continues to work with BCAPI.
Gary Lawson was recognized for his dedication to the University of New Brunswick in 2004 when he received the Faculty of Business Alumnus of the Year Award and again in 2006 when he received the Alumni Award of Honour. The latter award recognizes truly outstanding service and commitment to the University of New Brunswick and the Associated Alumni. In addition to supporting the university's Associated Alumni with his time and efforts, he, along with other members of his family, contributed to a UNB scholarship in memory of his late father, UNB alumnus Gerald B. Lawson.
GERALD M. LAWSON
to be Doctor of Laws
Gary Lawson was born in Saint John, NB and graduated from Millidgeville North High School. He received two degrees from The University of New Brunswick: a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1976 (UNBSJ) and a Bachelor of Law in 1979 (UNBF). At the convocation ceremony in Saint John, he represented the graduating class as its valedictorian.
In 2012, Gary Lawson received his Queen's Counsel designation, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to his community. Currently, he is a senior partner at Lawson Creamer where he focuses on business, estate planning, labour and employment law. He has contributed to his profession by teaching courses and giving seminars, as well as having served as chairman of the labour and employment law subsection of the New Brunswick branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
For over 15 years, Mr. Lawson has worked tirelessly on behalf of the underprivileged in Saint John, and has demonstrated a long history of community involvement. Of particular note, he is a former co-chair of the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI), which received national recognition for its innovative approach to anti-poverty solutions. His contributions to BCAPI have resulted in benefits to the community and reduction of poverty in Saint John. Some of the projects with which BCAPI has been involved include: First Steps Housing Project, Partners Assisting Local Schools (PALS), Pro-Kids, the Early Learning Centre Project, and the Resource Center for Youth and Vibrant Communities Saint John. In 2014, Gary Lawson received the Red Cross Humanitarian Award for making a significant contribution to his community.
Mr. Lawson has served as President of the Saint John Board of Trade, chair and/or board member of organizations such as Hospice Greater Saint John, Rocmaura Nursing Home and the Villa Madonna retreat house. He has been involved with Hospice Greater Saint John for a number of years, and its residence hospice, Bobby's Hospice, honours his mother Catherine (Bobby) Lawson who was a 20-year hospice volunteer. Currently, he is a board member for both Hospice Greater Saint John and Enterprise Saint John, and continues to work with BCAPI.
Gary Lawson was recognized for his dedication to the University of New Brunswick in 2004 when he received the Faculty of Business Alumnus of the Year Award and again in 2006 when he received the Alumni Award of Honour. The latter award recognizes truly outstanding service and commitment to the University of New Brunswick and the Associated Alumni. In addition to supporting the university's Associated Alumni with his time and efforts, he, along with other members of his family, contributed to a UNB scholarship in memory of his late father, UNB alumnus Gerald B. Lawson.
Citations may be reproduced for research purposes only. Publication in whole or in part requires written permission from the author.