CENTRE ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR FOR 2002
JOHN W. LANDRUM
Within a few days of the announcement that Centre College had been chosen to host the only vice presidential debate of the 2000 general election, an alumnus and emeritus trustee of the College stopped by the campus to make an unsolicited gift. In handing his generous contribution to President Roush, John Landrum said, “I figured that the College would have some expenses in getting ready for this debate and thought that you might be able to use some help with them.” That brief and unassuming statement speaks volumes about the spirit of the man who has been chosen as the Centre Associate of the Year for 2002.
An articulate man, he has a bias for action instead of words. A caring person, he anticipates needs and asks himself, What can I do to help? A private man, he shuns publicity. An able leader, he has served his church, his college, and his community with distinction while also achieving uncommon success in the business world.
In addition to serving on the Centre College Board of Trustees, John Landrum has chaired the Board of Directors of the James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital. He has been a member of the Harrodsburg Landmark Association, the Harrodsburg Historical Society, the Harrodsburg First committee, and the Board of Directors of Shakertown of Pleasant Hill, Inc. Active in Harrodsburg United Methodist Church, he is a past chair of its Administrative Board. He also is a past president of Jaycees and a former board member for his local YMCA.
Besides Vivian and their sons, Van and Bibb, the other great loves of John’s life have been flying and tennis. He was a pilot for over 60 years. He served as a flight instructor during World War II and later as a director of transportation for Humana, Inc. In addition to his career with Humana, John has been in both the coal and insurance businesses, and he is a long time cattle farmer.
Because Centre defines its mission in terms of learning, leadership, and service, the College takes pride in being so closely identified with a man who epitomizes these traits. In grateful recognition of his outstanding service to Centre College, the people of Harrodsburg and Mercer County, and the business community of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, we are pleased to recognize John W. Landrum as the Centre Associate of the Year for 2002.
