Dunn Family Receives Rashford-Lyon Award
As part of the annual Rockhurst University Leadership Series event April 1, the Dunn family of JE Dunn Construction Co. received the Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics.
The Dunn name is an indelible part of Kansas City’s landscape, with deep roots in the Rockhurst University community, as well. The company’s longtime CEO, Bill Dunn Sr., is a 1946 graduate of Rockhurst. He and his late wife, Jean, gave each of their sons the gift of a Jesuit education at Rockhurst as they prepared to help lead the family company. Honored with the Rashford-Lyon Award will be Bill Sr.; Bill Jr., ’70, ’82 EMBA, and his wife Marianne; Terry, ’71, and his wife Peggy; Steve, ’74, and his wife Anne; Kevin, ’80; and Bob, ’83, ’90 MBA, and his wife Amy.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Terry said the Jesuit core value of “magis,” or “more,” and the concept of agape, or selfless, love have also guided their business, philanthropic and civic leadership for decades.
“We also believe very strongly in leadership and servant leadership. We've been very blessed and very fortunate. We tried to live our values very similar to what is at Rockhurst,” he said.
Rockhurst University President Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., said the family members exemplified an approach to success in which values are at the center.
“JE Dunn Construction has helped shape the physical and civic landscape of Kansas City and communities across the country,” said Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., Rockhurst University president. “Its work is visible. In skylines and institutions alike, but just as important is the way the company has been led with discipline, long-term vision, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way.”
The Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics is named for two of Rockhurst’s influential leaders: the late Tom Lyon, Ph.D., and the late Rev. Nick Rashford, S.J. Established in 2014, the Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics honors recipients who exemplify high ethical standards of business conduct with excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work and inspiration to others. Past recipients include Tom Lyon, Ph.D.; Jane Chu, Ph.D., ’05 EMBA; Mayor Sly James, ’80; Patricia Cleary Miller, Ph.D.; Tom McCullough, ’64, and Tom McDonnell, ’66; Jean Dunn, Wendy Doyle, ’94, Lisa Ginter, ’87, Ama Karikari, M.D., ’07, Marny Sherman, ’75, and Bridgette Williams, ’16 EMBA; Joe Reardon, '90; Madeline Romious, ’95 MBA; Dave Harrison, ’81; and Denny Thum, ’74.
