Bill Lear '72
Lexington, Ky.

Occupation
Chairman, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
Principal, South Hill Group, LLC (Urban Real Estate Developer)

Education
B.A., Davidson, 1972
J.D., University of Kentucky, 1975

Alumni Activities
Former: Annual Fund Class Agent, Chair; Chapter President, Lexington, Ky.; Alumni Association Board of Directors; Class Notes Secretary; Reunion Planning Chair and Committee Member on several occasions

At Davidson
Senior Class President, Charles A. Dana Scholar, Hall Counselor, Scabbard & Blade, Omicron Delta Kappa, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, SGA Class Senator, Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honorary), Distinguished Military Graduate

Other Activities
Current: Keeneland Association, Trustee; Larry Gilbert Foundation/First Tee of Lexington, Chairman; Civic and Charitable Activities, Greater Louisville Inc.; Business Leaders for Education, Vice Chair; J.B. Speed Museum, Board Member; Commonwealth Seed Capital Corporation, Board Member; Lexington Strides Ahead Foundation, Board Member; Mayor's Education Roundtable, Steering Committee Member; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
Former: Kentucky House of Representatives (5 terms); Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, Elder, Deacon and Trustee; Chair of: Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce; Lexington United; Lexington Partnership for Workforce Development; Lexington Transit Authority; Lexington Urban Renewal Commission; Lexington Downtown Development Authority; Lafayette Club; National Conference of State Legislators Commerce & Economic Development Committee; Governor's Tax Policy Commission; Kentucky Investing in People Project; Child Development Centers of the Bluegrass

Family
Spouse: Evangeline Lear
Children: Jennifer, Carrie, and Robert

I love Davidson. I loved my four years there and loved every opportunity I've had to come back and to give back. I especially enjoy reunions-renewing friendships, reminiscing, and learning about the amazing things the college is doing.

For each of my class reunions I have written a poem. The one I wrote for our 35th reunion begins with this stanza: "It was only four years, and a long time ago/I don't know how it affected me so/But the older I get, the more clearly I know/That the mark of those years forever will show." Not great poetry perhaps, but the message hit home with my classmates-Davidson had a profound impact on us that has lasted, and has made a real difference in our lives.

In my time at Davidson, I was struck by the remarkable record of achievement of those who had gone before me. Over the years since I graduated, I have watched with pride as the sons and daughters of Davidson have fanned out across the nation and around the world, carrying with them the lessons learned and the values imparted in their four years. Their impact-on their communities, professions, events at the local, national, and even international level-has been remarkable.

Making a positive difference for Davidson today is the best way we as alumni can give back. I marvel at how much so many are already doing, and look forward to continuing the great tradition of service to our alma mater.