Hardaway Named Distinguished Alumnus

L. Hall Hardaway Jr., chairman of the board of Hardaway Construction Corporation and Hardaway Group Inc., was recognized with the School of Engineering’s 2002 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

The presentation was made at the School’s annual Leadership Dinner at Featheringill Hall Feb. 1.

Hardaway graduated from the School of Engineering in 1957 with a degree in civil engineering. He began working as a field superintendent with Hardaway Construction, the firm his father founded in 1924.

Concentrating on the commercial side of the business, he led the company into a new era that culminated in the establishment of the Hardaway Group as the 19th largest private enterprise in Tennessee. The company employs 1,000 people. Following the family tradition, each of Hardaway’s children — Cathy, Stan and Kay — has joined him in the business.

In addition to his business and professional achievements, Hardaway is known for his service to and support of Vanderbilt. A member of the University Board of Trust since 1990, he serves on the Academic Programs Committee and the Budget Committee. Hardaway has also served as president of the Nashville Vanderbilt Club and was a Steering Committee member for the Campaign for Vanderbilt. A longtime supporter of the School of Engineering, he has agreed again to serve on the School’s Campaign Committee for Vanderbilt’s upcoming campaign.

Hardaway has served the Nashville community in numerous capacities. He has been president and director of the Nashville chapter of Associated General Contractors and director of several construction organizations, including the Construction Specification Institute, Nashville Contractor’s Association and the Tennessee Associated Builders and Contractors. Hardaway is also a past member of the Board of Governors of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he is a trustee of Davidson Academy, a trustee and deacon of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville and director of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee Inc.

His company’s contributions to the community include being Pencil Partner for the Jere Baxter School, the rebuilding of the Dollar General Store and learning center in the Sam Levy neighborhood after it was destroyed by arsonists and the sponsoring of Habitat for Humanity home-building projects.

The School of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes distinguished achievement, significant service, excellent character and a reputation that reflects well on the School. The honoree is chosen from nominations submitted by the Engineering Alumni Council and the faculty of the School of Engineering.