Grove City College’s Alumni Association will present Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Awards to a quartet of distinguished graduates during this year’s homecoming celebration.
The awards are intended to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Grove City College alumni in their chosen fields, the impact they have on their communities and the honor that they bring their alma mater.
This year’s recipients are:
- Scott G. Bullock ’88, is president and general counsel of the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm that pursues constitutional protections for individual liberties. Before becoming president of the organization in 2016, Bullock litigated a variety of issues in federal and state courts, often challenging the use of eminent domain for private development. He argued for the plaintiff in Kelo v. City of New London, a controversial and widely discussed eminent domain case, before the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled against Kelo, which inspired Bullock to work extensively on grassroots and legislative campaigns to foment a nationwide backlash to the decision. He also founded and directed the Institute’s initiative against civil forfeiture. Bullock also established an early precedent extending free speech guarantees to Internet and software publishers and litigated a case leading to a landmark federal appellate decision protecting the right to earn an honest living. Bullock’s articles and views appear in a wide variety of media. He is the co-author of “Policing for Profit.”
- Timothy W. Coffindaffer ’81, Ph.D. is a retired research fellow with The Procter & Gamble Company. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Grove City College and a Ph.D. from Purdue. He worked in research and development for Procter & Gamble. By blending physical, chemical, analytical and biochemical science, he and his coworkers developed Downy, Bounce, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Olay and Gillette products. His research efforts resulted in more than 40 new product launches and more than 75 patents and applications. Coffindaffer’s professional and personal development has been through the constant support of family, professors, colleagues, friends and Christ.
- Eric C. “Rick” Newton ’86, an entrepreneur, business owner and serving leader, is a change agent in his family, church, business and community. After working at regional corporations, he founded Newton Consulting, now Aspirant, a global management consulting firm. This led to launching two more companies: Newton Talent, a professional recruiting firm, and the Newton Institute, a leadership development company focused on equipping leaders to awaken, align and achieve purpose through the principles of serving leadership. The Newton Family of Companies has grown through a customer-focused, values-driven approach to doing business. Headquartered in Claysville, Pa., with offices in Pittsburgh and London, the company has received numerous awards. While continuing to own and oversee all three companies, Newton spends most time within the Newton Institute, building practical training solutions to help individuals, organizations and communities reach their full potential by understanding and embracing their God-given design.
- Bradley Scott ’69, Ph.D., is a retired educator and community activist. Formerly a senior education associate at Intercultural Development Research Association, he served as director of its South Central Collaborative for Equity. The center works with school districts in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas in the implementation of educational equity plans. The center assists public schools with activities to promote civil rights, racial and social harmony and an appreciation for diversity in public schools, communities and in life. Scott’s impact on public education includes creating educational excellence through systemic change based on the Goals of Educational Equity and School Reform that he created. He wrote and co-authored publications including “Magnet Schools: Pockets of Excellence in a Sea of Diversity” and ”It’s a Matter of Race: Race Relations in a Desegregated Setting.”
The Alumni Association will present the awards Friday, Oct. 5 during a banquet at Grove City College. Earlier that day, the Alumni Achievement Award winners are scheduled to return to the classroom and lecture hall to share their experiences with students in Entrepreneurship, Education, Chemistry and Political Science classes.
“These individuals represent and bring honor to Grove City College through their lifetime commitment to education, business, research and the protection of individual liberties,” Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, senior director of Alumni and College relations, said. “They represent the many amazing alumni of Grove City College who are making a mark on their world.”
The Alumni Achievement Awards were established in 1964 by the Grove City College Alumni Association and have been presented to 177 alumni. The award was later renamed in honor and in memory of Jack Kennedy ’37, who served the College for 32 years as an accounting professor, alumni secretary and placement officer. A committee of Alumni Council members selects the awardees.