Service is one of Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s core ideals, and something that has been woven into our history and teaching since 1856. There are many forms of service: to your country, to your community, to your family, or even to those less fortunate. Regardless of who you are serving, it all simplifies to one notion: for others. Service is for the betterment of others, for their benefit, regardless of the impact it has on you. And you are the epitome of providing for others.
Your story with service started young, but has shaped you into the person and True Gentleman you are today. After tragically losing your parents as a collegiate and with nowhere else to go, the chapter house became your home. Your Brothers became your family. As such, you immediately felt a need to give back and served on a variety of chapter committees like recruitment, athletics, and philanthropy to name a few.
Upon graduating, you served our country as an officer in the United States Air Force. After obtaining your law degree, you then served your state’s National Guard for over a decade as its top legal officer. At the same time, you were also practicing law for several prominent legal firms until your recent retirement. In the midst of this illustrious law career, there remained a never ending desire to serve, especially for things you care about.
Your path sent you back to the Fraternity, back to the very chapter house that evolved into your actual home. So you joined the House Corporation under one tenant: to promote Brotherhood by remodeling the chapter house. You, more than anyone, have a connection and bond with that building. The goal was to make it welcoming as possible, so that others would feel the same warm embrace you did.
For nearly three decades, you led the charge and raised over $1.5 million to completely renovate the chapter house. Using your legal prowess, you were also instrumental in constructing and implementing policies and guidelines that continue to reinforce your chapter as one of the strongest in the Realm. As such, the chapter felt it was only appropriate to name the new wing after you.
The only reason you resigned from your local House Corporation was to take a position with the SAE Financial & Housing Corporation Board in 2017, where you ultimately served as its President from 2020-2024. Your passion for chapter housing has an unquantifiable trickle down effect as you get to share your love for chapter housing.
A past Eminent Supreme Archon and DSA recipient once proclaimed: bricks and mortar make a house; family and fond memories make a home. The quote, while simple in nature, represents some of the most profound memories and emotions that you have. It crafted you into the person you are today, and an even better serviceman to your Brothers. For your lifelong service and leadership, the Fraternity has already awarded you with the Order of the Lion, Order of Minerva, and the Merit Key.
Accordingly, the Supreme Council of Sigma Alpha Epsilon awards you, J. Lawrence Jones, the 168th Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of our Beloved Fraternity, granted on the 20th day of June in the year 2025 and presented at Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s 169th Anniversary Convention.
