Donor Impact Spotlight: Blake Lawson ’16
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Choosing Campbell was a turning point for Blake Lawson (’16). Encouraged by his AP English teacher — who happened to be related to former Campbell president Dr. Jerry Wallace — he visited the campus and immediately felt at home. “The close-knit, family-like community, small class sizes, and the proximity to home… it all just came together,” Blake said.
Blake threw himself into campus life by joining multiple clubs, working on the student call team, and later taking on a senior-year role in the Alumni Office. “I worked about four shifts a week from my freshman to junior year,” he said which included contacting alumni to re-engage them with the mission of Campbell while also requesting their financial support to the Fund for Campbell and other various fundraising campaigns. “During my senior year, I transitioned to a student assistant in the Alumni Office…it was neat to be able to interact more closely with Alumni through event-focused activities and to hear their stories about Campbell.”
The Campbell community became especially meaningful during a family crisis. “My freshman year, my dad was admitted to the hospital and was eventually placed on life support for almost two weeks before making a full recovery months later. It was a true miracle,” Blake shared. “The campus and community really surrounded me — teachers, professors, colleagues stepped up…even providing additional scholarship aid. Campbell is a community that, once you’re in it , they take care of their own.”
Professionally, the Trust & Wealth Management program set Blake up for success. Blake has worked for Wells Fargo Private Bank, Bank of America Private Bank, and currently works as a Trust Officer with Franklin Street Partners in Chapel Hill, N.C. Blake specializes in estate planning, wills, and trusts. “Campbell has given a lot to me as far as my career and the people I met along the way,” he said. “I just paid off my student loans this year…it was worth the investment. Now, I’m focused on giving back to Campbell, because it gave so much to me.”
That desire to give back led Blake to join the Alumni Association Board of Directors in January 2024, where he serves on the Scholarship Awards Committee. “Being able to participate in that capacity — especially since scholarships helped me attend Campbell — and seeing the direct impact on the recipients is incredibly rewarding,” he said. He also volunteers to help for numerous events on campus throughout the year including the Presidential Scholarship interviews, adding, “To play a part in helping them decide to come to Campbell…that’s truly rewarding.”
Blake’s message to fellow alumni is simple and practical: “It’s an investment,” he said. “Think back to the people who invested in you…and give back what you can. Even $5 or $10 — it doesn’t have to be a lot to make an impact. A little goes a long way when many people are giving.”
Blake has witnessed Campbell’s growth over the years — from the installation of stadium lights at Barker Lane Stadium to the expansion of the Student Union and campus infrastructure today. “I’m excited to see that growth continue under Dr. Downs’ leadership, while still maintaining the community driven, Christian faith-based servitude Campbell is known for,” he said. Being part of the alumni family feels full-circle: From the New Student Convocation and Medallion Ceremony to graduation…it means a lot to give back, and I hope others have the same experience I had.”