Eugene K. Lawson ’61

Gene died Dec. 28, 2024, of complications resulting from a fall.

Born in Tulsa, Okla., he came to us from Hotchkiss School. At Princeton, he majored in political science, took his meals at Cannon, and founded and chaired the local chapter of AIESEC, which helped undergraduates find summer employment in Europe. Early on, Gene had a pilot’s license and was a member of the Princeton Flying Club. His roommates were Ken Lomas and Steve Schragger.

After service in the Navy, and with an M.A. and a Ph.D. from the East Asian Institute at Columbia, Gene embarked on a career in public service and politics in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations. He served as ambassador to the International Labor Organization and as vice chairman of the Export-Import Bank. His career culminated in his founding of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, which he served as president for 15 years. Over the years he spent countless hours riding, roaming, canoeing, and wildlife watching at the then-Lawson River Ranch in Claremont, Okla., with family and friends. In retirement he operated a consulting practice.

Gene was married for 39 years to Stephanie Green Lawson, who predeceased him earlier in 2024. He is survived by son Chappell ’89; daughters Emily, Sarah, and Alice; and six grandchildren.