On Saturday, April 25th, 2009, Class of 1972 alum Richard Lankford received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes the recipients for “excellence in career achievements, service to, and financial support of Hargrave, and continuing efforts in improving the quality of Cadet Life and education.” Several members of the Hargrave Military Academy community, which includes alums as well as former and current faculty and staff members, were recognized during a Homecoming Weekend ceremony for their contributions to Hargrave over the years.

Lankford grew up on the campus of Hargrave Military Academy, where his father, Vernon Lankford, was Academic Dean and later President from 1970-1987.  Richard attended Hargrave as a student for five years, graduating in 1972.  After his completion of undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, Richard returned to Hargrave and worked in the Admissions Office for five years.  He then moved to Northern Virginia where he attended and graduated from George Mason University School of Law. For the past 20 years, Richard has practiced law in the Fairfax, Virginia area. He recently served on Hargrave’s Board of Trustees for several years.

Richard and his wife, Christine, have four children, and attend First Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.