Our Founding
The John W. Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise was founded in 2013 following a generous gift from John W. Hammond, a long-time member of Lindenwood's Board of Trustees.

We are saddened to share news of the passing of John W. Hammond, a former Lindenwood University Board of Directors member and namesake of the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise.
John joined the Lindenwood Board in 1991 and served for more than three decades. He was the co-owner of G.W. Composites, and he had a keen eye for finance, serving as the Board Treasurer. His service earned him the designation of a Lifetime member.
In 2013, he made a generous gift to Lindenwood to establish the institute that bears his name. “The Board, administration, faculty, and staff have helped to make Lindenwood an example of what a college can be,” Hammond said. “So many colleges today get bogged down with bureaucracy and administration. Not Lindenwood. Everyone seems to remain focused on helping students succeed.” It is with this mindset that we move forward carrying on John Hammond’s legacy.
Please keep John, his family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
You will be missed greatly, John. May you rest in peace.
