inducted 2002

William H. Dunn is Chairman Emeritus of the construction firm founded in Kansas City by his father, the late J. E. Dunn, in 1924.  Now a national construction organization with seventeen offices coast-to-coast, JE Dunn Construction is ranked among the top 10 general commercial builders in the country.

After serving as a naval aviator in World War II, William graduated from Rockhurst College with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics. Upon graduation, he joined the company “to learn the business side of the construction business” at his father’s request.  He has been with JE Dunn Construction Company ever since, celebrating his 60^th employment anniversary in 2006.

Affiliations and accolades include:

Past Vice Chairman:
Midwest Research Institute

Past Co-Chairman:
Kansas City Area Development Council, Children’s Center Capital Campaign, Hope House

Past Chairman:
Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Council, Heart of America United Way, Hawthorne Foundation, Greater Kansas City Association of General Contractors, Builders’ Association, Rockhurst University Board of Regents, Bishop Miege High School Foundation, Don Bosco Foundation, Junior League Community Ball, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Awards:
Named Mr. Kansas City in 1982 by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 1990 Citizen of the Year by Kansas City UNICO Chapter, 1993 CEO Advocate of the Year Award by Kansas City Minority Supplier Development Council, 1995 Johnson Countian of the Year by Johnson County Community College, 1997 Civic Service Award by Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, 1999 Torch Bearer Award by VICA/Skills America, 1999 Distinguished Citizen by Boy Scouts of America, 1997 Spirit of Caring Award by Heart of America United Way, 1994 Centurions Leadership Award by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

Honorary Doctorates:
Avila University, William Jewell College, Benedictine College, and University of Saint Mary.

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