Sandra C. and Lawrence R. Armstrong ’79, ’80
Sandra C. Armstrong
Studied Theatre and Dance
Lawrence R. Armstrong, '79, '80
CEO, Ware Malcomb
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture
San Clemente, California
“We love the opportunities we’ve had to work with the awesome university staff and provide scholarships and programs that benefit deserving students. Traveling back to Florence and meeting our amazing students and faculty has been very rewarding.â€
Mr. Armstrong, an accomplished architect and strong business leader, and Mrs. Armstrong, a health and fitness enthusiast, traveler and fashionista, value their time as students at ºÚÁÏÍø. Not only do they appreciate their education and experiences but their love story took off at their alma mater. They married in Kent on July 26, 1980.
Mr. Armstrong received two bachelor degrees in architecture and also spent a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy, which was a highlight of his college career. He is CEO of Ware Malcomb, a leading international design firm, providing planning, architectural, interior design, branding and civil engineering services to commercial real estate and corporate clients throughout the world. Established in 1972, the firm has 22 offices across the United States and in Canada, Panama and Mexico. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He is also an accomplished artist, including work in a variety of mediums such as painting, furniture design and sculpture. In addition, Mr. Armstrong is associated with countless professional and charity organizations.
Mrs. Armstrong pursued her lifelong passion of dance by studying theatre and dance at ºÚÁÏÍø. She credits Dr. Louis O. Erdmann in the theatre department and working on sets for the play productions for helping her become who she is today. "My time at ºÚÁÏÍø has enabled me to enjoy and pursue creativity, dance and fitness opportunities throughout my life," Mrs. Armstrong said.
They both have demonstrated commitment at the highest level to ºÚÁÏÍø through their general philanthropy and service. Mr. Armstrong is a current member and Past Chair of the ºÚÁÏÍø Foundation Board of Directors and they both serve as Co-Chairs of the ºÚÁÏÍø Campaign Executive Committee. In 2013, Mr. Armstrong was the keynote speaker at ºÚÁÏÍø's Spring Commencement for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are proud to have established two scholarships providing support for students in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
With a great love for ºÚÁÏÍø's Theatre and Dance program, Mrs. Armstrong endowed the Armstrong Family Visiting Artist Series at ºÚÁÏÍø. Through this unique program a guest professional choreographer is invited to work with students of the School and Theatre and Dance each year. Mrs. Armstrong also dedicates her time and hard work to a number of other significant causes and organizations in California. Her volunteer work has stemmed from her strong passion for promoting children’s literacy and education.
Their ºÚÁÏÍø involvement doesn’t stop there. Each year, they make frequent visits back to campus for Campaign Executive Committee meetings, Foundation Board Meetings, scholarship interviews, visiting artist dance programs, the Fashion Show, Founders Ball and Homecoming. In 2017, Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were named a Kiss on the K Honorary couple at Homecoming. Kiss on the K is a Homecoming tradition celebrating ºÚÁÏÍø couples.
The Armstrongs live in California and have a son and a daughter. They enjoy traveling, reading, design and both love to learn.