Capital Punishment Project Director Honored

John Holdridge, Director of the ACLU Capital Punishment Project, received the Lucia R. Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award from Lawrence University. John, a 1977 graduate of Lawrence, was honored for his tireless work as a zealous defense attorney in the courtroom for people facing the death penalty and as a staunch abolitionist in the halls of academia and even the Irish Parliament.

Lawrence University presents the Lucia R. Briggs Award to alumnus or alumnae of the university of more than 15 years for candidates who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career. Achievements must be supported by leadership positions, peer recommendations and a national reputation. The award, given to John on June 21, 2008, states that he has “lived a life of impeccable character and unselfish devotion to those you are trusted to serve.” We couldn’t agree more. Just as Lawrence University is proud to have John as an alumnus, the ACLU Capital Punishment Project is proud to have John as its director. His “unselfish devotion to those he is trusted to serve” is infectious and has transferred to the rest of the staff of the CPP. John continues to distinguish himself as a leader in the capital punishment field.