During his time at Virginia Tech, Samuel L. Lionberger was a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and the Commandant’s staff, the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, the Scabbard and Blade Society, associate judge in the Cadet Honor Court, and served as class president.
Following graduation, Lionberger served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where in 1964 he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Shortly after his service, Lionberger returned home to his native Roanoke and joined his family’s construction business, Lionberger Construction. He served as president and then chief executive officer from 1975 until his retirement in 2010. His loyal service and devotion to his beloved alma mater culminated in membership and active participation on wide-ranging boards and foundations including: the Virginia Tech Foundation Board of Directors, the national Campaign Steering Committee of the Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future, the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake Board of Trustees, the Virginia Tech Alumni Board, and the advisory boards of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, and the School of Building Construction.
With his wife, Lorinda, Lionberger also holds membership in the President’s circle of the Ut Prosim society which is dedicated to recognizing the leaders of philanthropy in their generous giving to the university. Further, in keeping in line with the university’s motto, Lionberger’s community outreach includes service of the Roanoke Corps of the Salvation Army, the Military Family Support Center, and numerous other college and business boards. Lionberger’s dedication to the university culminated in 2012 when he was awarded the Ruffner Medal, Virginia Tech’s highest honor for distinguished and honorable service.
Samuel L. Lionberger was inducted into the Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2008.
