VCU remembers John A. Luke Jr., former rector of the Board of Visitors

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John A. Luke, a respected business leader, devoted public servant and cherished friend of Virginia Commonwealth University, died on March 14. He was 77.

Luke is retired chairman of Smurfit WestRock, a global packaging company. Prior to that, he was the chair and CEO of MeadWestvaco (predecessor to WestRock), where he spent more than 35 years in a variety of leadership roles.

Luke first joined VCU's Board of Visitors in 2012 and was re-appointed to a second four-year term on the board in 2016. He served as rector from 2015-17 and as acting rector in 2019.

"John was a perfect gentleman and a true professional. He was the model of civility and respectful behavior in all settings. He was incredibly supportive of leaders, particularly when leaders would need to make difficult decisions that may not have met the support of every person," said VCU President Michael Rao. "John and his wife, Kathleen, have been longtime friends and advocates of VCU. Monica and I send our deepest sympathy to Kathleen and to the entire Luke family."

Luke served on the boards of FM, a leader in commercial property insurance, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. He is a former member of the board of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the board of governors of The Community Foundation serving Richmond and Central Virginia (2011-2019), American Forest & Paper Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the boards of The Bank of New York Mellon and The Timken Company.

Luke served as an officer in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He concluded his military career as a first lieutenant in 1974.

Luke earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lawrence University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and siblings, children and grandchildren.