Sqwad CEO Lawson is Selected as Alumnus of the Year

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Nick Lawson, who played football at Willamette University from 2008 through 2011, has been selected as the Alumnus of the Year by the Athletics Department. Lawson, who graduated from Willamette in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in Studio Art and added an MBA degree from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management in 2014, has been active in the Professional Development Night with Willamette Athletics for several years.

The Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a lifelong connection and commitment to Bearcat Athletics, its coaches, and its student-athletes.

Lawson is the owner of Sqwad Sports, which provides apps that allow smartphones to be an extension of the game. He began the app for the Seattle Storm in women's basketball, and before long it was used throughout the WNBA. Now, it is used by many teams and leagues.

"Nick Lawson as CEO of Sqwad Sports has become a nationally recognized expert in the fields of digital sports sponsorship, in-arena activations, and social media marketing," Willamette Head Men's Basketball Coach Kip Ioane said. "Despite boasting a client list that includes the NBA's Chicago Bulls, the NFL's Cleveland Browns, and the WNBA's Seattle Storm, Nick has consistently found time to come to Salem and meet with me to brainstorm and plan ways that #BearcatHoop can be more effective in recruiting both student-athletes and business partners in the age of digital focus. He is always available in person, via phone or text, and has no problem sharing ideas and insight for our program and our department to develop new ideas. He has participated in our Professional Development Night for all student-athletes in the department, and has graciously shared his time with many Bearcat athletes in follow-ups to that appearance."

"I have been so grateful to have Nick's support and participation in our Professional Development Night," Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Leslie Shevlin said. "He has been so willing to support our student-athletes with their professional development by answering questions about his industry, experience, and really anything about transitioning from being a student-athlete to a professional in the workplace. Nick is so willing to give his time to Willamette University Athletics and we are very grateful."