Irby (’81) named Distinguished Alumnus

As Darlington kicks off its Alumni Weekend celebration today, the Alumni Office is pleased to announce that John H. Irby (’81) is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Click here to see a video from the award presentation.

"Throughout his life, John has exemplified Darlington’s core values of wisdom, service, and honor – demonstrating what it means to live a life of integrity, generosity, and purpose,” said Head of School Brent Bell. “John is a giver and John is a winner. His friends and colleagues will tell you that it’s because he is the most selfless person they know and he always looks out for others first. As a result, everyone benefits.”

A four-year boarding student at Darlington and former president of his senior class, Irby has built a distinguished career in law, business and civic leadership while remaining deeply connected to his alma mater. After Darlington, he earned his B.A. from the University of Georgia and his J.D. from Mercer University, and now serves as managing partner at Wilson, Brock & Irby LLC in Atlanta, where he focuses on commercial real estate and business law. Over more than three decades in practice, he has earned a reputation for his legal expertise, business insight and commitment to client service. 

“I love coming back to Darlington,” said Irby in his acceptance address. “I’ve said many times that I feel like a better person when I'm on this campus. It is true again today. Darlington and the Darlington Community have given me the confidence to do things that I don’t think I knew or had any idea I could do.”

Irby’s dedication to Darlington has been steadfast throughout his life. He has served the school in numerous volunteer roles, including on the Alumni Leadership Board, Annual Fund Board and the Board of Trustees from 2005-2010 and 2013-2016, serving as chairman from 2006 to 2009. 

“Chairing the Board of Trustees is the most significant volunteer role anyone can play at Darlington; it is a job that is not taken lightly and a job that displays a commitment and passion for one’s school,” said Bell. 

In that role, Irby helped lead the Second Century Campaign – a capital campaign that raised over $95 million for the construction of Thatcher Hall, the renovation of the boys' dorms, endowment for financial aid and faculty support, and advanced other school priorities. 

In recognition of his leadership and service, Irby was named a Life Trustee in 2019. He continues to support the school as a member of the J.J. Darlington Society for The Darlington Fund, through the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, as a member of the J. Daniel Hanks Sr. (’27) Heritage Society, and through his commitment to the Ever Forward Campaign.

“This school produces good people with high values who expect high values from others as well, and this is where wisdom, service and honor comes in. This simple motto is more important than ever,” said Irby. “Wisdom - you guys know that wisdom is more important than facts. You know that you have to listen more than you speak. You use what you have learned, both your success and maybe more importantly your failures, and act upon it. You have to dig deeper and sort through the stuff to find the truth … you use your experience and judgment to determine what really matters. Service - at Darlington, you have experienced the importance of service firsthand. You know the huge reward of giving to others and not expecting anything in return … You know by your service you help shape your community and the people in it. And Honor Above Everything. We all know what it is, but it’s a little tough to define and even harder to live up to. It’s being honest, and being honest with yourself. Choosing a path of integrity when those around you might be choosing a path that's a little easier, and it's making a choice to do what's right even when it's hard to do it… 

“You students here today have received a great education founded in wisdom, service, and honor,” continued Irby, who gifted the members of the senior class with glass paperweights engraved with the school motto. “The Darlington motto alone, or any mission statement, is not enough to get you through life and make every hard decision, but combined with hard work, family, and faith, the Darlington motto will help you … The future is bright with you guys in it.”

Beyond Darlington, Irby’s professional accomplishments are matched by his extensive record of civic and corporate leadership. He currently serves as vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the W.C. Bradley Company, chairman of the Georgia Lottery Corp. (appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp), trustee of the Georgia Historical Society Endowment Trust, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Synovus Financial Corp. His previous roles include chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board (appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes), member of the Board of Stewards of the Atlanta Steeplechase, and advisor to Synovus Wealth Management and the Bradley-Turner Foundation.

He and his wife, Abby, have been married for 37 years. They are the proud parents of Quinn Gibbs, Virginia Lukens, and Neal Mitchell, and loving grandparents to Hilton and William, with another grandchild expected this fall.