National Football Foundation

A four-year letterman at receiver for VMI, Thomas Gottwald was the team leader in receiving in 1981 (385). He caught 34 passes for 522 yards and a touchdown in his career. An Academic All-American and three-time Academic All-Southern Conference selection, Gottwald received a Bachelor’s of Science with Distinction in chemistry from VMI and a MBA from the Harvard Business School. He also served as president of his class. Gottwald is currently the President and CEO and a director of NewMarket Corporation, the Richmond-based parent company of Afton Chemical Company and Ethyl Corporation.  He served VMI as a member of the Keydet Club’s Board of Governors from 1998 to 2004. Gottwald is involved in numerous civic activities in the Richmond area, including the Virginia Home for Boys, The Valentine Museum and the Richmond Childrens Museum.