David B. Perini ’59
The name Perini is synonymous with quality, integrity and accomplishment. One need only walk around this campus to see the sturdy beauty created by this family and this company. And it is the head of this dynasty we honor tonight, our own David Perini. The third generation of his family to lead Perini and its subsidiaries, David has served as director, chief executive officer and chairman of the corporation.
After graduating from Holy Cross in 1959, David earned his law degree from Boston College and went to work as general counsel for the family firm. Upon the death of his father, Louis, in 1972, David took the helm of the family’s construction and real estate concerns and steered the company into an international force. Under his guidance, Perini Corp realized consistent annual contract awards in excess of $1 billion.
Recently, David has turned his attention to the public sector, becoming chairman emeritus at Perini and accepting a gubernatorial appointment as commissioner of the executive office for the division of capital asset management. This state agency is responsible for all major public building constructions and real estate services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is a position tailor-made to David’s prodigious talents.
Over the course of his illustrious career, David has never forgotten his call to serve the community. President of the Perini Memorial Foundation, he was co-chair, with his wife, Eileen, of the 1995 Cardinal’s Appeal. He has been a Trustee of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Overseer of South Shore Hospital. He is the founder of The David B. Perini Jr. Quality of Life Clinic. Named in memory of his son, David Jr., the facility provides medical, educational, and psychosocial services to survivors of childhood cancer.
David and his wife, Eileen, are parents to Jennifer, Kristin, Timothy and Andrea.
For his commitment to quality, his tireless support of College and community and his expertise in his chosen filed, the College of the Holy Cross presents to David Perini the Sanctae Crucis Award.