Linwood Barclay, born in 1955 in Darien, Connecticut, is a renowned American-born Canadian author known for his captivating detective novels. After moving to Canada in 1959, Barclay's passion for writing was ignited by the works of novelist Ross Macdonald. He pursued an English literature degree at Trent University, where he honed his writing skills. Barclay's career took off when he worked as a columnist for the Toronto Star and released bestsellers such as "No Time for Goodbye" and "Trust Your Eyes." His talent also extended to humor writing, with published works including "Mike Harris Made Me Eat My Dog" and "Father Knows Zilch: A Guide for Dumbfounded Dads." Notably, Barclay's novels have garnered international acclaim, with "No Time for Goodbye" even sparking interest from Hollywood. He currently resides in Oakville, Ontario, with his wife and two children. Barclay's literary prowess and engaging storytelling have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the world of literature.

Abner Linwood Holton Jr. (September 21, 1923 – October 28, 2021) was an influential American politician and attorney who left a lasting impact on Virginia's political landscape. Serving as the 61st governor of Virginia from 1970 to 1974, he earned recognition as the first elected Republican governor of Virginia in the 20th century and the first since the Reconstruction era. Holton was known for his unwavering support of civil rights, integration, and public investment. His dedication to these causes was exemplified when he voluntarily enrolled his children, including future First Lady Anne Holton, in the predominantly black Richmond Public Schools during a time when desegregation was a contentious issue in Virginia. As governor, he focused on increasing employment opportunities for minorities and women within state government, established the Virginia Governor's Schools Program, allocated the initial state funds for community mental health centers, and championed environmental initiatives. Holton's political career was characterized by his commitment to moderate Republican principles, as he opposed the integration of conservative Byrd Democrats into the Virginia Republican Party. Despite facing opposition as the GOP shifted towards a more right-wing stance, Holton continued to advocate for his beliefs and subsequently aligned himself with the state Democratic Party. His legacy extends beyond politics, as he also had a successful legal career and served in the Nixon Administration as the Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations. Throughout his life, Holton remained dedicated to supporting moderate Republicans and endorsed several

Linwood G. Dunn, A.S.C. was an American pioneer in visual special effects and an inventor of related technology. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he began his career as a projectionist before moving to Hollywood, where he worked for Pathé and later joined RKO Radio Pictures as a cinematographer and head of the photographic effects department. His early contributions included films like "King Kong" (1933) and "Citizen Kane" (1941). Dunn's expertise in special effects led to the development of the first practical commercially manufactured optical printer during World War II, revolutionizing the production and post-production processes. He also founded his own company, Film Effects of Hollywood, which gained recognition for its work in numerous high-profile films, including "West Side Story" (1961) and "Airport" (1970). Dunn's technical innovations and contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impact, earning him a technical Oscar and cementing his legacy as a visionary in visual effects. His work continues to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day.

Linwood Howard Rose, born in 1951, is a notable figure who served as the fifth president of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. His extensive career at JMU led to his appointment as acting president in 1997, followed by his formal inauguration in 1999. Rose's contributions extend beyond academia, as he also held the position of Deputy Secretary of Education in Virginia and was appointed to the National Infrastructure Advisory Committee by President George W. Bush in 2002. Furthermore, his expertise in the education sector led to an appointment by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to the Governor's Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation, and Investment. Rose's early life saw him born in Daytona Beach, Florida, and raised in Staunton, Virginia. He pursued higher education, obtaining degrees from Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Virginia. After announcing his plan to conclude his presidency in 2012, Rose was succeeded by Jonathan R. Alger of Rutgers University. His impactful leadership and diverse contributions have left a lasting legacy in the realm of higher education and public service.

Linwood Pendleton, born on July 20, 1964, is a prominent Franco-American environmental economist and the Executive Director of the Ocean Knowledge Action Network. He previously held the position of Senior Vice-President for Science at the Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution and served as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Global Oceans Lead Scientist. Pendleton's extensive academic background includes a terminal master's degree from Princeton University and a master's of public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He also completed a doctoral degree in Forestry and Environmental Studies from Yale University. Pendleton's interdisciplinary career includes serving as the Acting Chief Economist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and holding various academic positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Southern California and UCLA. He has made significant scholarly contributions in the field of marine and coastal economics, policy, and conservation, with his work being cited over 7,800 times. His current focus is on building networks to support ocean professionals and scientists in co-designing science for sustainable development.