The Dating Game

Courtney Lawson

By Marcia Cipriani

After earning a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan in 2006, Courtney Lawson followed her heart—and a hometown boy she’d met in grad school—to Rochester. The relationship didn’t work out … but that’s okay. “He’s an awesome guy,” she says, enthusiastically, of her ex. “He would be just perfect for someone else.” Some day she plans to settle down. But for now, the 29-year-old triathlete / political activist / football junky / party girl is content to have a great time while she waits for Mr. Right.

Bio Box: Courtney Lawson

Age: 29.

Occupation: Development and communications director for Rochester’s Diversity Council.

Childhood and Family: Grew up in Tecumseh, a small town in southeastern Michigan, where General Custer’s horse, Don Juan, is buried. She has a younger brother, 21, and parents who have been married for 38 years. “They are the ideal couple,” she says. “They have what I’m looking for in a relationship.”

Diversions: Mountain biking, running, and triathlons (most recently the Lifetime Fitness triathlon in the Twin Cities, for which Courtney raised $2,000 in pledges for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

Favorite Hangouts: Whistle Binkies for happy hour; Kathy’s Pub for meeting friends and watching football.

Best First Date: “A relaxed atmosphere, like Newt’s. Great burgers, beer, and you can watch football, which I love. That would be a good first date. I’m also up for anything outdoors: biking, go-karts, the driving range … nothing fancy or expensive.”

Perfect Stay-At-Home Night: Flipping channels between Monday Night Football and the “totally addictive” MTV “Laguna Beach” reality spin-off, “The Hills.”

What Most People Would Never Guess About
Courtney: She is ordained to perform marriage ceremonies. She signed up on line so she could officiate at her friends’ wedding. “It was really cool because both the husband and the wife are dear friends of mine, and I’m the one who introduced them. To be chosen to do the ceremony was amazing.”

Words Her Friends Use To Describe Her: Bubbly. Fun.
Independent. Up for anything. Someone you can count on. Not high maintenance.

Current Obsessions: “I really want to go to surf camp in Costa Rica. Also, I want to learn how to play the drums.”

Dream Car: 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. “The one with the wood on the side—either tan or sky blue,” Courtney says. “I love how they look. They remind me of skiing out West.”

True Confession: “I’m a terrible procrastinator. I’m very easily
distracted. I’m at my most productive in the 11th hour.”