William Van Duzer Lawrence (1842–1927) was an American industrialist, real estate developer, and philanthropist best known for his foundational role in establishing Sarah Lawrence College and shaping the affluent suburb of Bronxville, New York. Born on February 12, 1842, in Brooklyn, New York, Lawrence built his fortune through the American Encaustic Tiling Company, a major player in the tiling and pharmaceutical industries, becoming a millionaire mogul. He played a pivotal role in developing the Lawrence Park Historic District in Bronxville, creating a picturesque community of grand homes and garden apartments that defined the area's country-like charm and exclusivity. His philanthropy extended to healthcare and education: in 1909, he founded Lawrence Hospital to serve the growing Bronxville community, and in 1926, he donated his extensive Bronxville estate, along with substantial land and funding, to establish Sarah Lawrence College, an innovative institution that began as a women's college affiliated with Yale and later became co-educational. Lawrence's vision emphasized progressive education and community development. He passed away on May 16, 1927, and is buried at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. His legacy endures through the college, hospital, and the real estate firm Houlihan Lawrence, which bears his influence.