John Chrisman Hawk III '67
(Year Awarded--2007)

If leadership is defined, in part, by selfless devotion to others and a commitment to service, then John Chrisman Hawk III is a role model for all to follow.

During his four years at Davidson College, Chris marked himself as a leader. While pursuing vigorous academic studies as a pre-medicine major, Chris worked on the Davidsonian newspaper, served as a Hall Counselor on Bobby Vagt’s hall, was secretary of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, president of Phi Eta Sigma honor society, a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, and vice president of the Union Board. Chris graduated cum laude from Davidson in 1967 with a BS in pre-medicine.

Chris continued his pursuit of academic excellence at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where he received his MD in 1971 and was awarded membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, the only national honor medical society, commonly referred to as “Phi Beta Kappa for medical schools.”

Chris then moved to Boston to pursue his residency in General and Thoracic Surgery at Massachusetts GeneralHospital, and later served his country as Chief of Surgery, U.S. AirForceHospital, Misawa Air Base, Misawa, Japan.  Chris now works as a general surgeon and is president of Charleston Surgical Associates in Charleston, SC.

In the four decades since graduation, Chris has served Davidson with steadfast devotion and unwavering determination in a variety of leadership roles. His talents have been appreciated as an Annual Fund class agent, as a vital member of the Board of Visitors and on the Davidson Alumni Association Board. Chris also served as chair of the Charleston Regional Campaign and has served as host for numerous Charleston area alumni events.

Chris’ commitment to Davidson has not diminished over the years and he has given generously of his time to raise money for the Annual Fund, the Let Learning Be Cherished campaign, and as a steering committee member for the renovation of the Cunningham Fine Arts building.

Chris has passed on his dedication to alma mater to his children with three of his four children graduating from Davidson. 

Chris has also demonstrated his love for Davidson through his commitment of personal resources. Chris is a member of the Peter Stuart Ney Society and has made leadership level gifts in support of the Living Endowment, the William Holt Terry Scholarship, the WatsonLifeScienceBuilding, and the Cunningham Fine Arts building. Chris also established the Hawk Family Scholarship, providing the gift of a Davidson education for students with financial need from South Carolina.

His faithful support of alma mater sets the highest standard for his classmates. Because his life as a true “Davidson Gentlemen” serves as an example to us all; because he inspires others to his high standards of service; because he has always responded to alma mater’s call with enthusiasm; because he has demonstrated his faith in Davidson by entrusting her with three of his four children; and because Davidson College is this day and for all days to come a stronger institution as a result of his many years of service and support, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors John Chrisman Hawk III, Class of 1967, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of his 40^th Class Reunion, April 28, 2007.