Kenneth Wayne Wilson '84
(Awarded 2009)

The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni and other friends of Davidson College who have rendered and performed a high degree of service to the institution. Through his dedication and willingness to serve alma mater, Kenneth Wayne Wilson of the Class of 1984 exemplifies this standard.

When Kenny came to Davidson in the fall of 1980, he had clear goals and a competitive spirit.  His infectious grin and imposing size made him instantly recognizable on campus and soon Kenny knew everyone. As a high school student he told the admission office that he aspired to be “an honest politician.” Instead he became one of the finest ambassadors Davidson could have. 

As a student, Kenny left an indelible mark on this campus. A sociology major, he was a member of the Black Student Coalition, served as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and garnered numerous awards for his outstanding basketball career, including the prestigious Tommy Peters Award. Kenny remains proud of the fact that he hit the game winning shot in Davidson’s last victory over Duke in 1981. A Davidson professor described Kenny as a man of “personal integrity and humanism that I have learned are a way of life for him. He goes way out of his way to help without seeming to go out of his way at all.” 

After graduation Kenny embarked on a career with Proctor & Gamble before moving into the health care industry. A father of four, he has worked with the Sedol Foundation in Illinois to help improve the lives of special needs children, and has been a leader with Arden Shore Family and Children’s Services. He now devotes his time to raising his four sons.

Since his graduation, Kenny’s contributions to Davidson have continued through years of loyal and committed service.  His devotion to Davidson is evident through the many leadership roles he has accepted as an Annual Fund class agent, chair of his tenth year class reunion, a member of the Chicago regional committee for the Campaign for Davidson, a member of the Davidson Black Alumni Network, a leader in the celebration of One Hundred Years of Davidson Basketball, work on behalf of the Davidson Athletic Foundation, and as a regular attendee at reunions.

For his remarkable gifts of time, energy, and leadership that he has given to Davidson College, for his loyalty and dedication to alma mater, for his selfless service to his community, and because Davidson is proud to claim him as her own, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors Kenneth Wayne Wilson, Davidson Class of 1984, with the Alumni Service Award on the occasion of his 25th Reunion, this 25th day of April, 2009.