Thomas Baker Price '60
(Awarded 2010)

A century ago, the first of four brothers named Price arrived on the Davidson campus from Nanking, China, where their father was a Presbyterian medical missionary. Those four brothers-Frank, Harry, Phil, and Julian-set a standard of leadership and service that continues to benefit this college. Today, that standard is yet borne forward by one of their sons, the man we honor now, Thomas Baker Price of the Class of 1960.

Tommy's own heart of a Wildcat has long beat strong, from his leadership on campus as a student, to his alumni service beginning while he was barely out of medical school, to his steady championing of the continued prosperity of this place he loves.

A Phi Beta Kappa student recognized in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, Tommy ran track, played soccer, served as secretary-treasurer of his senior class, was president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and held membership in national honorary societies for leadership, service, athletics, chemistry, and pre-medicine.

Among many Davidson alumni hats he has worn, Tommy has served as a chapter leader in Augusta, Ga., Atlanta, and Greensboro; as regional campaign leader for Baker Sports Complex and leadership cabinet member of The Campaign for Davidson; as an Annual Fund class leader; and as a Class of 1960 Reunion co-chair.

Doubtless his most important role has been as a Davidson parent. Tommy married Flora Christian McNair soon after her graduation from Queens College in 1962. They have three children, each of whom also bears the family banner in the life of the college-Katherine Price Orrell, Class of '88; Jane Price Avinger, Class of '89; and Thomas Alexander Price, Class of '93.

In 1976, in honor of his three uncles and his dad, Julian, Tommy established the Price Brothers Emergency Student Loan Fund. This fund provides interest-free loans to students for unexpected expenses. Over time, the fund has grown to include support for the Davidson Ministry Fellowships in Religious Vocation and Leadership. The four missionary brothers from Nanking would be proud. We are proud of you, too, Tommy!

For your lifelong commitment to Davidson and all her students who have come to this campus after you; for your tireless energy, enthusiasm, and loyalty to the red and black; and for holding fast in word and deed to the ideals and heritage that keep Davidson strong, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, Thomas Baker Price, with the Alumni Service Award.