Edward Peter Imbrogno '81 (Awarded 2010)

Ed Imbrogno arrived at Davidson, as he describes, with "no ties and no suits." Ed quickly learned in his very successful rise through the financial world how to wear ties and suits! But let's begin with his student days when his favorite outfits included swimsuits and golf clubs.

A fine student who graduated with a degree in economics and as a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honor society, Ed spent four years at Davidson on both the swim team and the golf team. Ed was also a member of the club Water Polo team and the Captain's Council as he co-captained the swim team.

Following graduation in May 1981, Ed was employed as a commercial loan officer for NCNB. Two years later, he entered the MBA program at University of Virginia's Darden School. In 1985, Ed joined Bowles, Hollowell, Conner & Company as an associate. Over 17 years of service to Bowles and its successors First Union Corporation and Wachovia Securities, Ed served as managing director and partner at Bowles and as the head of Wachovia's private equity group coverage office. In 2004, Ed and two partners launched Fidus Partners, Inc., a merchant-banking firm for middle market companies with offices in Charlotte, Chicago, and New York.

Ed has not let his success in the business world distract him from service to Davidson. Ed has been a loyal and faithful servant of the College, serving as an agent for the Annual Fund and the Ne Ultra giving society, as the 80s decade Charlotte Campaign Co-Chair during the Quiet Resolve campaign, and as a 12 year board member for the Davidson Athletic Foundation. Currently, Ed is in his third term as a member of the Davidson College Board of Visitors.

In service to the College, Ed took a particular interest in the Davidson Scholars Program, which provides scholarship aid to scholar athletes who are stellar performers both academically and athletically. Ed has supported the Davidson Scholars program selflessly through his own generous commitments and by identifying and attracting other supporters to the program. Ed has also served on the Golf Endowment Committee, supporting both the Tom Scott Golf Tournament and efforts to raise golf scholarships.

In his college application, Ed wrote "I plan to make my contribution to the Davidson College community through athletic as well as academic pursuits." He went on to say "I also plan to participate on the swimming and/or golf teams at Davidson. Although I am not a "star" I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to at least one of these teams."

Ed, you are our star and we are so glad you chose to be on our team. Because you have walked the walk of leadership and service to alma mater, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, Ed Imbrogno, with the Alumni Service Award.