John F. McNair, III '49
(Year Awarded--1994)

His life and career developed from the modest town of Laurinburg to the whole of North Carolina. At Davidson, he made a name for himself based on his fondness for ice cream - "Double Dip" - as well as for his contributions to the football team and the Davidsonian.

His business reputation grew in his native Laurinburg in the 1950s and 1960s as he ran several small businesses and then headed the family bank upon the death of his father in 1966. Two years later, The State Bank merged with Wachovia and he stayed with the larger bank, accepting increasingly large responsibilities. Known for tightening budgets and a small bank philosophy, he eventually became president and CEO of Wachovia Corporation. He has been a leader in his profession as well, having served as president of the North Carolina Bankers' Association and chairman of its legislative committee.

Equally impressive have been his civic contributions to the state. He has taken a serious interest in Wake Forest University, Peace College and Davidson, where he served as an alumni-elected trustee. He was a member of the State Highway Commission and the Board of Economic Development. In Winston-Salem, he has been a director of numerous business and charitable organizations.

Because your extraordinary leadership in the banking profession and in this state's civic life has benefited countless North Carolinians, the Alumni Association is proud to award you, John F. McNair, III, its Distinguished Alumnus Award on the occasion of your Class' 45th Reunion.