George Dial Penick, Jr. '70
(Year Awarded--1995)

Many of the nation's poorest counties lie together in the three state region of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The residents of these counties suffer from the hardships that economic underdevelopment and social distress cause.

To combat this poverty, Ed Lupberger, CEO of the Entergy Corporation and a Davidson alumnus, and William Winter, a former governor of Mississippi, created the Foundation for the Mid South. They hired George Penick as president of this private sector initiative, which began operations in 1990. Since then, George has raised money from corporations and foundations across America to use in promoting the three goals of the Foundation--economic development, education, and families and children.

The Foundation for the Mid South strives to be a long range facilitator of community building, primarily for the counties in the Mississippi Delta. Therefore, George oversees an operation that finds ways to foster racial harmony, build community organizations, spur economic investments that result in new businesses and jobs, and provide literacy and skills training.

Because you have brought your considerable intellect and skills to such an ambitious undertaking that will help so many who live under the oppressive conditions that economic distress inflicts, the Alumni Association proudly recognizes your efforts, George Dial Penick, Jr., on the occasion of your class' 25th Reunion.