Allen Jordan Graham, Jr. '32
(Year Awarded--1997)

Throughout his eight decades Allen Graham, stalwart Davidsonian of the Class of 1932, has been distinguished by his steadiness of devotion. In an era known for fickle flips of fashion and rampant pursuit of success and pleasure, Allen has been an exemplar of lifelong loyalty.

As he approached his senior year at the Asheville School, this son of Greenville cast his eye eastward down the border between the Carolinas to Davidson, alma mater of his doctor/farmer grandfather of Fort Mill and of several of his own close friends, little knowing that seven decades of faithful support to these two schools would be among the hallmarks of his life. Having been raised in a dwelling now well-known in Greenville as The Poinsette Club, he returned to his home city to take part in its progress, through a long career in real estate and property management, active in church, club and civic support, and leadership in his extended family and neighborhood.

Not one to hang up his hat when retirement beckoned, he held firm the virtue of civic involvement, helping commit unprecedented philanthropy to honor family and create for the region the prized Peace Center for the Performing Arts. At both his preparatory school and college, students are also being enriched by his generosity and his concern.

Because you epitomize lifetime loyalty to your schools, and to church and community causes, and have upheld in winsome ways the highest standards, the Davidson College Alumni Association gratefully recognizes you, Allen J. Graham, with this Distinguished Alumnus Award.