William Thomas Covington, Jr. '27
(Year Awarded--1997)

When Bill Covington came to Davidson in the fall of 1923, he launched himself early onto a path of leader and life-long learner. He was vice president of his freshman class, president of the sophomore class, a member of ODK, president of the Philanthropic Literary Society, active in student government and his fraternity (SAE) and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Philosophy. He left Davidson to get his Master's in Philosophy at Princeton and then his Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He started his career as an attorney as an associate with the firm of C. H. Gover, and then shortly thereafter started the firm Covington and Lobdell. It later became Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman, one of Charlotte's largest firms, with an office in Rock Hill, South Carolina, as well.

A proud servant of church, community, country and alma mater, Bill's leadership was obvious--from his appointment to the municipal service commission in Charlotte to his tenure in the U.S. Naval Reserve. In the early 1930s, Mr. Covington was elected to the Davidson College Alumni Council and for the 60 years following became a valued volunteer for the Alumni Association. He served on his 50th reunion committee in 1977 and chaired the Avant Garde Reunion in 1988.

Mr. Covington retained his love for learning and his appreciation for Davidson's education. In the mid-1980s, he audited classes, including Professor Mahony's courses in world religions. Mr. Covington was active in the Charlotte Regional Campaign for Davidson during which time he created an endowed book fund in memory of his brother Robert, class of 1929.

Because you epitomize lifetime loyalty to your school, family, and community, and because you represent the highest standards of Davidson, the Davidson College Alumni Association gratefully recognizes you, William T. Covington, Jr., with this Distinguished Alumnus Award on this day, May 27, 1997.