Gayle Owen Averyt '55
(Year Awarded--1997)

In Gayle Averyt, potential recognized as a Davidson student has been impressively realized. The varsity cheerleader: He for a quarter century was the CEO inspiring a team of thousands to excel in the business of insurance. The Distinguished Military Student: He has served nation and state as political adviser, leader in port development, state fair association, civic advocacy. The Phi Beta Kappa student of the liberal arts: he has worked creatively in behalf of music and the arts for his entire region. The ODK member at a Presbyterian bastion: he has become a foremost lay leader among Episcopalians in church, school and conference center. The Who's Who from an all-male Davidson: He has been equally successful in his eighty percent female household!

And all the while he has never forgotten his Davidson roots, contributing leadership and loyalty to the college which helped set him on his exciting journeys. Service on the Board of Visitors, work as a trustee, effective leadership in regional campaigns, charter membership in the Ne Ultra Society and Founders Roundtable, genially hosting alumni events--all are marks of exemplary alumni service.

Because you epitomize the traits you found impressive among Davidsonians cited in the college film "A Quiet Resolve"--being thoughtful and sensitive, having a sense of one's life always being open to revision, living a principle-centered, broad and deep life, making a difference in the world; because you have amply demonstrated your own quiet determination to excel, to serve, to witness to what is good, to make the parts of the world in which you have been placed better for your having been there, the Davidson College Alumni Association is honored to present to you, Gayle Owen Averyt, its Distinguished Alumnus Award.