Michael David Kelly '73
(Year Awarded--1998)

In Mike Kelly's application to Davidson, he said that his two greatest strengths were working with people and being competitive. Perhaps these traits were survival skills learned early on as one of a family of ten. Certainly, his career as a Davidson student proved his self-assessment correct. He played freshman football with fervor and, when he broke his arm, he became coach of the J. V. team. In that capacity, his drive and determination earned him the moniker of "Coach Napoleon" among his admiring players. The college and his fellow students recognized his achievements when they named him to Phi Beta Kappa and ODK. These honors confirmed the qualities that his Phi Delta Theta brothers witnessed when they saw him excel at Head Ball.

Fortunately for Davidson, Mike continued to make a difference for alma mater during his alumni years. Despite a busy career as a lawyer and a businessman, he continued to give time to his college as a consistent and effective volunteer. Over the years he has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, recruited students through the Davidson Alumni Admissions Program in Atlanta, and worked on class reunions. However, his classmates know him best as a volunteer fundraiser for the Annual Fund, for the Ne Ultra Society, and for the recent Campaign for Davidson. Many-especially his classmates--have experienced directly his determination to meet fundraising goals…and his capacity to think big!

Because you have brought incredible energy to your loyal service to Davidson and because you have reminded us of the importance of alma mater in our lives, the Davidson College Alumni Association presents you, Michael David Kelly, with this Alumni Service Award on the occasion of your 25th Reunion.