John Thomas Ferguson '40
(Year Awarded--2000)

Jack Ferguson arrived at Davidson from Richmond, Virginia, in 1936 and graduated with the great class of 1940. While at Davidson, he was a member of the Beaver Club and the D Club. He demonstrated his grit and determination as a four-year member of the football team.

After Davidson, Jack returned home to Richmond, where he has devoted his considerable leadership skills to promote his own Henrico County, while actively encouraging and supporting local conservation and preservation efforts. He has dedicated time and energy to the 4-H Club, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, and other worthy local causes. Still, he has served no organization better than his own alma mater.

Whether championing a reunion effort, writing class notes, or serving on a regional campaign committee, Jack Ferguson has always answered Davidson’s call to service. It is his role as Annual Fund Class Chair, however, that has given him distinction. Since 1971, the members of the Class of 1940 have received letters from Jack, sharing news and helping them stay connected with one another. For many of his years as Annual Fund Class Chair, he shared the duties with his classmate and dear friend Jack Abernathy. Legend states that nearly everyone in the class said they wanted Jack and Jack to send letters to them, whether or not they contributed. “The Jacks” were famous for raising the bar on participation in the class, reaching a high of 83.8%. The persistence that Jack showed, mirroring his efforts on the football field at Davidson, and the care with which he has kept in touch with classmates have directly impacted the record-breaking participation in the Annual Fund.

Because your unassuming leadership inspires others to your high standard of service and because you make Davidson proud to call you her own, the Alumni Association honors you, John Thomas Ferguson, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of the Class of 1940’s 60th reunion, September 23, 2000.