John Neal Walker '47
(Year Awarded--2002)

John Neal Walker '47

A son of Burlington, NC, John Neal Walker arrived to Davidson in the fall of 1942 and quickly became involved in campus life. A devoted athlete and campus enthusiast, John played football and tennis and was a member of the Beaver Club and D Club. While a student, he was recognized for his academic success and extracurricular involvement through his induction into the Omicron Delta Kappa Society.

After receiving his MBA from Harvard in 1949, John accepted a job at Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mount Olive, N.C. and returned to his home state. He worked tirelessly at his chosen profession and would later become president of Mt. Olive Pickle Company creating unique ways to package his products and sell pickles. John's commitment to his community so prevalent during his years at Davidson has continued throughout his life. Beyond producing the perfect pickle, John has served as a Trustee of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Mount Olive College, a member of the Board of Directors of Southern Bank and Trust Company, a member of the Medical Benevolence Foundation, and an Elder of Mount Olive Presbyterian Church.

Over the years John has forged close ties with his beloved alma mater through his many volunteer roles. A great friend to and supporter of the Office of Alumni Relations, John has been a member of three class reunion committees, an alumni chapter president, and an alumni trustee for eight years. He has also worked tirelessly on behalf of the Annual Fund, the Ne Ultra Society, and the Davidson Athletic Foundation's predecessor, the Wildcat Club.

Because Davidson is proud to call you an alumnus; because you have served your community diligently; because whenever the call came from Davidson you always answered with your enthusiasm, good humor and gentle sprit; and because Davidson will treasures the example of service you have set for all who follow you; the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, John Neal Walker, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of the Class of 1947's 55th Reunion, 20th April 2002.

After receiving his MBA from Harvard in 1949, John accepted a job at Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mount Olive, N.C. and returned to his home state. He worked tirelessly at his chosen profession and would later become president of Mt. Olive Pickle Company creating unique ways to package his products and sell pickles. John's commitment to his community so prevalent during his years at Davidson has continued throughout his life. Beyond producing the perfect pickle, John has served as a Trustee of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Mount Olive College, a member of the Board of Directors of Southern Bank and Trust Company, a member of the Medical Benevolence Foundation, and an Elder of Mount Olive Presbyterian Church.

Over the years John has forged close ties with his beloved alma mater through his many volunteer roles. A great friend to and supporter of the Office of Alumni Relations, John has been a member of three class reunion committees, an alumni chapter president, and an alumni trustee for eight years. He has also worked tirelessly on behalf of the Annual Fund, the Ne Ultra Society, and the Davidson Athletic Foundation's predecessor, the Wildcat Club.

Because Davidson is proud to call you an alumnus; because you have served your community diligently; because whenever the call came from Davidson you always answered with your enthusiasm, good humor and gentle sprit; and because Davidson will treasures the example of service you have set for all who follow you; the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, John Neal Walker, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of the Class of 1947's 55th Reunion, 20th April 2002.