Dr. Laurie L. Dunn '77
(Year Awarded--2002) 

Coming to Davidson from Laurinburg, N.C., Laurie Dunn distinguished herself as an athlete, servant, leader, and scholar. Laurie helped organize Davidson's first women's basketball team and contributed as a key member of the field hockey team when that program was in its infancy. She was a leader off the athletic field too, serving as social chair of the Emanon eating house and as a hall counselor. For her extraordinary accomplishments, Laurie was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and recognized by Who's Who as one of America's finest student-leaders.

After graduating from Davidson, Laurie headed to Duke University in pursuit of her medical degree which she received in 1981. Since then, Laurie has distinguished herself as one of North Carolina's leading neonatalogists. Though she has made a career out of helping others, Laurie has made time to give back to Davidson. Her service to this institution is exemplary.

Laurie began her service to Davidson as an Annual Fund class agent and served in that role for five years from 1985 to 1989. In 1994, the alumni chose Laurie as President of the Alumni Association. As President, she served for two years as a member of the Board of Trustees. It was no surprise when Laurie embraced further responsibility in her roles as trustee, serving as a member of the Athletic Policy Committee, a steering committee member for the successful Watson Life Sciences fundraising effort, and as a member of the Presidential Search Committee that selected President Bobby Vagt.

At the heart of all service to Davidson is Laurie's sense of duty to best represent the interests of all our alumni. At every opportunity, Laurie has been able to move Davidson toward a common goal using her good judgment, generosity of spirit, and love for alma mater as a guide. The construction of the Watson Life Science Building, home to two of our largest majors, Biology and Psychology, is a fitting testament to her devotion to Davidson and her leadership of that project.

Because you are a leader in every sense of the word; because you inspire others to your high standard of service; and because you have always responded to alma mater's call with enthusiasm, grace, and passion, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, Laurie Dunn, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of the Class of 1977's 25th Reunion, April 20, 2002.