Richard Henry Clay '73
(Year Awarded--2004)

After finishing law school at the University of Kentucky, Dick began a distinguished legal career in Louisville. His professional, civic, and church related activities and accomplishments are too numerous to mention, but there is a common thread: service to mankind and to a higher being.

Along the way, Dick had the good sense to marry a Davidson graduate, Elizabeth Flanders Clay, class of 1984. The Clays have four lovely children and, perhaps, many years of Davidson tuition ahead of them.

Dick Clay has been the “Heart and Soul” of Davidson in the State of Kentucky for twenty-five years. He was the President of the Louisville Alumni Chapter for eleven years. He did such an outstanding job that following in his footsteps was akin to following Adolph Rupp at the University of Kentucky.

The Clays hosted numerous alumni events at their home. They were never too busy to host (and house) Davidson choir and orchestra students during their Louisville performances. Dick delights in interviewing and writing letters of recommendation for candidates for admission. Dick has also served as Annual Fund class chair for many years. Additionally, he has been a member of the Alumni Association Board, the Davidson Alumni Admission Program, and the twentieth year reunion committee.

Dick has been an enthusiastic fund raiser for Davidson volunteering with the Campaign for Davidson and the current Let Learning Be Cherished initiative. Additionally, he has been on the advisory board for both the Will Terry Scholarship and the Ratliff Endowment. His leadership skills and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and do whatever is necessary have been appreciated for years.

Because you have answered Davidson’s call every time you were asked, because you have been a tireless advocate for Davidson for thirty years, and because you have been a leader and example for all of us, Davidson College is proud to present the Alumni Service Award to Richard Henry Collier Clay on the occasion of your thirtieth reunion, this twenty-fourth day of April, 2004.