Raye Lynn "Muffin" Alford '85
(Year Awarded--2005)

Dr. Raye Lynn “Muffin” Alford arrived at Davidson in the fall of 1981 from Houston, Texas. She brought with her core values of honesty, integrity, a sense of humor, and the importance of family and friendships. Muffin also arrived with a willingness to serve others, and she has demonstrated that commitment to service throughout her life.

Muffin majored in biology at Davidson where she began her life-long pursuit of learning, particularly the study of life sciences, medicine, and genetics. Muffin was active in her eating house, Fannie and Mabel, served as a Resident Advisor and continued her distinguished sailing career at Davidson. Her love for racing sailboats continues to this day. She has competed in numerous national and international championship regattas.

After graduation, Muffin went to Baylor College of Medicine where she earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry, followed by a fellowship in molecular genetics. Muffin is an Assistant Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine, a fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics, and a member of the American Society of Human Genetics. She is the author of Genetics & Your Health: A Guide for the 21st Century Family, among many other articles and publications.

Muffin’s service to Davidson College has been prodigious. She has gladly accepted every volunteer opportunity that Davidson has presented to her. Muffin was the class agent for the Annual Fund for many years. She has helped us in Houston with admissions, choir tour stops, and summer send-offs for new students. She has assumed a leadership role in the Kimmel Scholarship, the Baker-Watt Science Complex, and Let Learning Be Cherished, Davidson’s current fundraising campaign. Most importantly, she served as the alumni chapter president in Houston, and made that chapter one of our most active and energetic. Muffin’s creativity is evident as she delights in bringing together Davidsonians in Houston for sporting events, cultural events, service projects, holiday receptions, and visits with President Vagt.

For your personal and professional accomplishments these past 20 years; for your devotion to community, family, and friends; for your grace, character, and wit; and, most of all, for your exceptional service to Davidson College, the Davidson College Alumni Association proudly honors you with the Alumni Service Award on the occasion of your 20th reunion, this 30th day of April, 2005.