Richard C. Perkey '80
(Year Awarded--2005)

Rich arrived at Davidson in the fall of 1977, from Lynchburg, Virginia, not wanting to look on from the sidelines. As a basketball player, this meant playing on the varsity basketball team for all four of his years at Davidson and serving as co-captain during his junior and senior years. As a student majoring in economics, this meant developing a sense of purpose and a desire to make a contribution to whatever endeavor he chose to undertake.

His choice of profession led him from a career in human resources and banking at First Union to the executive search field. Rich is currently managing director and area manager for the executive search firm of Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in conducting searches for board of director, CEO, president and executive leadership positions nationally, across a variety of industries. He resides in Atlanta with his lovely wife Jill and their two children.

The basis of Rich’s strong motivation to support Davidson is his sense of gratitude for scholarship aid while attending Davidson and his strong belief in Davidson’s mission. His support of these ideals has been steadfast and unyielding. Rich has volunteered for Davidson in nearly every capacity imaginable. He has led his class's Annual Fund effort since 1984, and under his leadership, his class has been among the decade leaders for highest class participation year after year. Rich served as a Jacksonville, Florida, regional campaign committee member from 1991 through 1993 and as a volunteer for the Davidson Alumni Admissions Program, and participated in planning many of his reunions. He also served as vice president of the Alumni Association board and worked on the board of the Davidson Athletic Foundation. Most recently, Rich worked tirelessly as president of the Atlanta alumni chapter, during which time he hosted many events end helped energize the Atlanta chapter. He is currently a member of the Board of Visitors. In October of 2004, Rich returned to Davidson to take part in the Fourth Annual Career Symposium to mentor and counsel Davidson students.

Because you are dedicated to using your considerable talents in support of the college and its mission, because your warm sense of humor delights your classmates, fellow volunteers and Davidson staff, and because your inexhaustible energy in service of alma mater compels others to follow your lead, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, Richard Corydon Perkey, with the Alumni Service Award on the occasion of your 25th reunion, this thirtieth day of April, 2005.