Hugh Milner Dennis '71
(Year Awarded--2006)

If leadership is defined, in part, by selfless devotion to others and a commitment to service, then Hugh Milner Dennis is a role model for all to follow.

Arriving at Davidson College from his home in Asheville, North Carolina in 1967, Hugh immediately marked himself as a leader. Hugh was a National Merit Finalist and a four-year football player who played on the 1969 Tangerine Bowl team. During his years at Davidson, he was a pre-medicine major, an officer in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, a member of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon honor society, and a leader in the “D” Club.

Upon graduating from Davidson, Hugh enrolled in Tulane University, and received his medical degree in 1975. Today, Hugh is a thoracic surgeon in Greenville, South Carolina, after an outstanding career as a heart surgeon in South Florida.

Hugh has served Davidson without reservation and in a multitude of roles. His talents have been appreciated as a leader in the Miami chapter of the Davidson Alumni Admission Program, as a vital member and previous vice-president of the Alumni Association Board, and in his 9 years of service as the Annual Fund class agent for the class of 1971. He has also contributed to the planning of several reunions. Hugh’s involvement has not diminished over the years and today he serves as class secretary for his class in addition to serving on the Board of Visitors.

Hugh has also shown his love to his alma mater through his commitment of personal resources. He is a member of the Peter Stuart Ney Society and has been a leader in his support of the Davidson Athletic Foundation, the Davidson Scholars Program, the renovation of Richardson Stadium and the Football Locker Room Project. His faithful support of the Living Endowment sets the highest standard for his classmates.

Because your life as a true “Davidson Gentlemen” serves as an example to us all; because you inspire others to your high standards of service; because you have always responded to alma mater’s call with enthusiasm; because you demonstrated your faith in Davidson by entrusting her with two of your three children; and because Davidson College is this day and for all days to come a stronger institution as a result of your many years of service and support, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, Hugh Milner Dennis, Class of 1971, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of your 35th Class Reunion, April 29, 2006.