Robie David Sprinkle '66
(Year Awarded--2006)

David Sprinkle arrived at Davidson from Clemmons, North Carolina, in the fall of 1962, with energy and vigor, and embraced his Davidson experience with his characteristic enthusiasm. A scholarship football player, he became a leader on the team, earning All Southern Conference honors and receiving the Best Defensive Player Award. His athletic achievement did not end on the football field however, as David was a member of the swim team, D Club, the honor athletic fraternity Sigma Delta Psi, as well as an active participant in intramural sports. A brother in Phi Delta Theta fraternity, David was an economics major, a member of Scabbard and Blade, and an ROTC commissioned officer.

After Davidson, he went on to earn an MBA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before launching a successful career in the insurance business. Later, David earned an M.S.F.S. from American College. In 1993, he was recognized with the James P. Hendrix Award, an award presented to a former football player who “by use of the lessons learned on the playing field has gone on to achieve outstanding success in his chosen profession.”

As an alumnus, David has served alma mater in nearly every leadership role possible. A member of the Board of Trustees for ten years, David has helped shape and guide college policies. He has served on numerous reunion committees and the Davidson Athletic Foundation Board. He has also served as chair and currently is a lifetime member of the Board of Visitors. He led the Annual Fund effort as national chair. In the Campaign for Davidson, he traveled the country to speak to alumni at scores of regional campaign events, and in the Let Learning Be Cherished campaign, he served ably on the Campaign Cabinet. Most recently, he was a key member of the Richardson Stadium Expansion fundraising committee. As well, he and Pam have hosted many events for the Greensboro alumni chapter.

The only thing David loves more than Davidson College is his family. He and Pam are leaders in their community, and they are devoted to their children and grandchildren. Son Phelps graduated from Davidson in 1993 and daughter Ellen graduated in 1995, both outstanding members of their soccer teams. David could be seen and heard on the sidelines of nearly every game. They have honored Phelps and Ellen by creating a scholarship at Davidson in their names. With both children married to Davidson alumni, the Sprinkle family unquestionably bleeds red and black.

For your contagious enthusiasm for all things Davidson; for always answering alma mater’s call; for your ready smile and zest for life; for demonstrating loyalty through both your words and deeds; for leaving no task unfinished; for entrusting your children to Davidson; for offering honest advice and good counsel; and for always keeping Davidson’s best interests in mind, the Alumni Association honors you, Robie David Sprinkle, Davidson Class of 1966, with the Alumni Service Award on April 29, 2006, on the occasion of your fortieth reunion at Davidson College.