William Bacon Armstrong '61
(Year Awarded--2006)

When William Bacon Armstrong graduated with the class of 1961, this loyal son of Davidson could not have known how soon he would answer the call of alma mater. But after earning his law degree from Duke University, Bill returned to Davidson as Alumni Director, from 1966 to 1969. Higher education was a good lifelong career fit, as it turned out, and Bill retired as Assistant Head for Finances at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond.

An English major at Davidson, a singer in the chorus, and a brother in Phi Gamma Delta, Bill graduated as an ROTC commissioned officer. In his “post-graduate” Davidson career in the Alumni Office, he learned a deeper side of day-to-day Davidson, during a basketball heyday that was also a time of momentous changes for the college.

Bill summarized those days recently with his characteristically self-deprecating wit and wisdom: “Basically,” he said, “it was my job to see that Lefty got to as many alumni meetings as possible and stayed out of Nancy Blackwell’s way. Occasionally, I would bring along Frontis Johnston to discuss the ‘Blue Sky Curriculum’ and to gently touch on the preposterous suggestion that Davidson might consider going co-ed.”

Much has changed since then, but Bill’s commitment to and investment in Davidson College never has. As a class leader for support of the Annual Fund, as a class member who has perfect attendance at all reunions, and, most importantly, as the class scribe for over eighteen years, Bill has demonstrated a strong commitment to the class of 1961 and to Davidson. Most significantly, he shared his devotion to Davidson with his daughter, Katharine Armstrong Herndon '90.

Because of your remarkable example, Bill, of service to your community and to Davidson College, the latter to whom you have given generously of your time, your energy, your leadership, and your financial wherewithal, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, William Bacon Armstrong, with the Alumni Service Award on the occasion of the 45th Reunion of the Class of 1961, this 29th day of April, 2006.