Gordon Lash Spaugh '60
(Year Awarded--2006)

In 1970, the price of gas was 36 cents a gallon, postage stamps were 6 cents each, the average price of a home was $26,600, and the fee to attend Davidson College was $2,830. Obviously, things have changed tremendously since 1970. But one thing has stayed the same. The Class of 1960 has had the same class secretary, Gordon L. Spaugh, every year since 1970.

As a student at Davidson, Gordon was active and social, participating as a member of the cross country and rifle teams and the staff of Quips and Cranks. He also was a brother of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After graduating with a degree in business administration, Gordon served as a captain in the Army, traveling broadly with the military, and eventually landing back home in Winston-Salem. Gordon spent his career in banking and insurance, retiring as an executive with Blue Ridge/Burke Insurance. Since his retirement in 1999, he has worked tirelessly for the Caleb Connection ministry of Community Bible Study International, recruiting other retirees to share the word of the Bible around the world.

Active in his community, Gordon was a member and had leadership roles in the Rotary Club, the Twin City Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Sales and Marketing Executives Association. He is past president of the Little Theater and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem. His church has benefited from his leadership as well, enjoying his service as a deacon, elder, youth advisor, committee chairman, and enthusiastic choir member.

Despite his commitment to his employer, his community, and his church, Gordon has always found time for service to Davidson. He has volunteered for Davidson as an Annual Fund class agent and has worked with the Development office to coordinate the sale of insurance policies that have benefited Davidson. His most lasting and important volunteer role for Davidson, however, has been as secretary for the class of 1960. By contacting and re-contacting each member of his class for thirty-six years, he has kept them informed and connected to each other, celebrating successes and mourning losses as time goes by. For many members of the class of 1960, Gordon gives voice to and provides a link with each other and with Davidson.

Because you understand the importance of relationships, in your town and within our college community; because you know the value of giving back and the value of staying connected; because you have shown loyalty, leadership and dedication to alma mater; and because you make Nancy Blackwell happy every time you send your class notes in on time, the Davidson College Alumni Association honors you, Gordon Lash Spaugh, with the Alumni Service Award, on the occasion of the Class of 1960’s 45th reunion, April 29, 2006.