News

In the late 1960’s Davidson College’s Commission on Coeducation concluded that the then- all-male college was missing out on some of the brightest and most talented potential students: Women. The commission included faculty, trustees and three students who urged college leaders to open its doors to women, “or slowly atrophy.” Trustees in 1972 voted unanimously to admit women as full-time students. 

The Deliberative Citizenship Initiative brings people together to learn to talk about divisive issues in a constructive way. Now, with support from Amy Harris Wacaster ’98 and her husband, Steven, and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the initiative will reach more people at a time of great need. Learn more.

Sue McAvoy ’77, from Davidson College’s first class of women to attend all four years, has created the Pioneer Internship Fund. It will help cover student expenses while they hold low-paying or non-paying intern positions. It also honors Davidson’s 50+Years of Coeducation this fall. Learn more.

Alums, families show support for Davidson College through generous philanthropy and active participation in activities and programs that benefit students. Read more.

Brenda Tapia served as a mentor and mother figure for many Black youth as the head of the Davidson College Love of Learning program. Now, her name will forever be linked to another program that lifts up children—The Brenda Tapia CDF (Children’s Defense Fund) Freedom Schools®. Learn more.

Nancy and Phil Kukura ’57 believe in the power of art to create social change. Their gift will empower the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a Davidson College partnership with North Carolina A&T State University, to present diverse stories to new audiences. Read more.

As wide-reaching changes sweep through college sports, Joel ’67 and Cheryle Williamson are investing in the future of Davidson Athletics. Read more.

The Davidson College community showed up in a big way to support #AllinforDavidson, the college’s annual giving day. Learn more.

A love for art and a passion for Davidson College inspires an alum to bring the work of a widely celebrated South African artist-activist to Davidson. Learn more. 

Wells Black ’94 passed away last year from complications of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. In his final months, a group of Wildcats decided to honor their friend and his courageous fight by setting up the Wells Black ’94 Scholarship at Davidson College.

Davidson College selected artist Hank Willis Thomas to create the sculpture “With These Hands: A Memorial to the Enslaved and Exploited.” He’ll work with the architectural firm Perkins&Will. The bronze sculpture will rest prominently on the campus lawn and be visible from Main Street. Learn more.

Davidson College women’s tennis great Emmy Knobloch ’82 played an inspired game, and inspired patients and colleagues in her chosen profession of medicine. Her family has honored her memory with a new women’s tennis scholarship. Learn more. 

Anissa Patton ’91 recognized an opportunity for Black women alums of Davidson College to help Black women students navigate college life and build professional connections. Now, more than 50 matches have been made through the Msaada Mentoring Program. Find out more.

The new Sterling T. Martin Jr. Cross Country and Track & Field Scholarship honors a track and field standout and dedicated alum and former Davidson College employee. The scholarship will help the coaching staff attract exceptional talent.

The new Dr. K.D. Weeks ’69 Davidson Research Network (DRN) Fund honors the legacy of an alum whose mentorship has launched and supported the careers of hundreds of Davidson College graduates in medical careers. Learn more.

The William K. Mahony Fund for Contemplative Practice and Learning honors a beloved Davidson College professor whose impact is felt across generations of students. Learn more.

Davidson College’s Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship welcomes Innovator-in-Residence Donna Peters ’89. In the role, Peters will share her extensive experience with students. Learn more.

Davidson College alum Greg Johnson and wife, Elise, help take the college’s transformational athletics facility project to the next level with their commitment. Learn more.

Davidson College alums create a fitting tribute to a dear friend who spent a lifetime fighting injustice. Learn more.

Alum displaced by Hurricane Katrina leaves lasting mark on campus with Hobart Park labyrinth, a place for meditation, contemplation and prayer. Years later, it bears her name. Learn more.