Ned and Adelaide Anderson Davis ’61 are well-deserving of recognition for their generosity to Queens, including numerous gifts to athletics. The Davises are among the Royals Club’s most enthusiastic fans and supporters. They enjoy cheering on and contributing to each other’s alma maters; in addition to Queens’ athletic programs, Ned and Adelaide Davis have also strengthened those at Davidson College.
Twenty-five years ago, the Davises joined others, including 2016 Dr. Billy O. Wireman Award recipients, Don and Frances DeArmon Evans ’59, in establishing the Royal Society in recognition of Queens’ donors at the leadership level. Since its inception in 1989, funds raised through the Royal Society have provided cumulative scholarship assistance to more than 10,000 students. Ned and Adelaide are members of Queens’ Ministrare Society in recognition of their total gifts of more than $1 million.
The Davises have supported projects and programs throughout Queens’ campus for several decades. These include Friends of the Library, Friends of the Arts, several capital campaigns and establishing the Adelaide Anderson Davis ’61 Endowed Presidential Scholarship. The Ned and Adelaide Davis Conference Room in Trexler Student Center is a tangible representation of the Davises’ remarkable commitment to Queens, both together and individually. The Alumni Association recognized Adelaide in 2006 with the Alumna Service Award.
Adelaide was a student-athlete while at Queens. She enjoyed swimming as a member of the Dolphin Club. Adelaide joined University Advancement in 1983 after years of enthusiastic volunteer support as an alumna. Under her direction as Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations and Planned Giving, Queens’ legacy giving program has grown significantly and will provide sustain student scholarships and campus projects for decades to come. Thanks in large part to Adelaide’s efforts over the past 32 years, the university has raised more than $250 million.
Adelaide and Ned have also devoted considerable time, talent and financial support to other local organizations: United Way of Central Carolinas, the Arts and Science Council, Habitat for Humanity, Junior League of Charlotte, Friendship Trays, Community School of the Arts, and Sharon Towers are among them. The Davises both serve as Elders at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Ned was a talented college athlete in his own right. He attended Davidson on a football scholarship. Since then, Ned has faithfully served his alma mater on its Board of Trustees and received both the Outstanding Alumnus Award and the Jim Hendricks Award, which is given to former athletes who have been successful in later life. In recognition of his longtime dedication to Queens and several other community organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Ned Davis was presented with Queens’ Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. His lifelong enthusiasm for athletics continues; Ned is an avid golfer and a member of the Sportsmen Club of Charlotte.
Royals athletics programs have been considerably bolstered by the Davises’ service and support. It is a fitting and well-deserved tribute to honor Ned and Adelaide Anderson Davis ’61’s generosity and commitment to Queens as we present them with this year’s Dr. Billy O. Wireman Award.
