What is the history of the Alumni Association?
The first Alumni Association programs were informal gatherings during commencement. By 1876, increasing interest in alumni relations with the college led to a request that four of the College Trustees be elected as alumni representatives. Alumni also began to publish catalogs or directories of former students.
In 1903, the Davidson College Alumni Association of Charlotte was formed and in 1914, alumni contributions helped build a new gymnasium for the campus. By 1920, there were 8 regional chapters and in 1926, the first Alumni Secretary was hired with funding through the Alumni Association. W. Ernest Melton, class of 1926 served as Director of Publicity and Alumni Secretary for 6 years. He was succeeded by D. Grier Martin.
The first issue of the Alumni Journal appeared in 1934. Martin left the position in 1936 but was to return in 1958 as college president. In 1938, the College assumed full responsibility for the salary and oversight of the position.
By the 1960s the office had expanded to include an Assistant Director. The position for the year 1960-1961 was held by another future college president, John Kuykendall.
Today, alumni activities are coordinated by the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement.