Davidson College

And now, for a little history. This cherished tradition started in 1930 when an enterprising track coach wanted to see how much new talent he could recruit by using cake to lure first-year students to compete in a race. They didn’t have much choice; the college made it mandatory for the students, then all male, to run the race. Today, it’s optional, but still very popular. Then, faculty members’ wives made the cakes.

Professors from two dozen higher education institutions gathered at Davidson College last week to help their home campuses do something that’s become less common across the country: talk about topics that usually end conversations.

Davidson College’s Class of 2030 and transfer students continued the whirlwind days of orientation, getting acclimated to campus and learning about the many opportunities awaiting them inside and outside the classroom. /

From the president to coaches, athletes, staffers and upper-class students, the Davidson College community welcomed newcomers Wednesday by transporting their many boxes, bags, crates and comforters from curbsides to residence hall rooms.

L-R: Julia Failey ’02, Matt Arbuckle ’02, Shaw Hipsher ’03, Anna Bracco ’02 and Shelton Steele ’01 after a paddling trip Jon Adler and group of friends after a tough but rewarding day of paddling on West Virginia’s Gauley River. Steele and Adler on Max Patch mountain, NC, photo by Julia Failey ’02. Wrong Way consists of 16 A-frame cottages and a communal River Lodge along the French Broad River Greenway.

Hicks argues that as artificial intelligence reshapes the job market, the skills employers value most—asking good questions, connecting ideas across disciplines and collaborating across differences—are exactly what a liberal arts education cultivates.

Packing for college can be overwhelming, students often struggle with over- or under-packing; and it can be difficult to know what to prioritize bringing to campus. We’ve compiled a list of various items, ranging from often-forgotten-basics to interesting bits and bobbles, that can add some comfort to your time at Davidson. While these items may not be necessary for everyone, they’ve elevated our experiences on campus!

Our scholar-athletes excel in competition while tackling rigorous academic projects that make a tangible difference in the community. This summer, women’s soccer player Jillian Fox ’27 embodies that dual commitment. Between early morning workouts and pre-season conditioning, Jillian has been working as a Rural North Carolina Philanthropy Fellow. She has conducted field research, collaborated with statewide leaders and applied data-driven strategies to support rural nonprofits.

Assistant Prof. of Environmental Studies Risper Nyairo

Davidson College has named five educators to head new programs aimed at turning out engaged, ethical leaders and citizens who will tackle society’s biggest problems and work to bridge the divisions that dominate public life today. They fall under the purview of the college’s D.G. and Harriett Wall Martin Institute for Public Good, which serves as an umbrella for five endowed program areas, each designed to tackle a different facet of public life.