Buies Creek, N.C.-Retired banker Melba L. Williams, of Shallotte, N.C., is the recipient of Campbell University’s 2009 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Williams received the honor at the university’s 123rd spring commencement ceremonies on May 9, in the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.
A prominent late 19th century New York attorney, Algernon Sydney Sullivan was known for being a devout Christian, effective mediator, compelling orator and noted philanthropist. The award, made possible by the Sullivan Foundation, honors those individuals whose strength of character and civic contributions reflect the life of Algernon Sydney Sullivan.
A Campbell alumna, Williams was a member of the university’s second trust management class. She completed her undergraduate education at Campbell in 1971 and spent the next 16 years at Waccamaw Bank and Trust Company in Whiteville, N.C., working her way to the position of trust officer. Williams retired from banking as a vice president and trust officer of Central Carolina Bank.
Williams is an enthusiastic friend and benefactor of Campbell University, serving on the Alumni Board of Directors and the Presidential Board of Advisors. She and her late husband Henry E. Williams also established a scholarship to benefit business administration majors in 1996. In 2005, Williams received the Alumni Service Award, presented to those individuals who have made significant contributions to Campbell and their community.
She is an active member of Shallotte Presbyterian Church and has served on the Worship and Service Committee.
Over 600 undergraduate students and graduate students from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business and the School of Education received their degrees on Saturday. Separate hooding and graduation ceremonies for Campbell’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School were held on Friday, May 8, conferring an additional 228 graduate and professional degrees.
Photo Copy: President Jerry M. Wallace presents Campbell’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan award to Melba Williams at the commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)