Davidson College was established in 1837 as a liberal arts college dedicated to cultivating humane instincts and disciplined, creative minds. It is ranked 15th among national liberal arts colleges and 9th in most innovative in the 2022 US News & World Report Best College Rankings. The selective college provides opportunities to students, from studying internationally to community philanthropy. Student enrollment is just under 2,000, meaning a more personal experience with students and faculty. Whether you're a prospective student, tourist, or local, this blog will cover everything you need to know about exploring Davidson College.
History
Davidson College is over 180 years old, so many buildings and features of the campus date back to its early days and provide an excellent school history, such as the Honor Code Signing Ceremony and the Presbyterian Heritage.
Honor Code Signing Ceremony
Davidson's Honor Code is a declaration that grants the entire college community confidence in the words and actions of others in a way that permeates every aspect of campus life. Respect for the Honor Code has been a central philosophy at Davidson as it is one of Davidson's most cherished traditions, with its beginnings dating to the college's formation in 1837. The Honor Code signing ceremony remains a distinctive moment in the first-year student experience, connecting new Wildcats to the college's honor-bound past.
Photo Credit: Christopher Record / Davidson College
Presbyterian Heritage
Davidson College maintains a voluntary affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA), as they value the dignity and worth of all people. This tradition developed through the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, and college governance, finances, and policies are independent of the denomination. Because of its Presbyterian heritage, Davidson is committed to academic excellence and unfettered intellectual inquiry, respect for every religious and philosophical tradition and worldview, civic engagement and leadership for the common good, and solidarity with people of all ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The church has traditional Sunday morning services at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. and an informal service at 9:45 a.m.
Campus Sculptures
The campus sculpture program extends the college's permanent art collection. Davidson College has 20 on-campus sculptures, and they provide a sculpture map so visitors can take a self-guided tour. Available for viewing from dawn until dusk in Richardson Plaza and throughout campus, the campus sculpture collection features outdoor works by significant, internationally acclaimed artists.
Pictured on the right is the famous Wind Sculpture (SG) I, a steel armature with hand-painted fiberglass resin cast by Yinka Shonibare. This sculpture debuted in New York in 2018 and found its permanent home at Davidson College in front of the E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Center. The Wind Sculpture was a gift from Patricia A. Rodgers in memory of her husband, B.D. Rodgers Jr. The piece stretches 23 feet upward and appears to defy gravity.
Visual Arts Center
The Belk Visual Arts Center is a 43,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and home to both Art History and Studio Art. It was named in 1998 for Katherine McKay Belk, a member of the Davidson Board of Trustees and her husband Tom Belk, Class of 1946, a member of the Board of Trustees from 1972-1984. The center houses two galleries, Van Every/Smith Galleries, for visiting and student art shows, and the Semans Lecture Hall, an AV-equipped lecture hall, seminar room, and studios for art majors and faculty.
Photo Credit: Davidson College
Van Every/Smith Galleries
The William H. Van Every Jr. and Edward M. Smith Galleries provide 1,800 square feet for rotating exhibitions. Exhibits by student, faculty, regional, national, and international artists are hosted approximately every six weeks.
Semans Lecture Hall
The lecture hall is named for Mary Semans, former chair of the trustees of the Duke Endowment. This AV-equipped hall is ideal for art history courses, featuring seating for 50.
Athletics
Athletics are a large part of the Davidson College culture with well over half admitted students participating in Division 1 athletics as the Davidson Wildcats. More than 25 percent of the students are varsity athletes, and 60 percent of the students participate in intramural and club sports. The scholar-athletes compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics in 21 varsity sports. Golden State Warriors basketball player, Stephen Curry, recently graduated from Davidson College in 2022. For more information about Davidson College Athletics visit davidsonwildcats.com!
Photo Credit: Christopher Record / Davidson College
Upcoming Events
To learn about more Davidson College events, visit Davidson.edu/events!
Scholars Recital
October 4, 2023 | 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
Prepared to be wowed by some of the most talented Davidson College music community members as they showcase their first - and fourth-year music scholarship recipients in this annual performance.
Wildcat Weekend Music Department Ensemble Showcase
October 20, 2023 | 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Enjoy the first-ever Music Department Ensemble Showcase, featuring the Appalachian Ensemble, choirs, Jazz Ensemble, and orchestra. The ensembles will kick off the first evening of Wildcat Weekend with collaborations and highlights from our season.
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra: Concerto Competition Winners
November 10, 2023 | 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
An annual audience favorite, this concert features the winners of our 2023 Concerto Competition. Winners will be announced in late September.
Opera Workshop Performance
November 16, 2023 | 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
Davidson students perform a Classical smorgasbord of operatic selections by Mozart, Puccini, and many more! This 90-minute program is a workshop in English to showcase and highlight the history, technique, and traditions students learned in their Opera Workshop class.
Christmas Vespers
December 3, 2023 | 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
The annual Vespers service of lessons and carols is a time-honored tradition in the Davidson community. The traditional candlelight worship service features beautiful choral music provided by the Chorale and Davidson Chamber Singers and scripture readings by campus leaders reflecting upon the hope and promise of Christ's birth in the Christmas season.
Jazz Combos Fall Concert
December 14, 2023 | 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
The Davidson College Jazz Combos present an evening celebrating the jazz greats.
Photo Credit: Christopher Record / Davidson College
Take some time wandering around campus and the offerings of numerous college events as well as local dining and shopping just a few steps away. Make sure to share your visit exploring Davidson College on social media @visitlakenorman!
