B. Frank Matthews II (Sigma–Davidson ’46) recently donated $4 million to help enable Davidson College students to find joy in productive careers. In addition to renovating part of the Student Union to creating spaces for career workshops and employer interactions, his gift will also support programming to develop students and connect them with employers.
“We hope the Betty and B. Frank Matthews II ’49 Center for Career Development will serve students’ needs as much as Davidson itself served mine,” Frank said. “Davidson was simply a school when I stepped on campus as a freshman. However, by graduation, it was my home, and now it is my pride and joy. I never knew in the beginning what this place would do for me. I grew, I learned, and I thrived. As I reflect back on my life, I think about how much I loved my career, and I hope all students who walk through the doors of the Matthews Center will find their path forward to productive careers and noble lives.”
Frank is a long-time executive of the leading retailer Belk, Inc. He retired as vice chairman and served as a Belk Foundation board member. In addition to his involvment with KA, he was a member of the Davidson track team and participated in ROTC. He has remained involved for many years, including serving as an annual fund class chair and as a member of the board of trustees, board of visitors and several class of 1949 reunion committees. Additionally, he established the Matthews Travel Grant, which is awarded annually and recognizes outstanding and unselfish service by Davidson faculty and staff.
