Forever Impact for Student Athletes

The late Ralph '40 and Vivian Monger gave generously to Davidson College through financial contributions and through volunteering. Ralph was involved in multiple Reunions for his class and served on the Board of Visitors, and the couple contributed regularly to the newly renamed Fund for Davidson and Davidson Athletic Fund.

The Mongers' legacy lives on at Davidson through the Ralph and Vivian O. Monger Athletic Scholarship. By including the college in their estate plans, a couple committed to education and philanthropy will forever impact lives of Davidson student athletes.

One current recipient of the couple's scholarship is volleyball player Tindall Sewell '14, a political science and Spanish major from Atlanta. She credits her Davidson athletic career with developing communication skills and the ability to work successfully in a team and build relationships, all attributes that will follow her beyond graduation in the spring.

"The volleyball team's theme for this year is 'Arete,'" says Sewell, "a Greek phrase meaning 'giving and doing your greatest potential in everything,' which really encapsulates my four years at Davidson."

Additionally, Sewell values the relationships that students and faculty forge, forming a supportive community unique to Davidson.

Sharing the same sentiment is Becca Garman '14, a senior lacrosse player, anthropology major and a two-year recipient of the Ralph and Vivian O. Monger Athletic Scholarship. The Baltimore native likes that Davidson puts the "student" aspect of being a student athlete first, and that athletes aren't cut off from the rest of the student population.

After considering colleges of all sizes in a variety of regions, Garman committed to play lacrosse at Davidson upon visiting campus without even meeting the team first; a "big leap" that the senior is pleased she took. Since then, the women's lacrosse program has grown immensely, even going undefeated in the Big South conference last season.

Garman, who intends to pursue an advanced degree in public health, believes that she owes improved discipline and time management to her time on the lacrosse team. An excellent work ethic is necessary to balance her packed schedule of practices, conditioning workouts and games, not to mention her responsibilities as a student.

Both athletes believe that their experiences in their respective sports played a primary role in shaping their time at Davidson, creating memories and skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

"I'll do everything I can to give back," assures Garman. "It's like a chain; I want to help a Davidson student in the future, just like Mr. and Mrs. Monger were able to do."

Sewell agrees with her close friend and fellow athlete. "Giving to Davidson cements the legacy you want to leave behind. The fact that donors still value the students at Davidson and still want to maintain a connection to the school speaks volumes."