SALISBURY, N.C. – On February 5, 2026, Livingstone College came together to celebrate its 147th Founder’s Day under the theme “The Morning of an Audacious Idea.” The day was especially meaningful for the campus community as it marked the return of President Dr. Anthony J. Davis after a successful kidney transplant. From the moment the Convocation began, there was a sense of gratitude, reflection, and hope, carried throughout the program by powerful selections from the Prayer Meeting Alumni Choir, Gospel Choir, and Concert Choir.

The Convocation address was delivered by Bishop W. Darin Moore, Vice President of the Board of Trustees and a Livingstone College alumnus, who was also honored with the President’s Award. During the ceremony, the College presented two honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters. Heather Patrek, the 35-year-old living kidney donor to President Davis, was recognized for her compassion and selfless act of humanity, while Fred Standback, named “Man of the Century” by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, was honored for a lifetime of generosity and service to his community. This was the first honorary degree that Stanback has received.  

In addition, the College recognized Bank of America with a President’s Award, marking the first time President Dr. Anthony J. Davis presented Presidential Awards during his tenure. A representative of Bank of America shared that the College had secured $7 million in tax credits, a historic investment that will support the newly renovated Harris and Dancy residence halls, further strengthening the student experience on campus. 

Following the Convocation, guests gathered in New Trent Gymnasium for a reception that extended the spirit of the day. Attendees heard more about the shared transplant journey of Dr. Davis and Heather Patrek, reflecting on the life-changing impact of organ donation, faith, and the power of community coming together in extraordinary ways. 

During the reception, guests enjoyed performances by singers Darnell Alexander and Virginia Rush before participating in a discussion between Dr. Davis and Heather Patrek, moderated by Charlotte’s WBTV’s Dedrick Russell. They shared their journeys to transplantation and its profound impact on their lives, families, and communities. “I was told it could take up to 7 years before I’d be eligible for a kidney transplant,” Davis shared. “But God had other plans. He sent me an angel [Heather Patrek]. She saved my life.” 

Mrs. Patrek, who saw an article (Black Enterprise) about Dr. Davis’s plea for a kidney from a friend, expressed admiration for the college’s achievements under his leadership. “I’m a numbers person, seeing all the strides that the school has made in the last three years, I wanted to make sure this guy can keep doing what he is doing.” 

Davis told attendees that, before learning about Mrs. Patrek, two other living donors had been identified by another medical institution, but he was told he wasn’t medically cleared to receive either kidney. “The system is rigged for Black and Brown people. If I hadn’t made my plea to the world during our college’s May commencement, I’m not sure I’d be sitting here on the other side of transplant.” 

Their powerful testimony of faith and community, coupled with the celebrations of 147 years of audacious leadership, impact, and resilience, made the day a joyous occasion. Livingstone College is proud to honor the commitment to global impact and successful outcomes through the uplift of our community members like Bank of America, Mrs. Patrek, and Mr. Stanback.