NEWS

This screen shot from the closing of the event features all the panelists who participated in the virtual ceremony. (L-R, starting at the top: Jacqueline Bussie, Jim Martin, John Griffith, Sheri Reynolds, Karl Plank, Jane Avinger, and Jane Ratteree.)

January 27 was Tony Abbott’s birthday, so it was a fitting time to celebrate his life with a community event, co-hosted by Davidson College, DavidsonLearns, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, The Davidson Community Players, and Learning in Retirement at The Pines. As Tony played a significant role in each of these entities, they wanted to collectively remember his extraordinary life.

John Griffith coordinated the event with input from Tony’s family.  A variety of speakers shared their personal experiences with Tony and spoke of his influence on their lives.  Davidson College alumna and author, professor, and theologian Jacqueline Bussie moderated the event. Other speakers included:  Davidson College alumna and author Sheri Reynolds; Davidson College alumna and Charlotte attorney Jane Ratteree; Davidson College Religion Professor Karl Plank; long-time friend and community leader Jane Avinger; and Jim Martin, long-time friend, former Davidson College Professor, and former North Carolina Governor.

Each participant focused on a different facet of Tony’s life, adding to the common theme of the attention and encouragement Tony gave them, whether as a faculty member, colleague, or friend. He will long be remembered, and it was a special time to celebrate him.

As the event ended, viewers were offered the opportunity to make a donation in memory of Tony Abbott to one or more of the organizations he served in life.

To see a recording of the event, click here.