2 Success Stories

Distinguished Alumni Awards

By Paula Felps


The University of Texas at Dallas School of Management annually honors
alumni who have made a marked difference in the world, achieved a high
degree of success in their careers, been involved in their community, or
demonstrated an ongoing commitment to The School of Management. This
year's honorees fit all four categories. Working together in a personal
partnership that began during their UTD student days, they epitomize the
generous spirit of SOM alums. Their one-million-dollar, four-year pledge
to support the new School of Management building helps ensure SOM's future
quality as well as inspires future giving. The UTD School of Management's
Distinguished Alumni for 2002 are Chuck, MS 1980, and Nancy Davidson, BS
1980.

The two became a couple at UTD, where Chuck earned his Master of Science
degree in Management and Administrative Sciences in 1980, the same year
that Nancy Gundy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and
Public Administration. They married a year later, and Nancy's career
relocated as Chuck took a series of positions with subsidiaries of
Atlantic Ritchfield Co. His large-scale business vision has led him to the
role of chairman, president, and CEO of Noble Affiliates, Inc., one of the
nation's leading independent energy companies. Nancy, now a mother,
devotes her attention to volunteering, community, and family.

"At home, I do the details so Chuck can be 'the big-picture' guy," she
explains. "When my son was younger, I volunteered in his computer lab or
classroom. We believe in supporting organizations that have different
needs."

That makes their experiences, and involvement, very diverse. Nancy is
active in animal welfare volunteer work, and she and Chuck underwrite
nonprofit spay-neuter services for feral cats.

"We believe in supporting many organizations that have important needs,"
Nancy explains. "Also, we've found that the experiences we have in
supporting and being involved in these organizations enrich our lives."

That involvement begins at the civic level and embraces higher education.
Chuck says it's all part of giving back from a life that has been richly
rewarded. He is active in several industry trade organizations, serves as
vice chairman of the Domestic Petroleum Council, serves on the UTD
Advisory Board, and is involved with several Houston community
organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Society for the
Performing Arts. He has provided support for numerous United Way campaigns
as well.

"I feel very fortunate to have been able to grow to the position where I
can be the leader of a public company, to have the opportunity to build
the culture and see the employees become successful in a very challenging
industry," he notes. "But there's no question; I could not have moved to
the level I'm at without UTD. The things I learned were critical to
understanding the process and making better strategic decisions."

Knowing how they have benefited from the skills they acquired at UTD makes
the Davidsons eager to share with others. They have hosted alumni
receptions in Houston and not only support the School both financially and
verbally but also encourage others to do the same. It is something they
view as both an opportunity and a responsibility. "The School of
Management needs strong alumni support to increase state funding and
giving by individuals and corporations," Nancy points out. "Alumni support
is expected before others will open up their pocketbook."

And, Chuck adds, it helps build a brighter future - not only for UTD but
also for the business climate as a whole. "Everyone needs to reflect and
make an honest appraisal of how much of an impact the education they
received at UTD has had on the rest of their lives," he says. "We want
other students to have that same experience. The School's growth has not
gone unnoticed, and it's important that everyone who has been a part of it
continues to support it."