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Pfeiffer University will present its Distinguished Alumni Award to Charlotte Observer Editor Rick Thames on Saturday during homecoming events on the Misenheimer campus.
The school also is presenting the Outstanding Alumni Award to Jack Ingram of Richfield, class of 1974, who worked on campus for many years in a variety of positions - including women's basketball coach, head softball coach and athletic director.
Thames, class of 1975, has headed the newsroom of the Carolinas' largest newspaper since 2004, when he took over as the Observer's ninth editor. He'd worked an earlier stint at the newspaper in a variety of editing positions before he became editor of The Wichita Eagle in Kansas in 1997.
Throughout his career, Thames, a current Pfeiffer trustee, has built a reputation as a champion for breaking news and watchdog and civic journalism.
"I am deeply honored to be chosen for this award, but really this says as much about Pfeiffer as it says about me," Thames said. "As a kid coming from a small town in North Carolina, I had a lot to learn about the world. Pfeiffer opened up that world and prepared me to do things I never could have imagined pursuing."
His professors urged Thames to pursue a career in journalism.
"Without that encouragement, I don't know that I would have ended up in this career that has brought me such joy and fulfillment for more than 30 years," he said.
Pfeiffer presents the award to graduates who have shown exceptional achievements in their profession; provided leadership through public, community or church-related service and shown a commitment to Pfeiffer.
Paul Clark, director of Pfeiffer's alumni relations, said Thames' selection was unanimous. David Perlmutt
