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Alumnus Receives NC State’s Most Prestigious Award

“There is no doubt that my life would have been quite different without my social fraternity, my well-rounded education, and my ROTC commission and subsequent service in the US Army,” says C. Richard Vaughn (NC State), a recipient of one of North Carolina State University’s most prestigious honors, the Watauga Medal.

“This is certainly the top honor I have ever received,” remarks Vaughn. “As a matter of fact, I cannot imagine anyone receiving an award more meaningful than one from your alma mater, which I appreciate and love so much. I trust I am deserving and that I will be able to spend the balance of my years remaining active with support of North Carolina State University,” he says.

C. Richard Vaughn (L) with NC State Chancellor James Oblinger
Photo Credit: Roger Winstead, NC State University

Established in 1975 by the NC State University Board of Trustees, the Watauga Medal honors those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the university. Chancellor James Oblinger presented the highest nonacademic honor bestowed by NC State on March 9, 2009 at the university’s Founders’ Day Dinner. Vaughn was one of three honored with the award for his distinguished service and support of the university.

Vaughn served on the university's Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1989 and again from 1999 to 2007, chairing the audit, finance and planning committees, and the NC State Investment Fund Members Board. He also served as an ex-officio member of the NC State University Foundation and is a current member of the Park Scholars Selection Committee and president of the NC State Student Aid Association.

“Richard has made major gifts to NC State, both financially and with his time and talents. Most people (especially students) never see the work done by the Board of Trustees. His contributions were instrumental in the success the Board enjoyed during [his service],” says Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tom Stafford.

Vaughn’s generous financial support extends across the university. A faithful member of the Alumni Association for the past 25 years, he pledged $5 million in 2004 to the Wolfpack Club for scholarships and renovations to the football stadium. As a result of his lead gift, the Wolfpack Towers were renamed in his honor, the C. Richard Vaughn Towers. He has provided significant support to NC State academic funds and established the C. Richard Vaughn Scholarship Endowment to provide undergraduate scholarships for students in the College of Engineering. “Richard’s contributions have been extraordinary and clearly deserving of the Watauga Medal,” remarks Stafford.

“The university is a great institution of learning,” commends Vaughn. “It’s a wonderful place to take advantage of programs offered outside of the curriculum.” One of those meaningful opportunities for Vaughn was his membership in Sigma Nu. He says it’s the camaraderie that he treasures most today.

“Sigma Nu was a very important part of my becoming what I hope is a well-rounded individual. There was the social aspect, the camaraderie, as well as a certain amount of academic assistance available from upper classmen who could tutor you if you needed it. But most important to me today is the camaraderie. Those same people still remain some of my closer friends, so much so that once a year 50-75 fraternity brothers come back together, several of whom were my classmates. We established relationships that will go with us for the rest of our lives,” says Vaughn.

The university is not the only beneficiary of Vaughn’s generosity at NC State. His giving has also extended to the Beta Tau Chapter with a recent contribution to the $4 million housing campaign, which will support the construction of a new chapter house. As a result of Vaughn’s gift, the chapter’s library will be named in his honor.

When asked about his most special memory from his undergraduate years in Sigma Nu, Vaughn recalled a bet with a fraternity brother. “We bet a case of beer on who could date the most girls in one month. He said to me, ‘I’m going to introduce you to one who will make me the winner.’ He introduced me to my wife, and I never did date anyone else. We’ve been married since November 1961.”

Vaughn has served as CEO of the John S. Clark Company, LLC, a general building contracting company, since 1970. He is also chairman of the North Carolina Granite Corporation, chairman of Riverside Building Supply, Inc., serves with the Mount Airy Board of Education, the Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of Regional History.

The men of Sigma Nu salute the honorable C. Richard Vaughn. Congratulations on an award well deserved!