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2015 Godwin Award recognizes alumnus and volunteer Richard Bryant

NC State Poole College alumnus and longtime volunteer Richard K. Bryant, of Raleigh, has been honored with the 2015 Jerry and Elizabeth Godwin Red Torch Award.

The award is given annually by the NC State University Foundation in appreciation of individuals or families that have volunteered with leadership, dedication and distinction to advance the university and to further the foundation’s mission. In particular, it recognizes those who have been heavily involved in serving different areas and programs of NC State. Jerry and Libby Godwin—who themselves have been outstanding volunteers sharing their expertise, counsel and resources to benefit the university—established an endowment for the award program in 2007.

Bryant received the Godwin Award during a dinner Thursday evening, June 4, in the Skyline Reading Room at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library. It was presented by Chancellor Randy Woodson and Trent Ragland, vice chair of the Foundation Board of Directors.

“I’m both humbled and honored to receive this award,” Bryant said. “I’m humbled because it’s great to be associated with the names that have previously received the award. It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers for something that you love to do. Serving NC State is a privilege and it has been a tremendous learning experience for me.

“What’s going on here is phenomenal. This university is bound for greatness—it’s definitely NC State’s time to shine,” he said.

Bryant graduated from NC State in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and is the co-founder, president and CEO of Capital Investment Companies, one of the largest independent financial services firms in the southeastern United States.

He has volunteered for and supported many programs at the university over the past 20 years, including service on the Board of Visitors from 2002 through 2011 and on the NC State University Foundation Board from 1995 through 1999.

At the Poole College of Management, Bryant currently is serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board and has been an invaluable speaker and mentor for undergraduates, especially focused on topics including entrepreneurship and creation of business plans.

In addition Bryant has served on the boards of the NC State Investment Fund and NC State Endowment, and as co-chair of the Achieve! Campaign Steering Committee for ARTS NC State and co-chair of the Frank Thompson Hall Renovation Project. He also currently serves on the NC Textile Foundation Investment Committee.