We recently caught up with our very own William Pender ’58 and had the chance to ask him about his DKE UNC experience, and where life since UNC has taken him. Here’s what he had to say:
I have been blessed by a 54-year marriage, 4 children and 9 grandchildren who have remained healthy despite the pandemic and appear to be grounded while pursuing their livelihood in ways that give me great joy and expectations. Following my graduation from law school in 1961 and admission to the NC Bar I proudly and gratefully served in the Navy, attained the rank of lieutenant and was later admitted to practice before the US Court of Military Appeals. After military service I returned to Charlotte and engaged in a general practice trying to be everything to all people. Before becoming an inactive member of the NC Bar, at the age of 81, I pursued for a short while mediation in Mecklenburg and Avery County where I live nearly 6 months of the year at “Dogpatch” my wilderness home on Big Yellow Mountain approximately 18 miles from Linville. I currently enjoy book clubs, formerly a guest speaker respecting American history at Rotary clubs, high schools and once at Davidson College. I love landscaping at my mountain home where I also love receiving family and friends along with their dogs and children. I also masquerade as an artist and have a website, paintingsbypender.com. I continue to think of so many of my DKE brothers that are still with us as well as those who have left us. As we age memories are constant companions. I will never forget that evening during my freshman year when I was told that I had “passed the house” and accepted the pledge pin. I had also been accepted by the SAEs. Considering it to be the gentlemanly and manly thing to do, I walked next door to the SAE house and, in the midst of their ongoing rush activities, I thanked them for their consideration and friendship for which I am still grateful. I am still and always will be a Deke and so fortunate to have been associated with men who excelled scholastically, athletically and socially- as well as those who did not. We were a diverse fun group and I reaped great benefits.
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| William Pender |
