“Hampden-Sydney had it all,” Nunley shared. “A beautiful campus, wonderful friendships, a small student body, a liberal arts curriculum and the Honor Code. It was an atmosphere which fostered independence and personal development.”
Having attended Woodberry Forest since age 13, Nunley was familiar and comfortable with the dynamics of an all-male environment, so Hampden-Sydney was an obvious choice. “My father graduated from Hampden-Sydney in 1944. He was a family physician, and my mother was an EKG technician.”
Planning to follow in his father’s footsteps, Nunley majored in Latin and minored in interscience. In his four years, Nunley took full advantage of his time at Hampden-Sydney. He played on the golf team; served on the Honor Council; was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity; and wrote for The Hampden-Sydney Tiger, serving as editor his senior year.
“Col. Gus Franke, my golf coach, was a wonderful person; an absolute delight,” Nunley recalled. “And Latin Professor Graves Thompson was a favorite.”
After graduating from Hampden-Sydney, Nunley set out to become a physician. “I’m known as a QUAD-HOO because I went to the University of Virginia medical school, did my residency and fellowship there, and was on the faculty on two different occasions.”
Over the years, Nunley and his wife, Donna, have supported Hampden-Sydney in different ways. They made gifts to the Annual Fund and to athletics, specifically the golf program.
One very personal area of support allows them to honor Nunley’s parents with their giving. They are proud to contribute to the Wallace C. Nunley Scholarship, established by his parents and named for Nunley’s father.
“My father came from a disadvantaged background,” Nunley explained. “He worked to attend Hampden-Sydney and then went on to be financially successful. He was a self-made man who believed in providing educational opportunities for others. We feel privileged to be able to support the scholarship—it’s a way to honor my parents and give back to Hampden-Sydney. Maybe those who receive the scholarship will follow in our footsteps in the future and make giving to Hampden-Sydney a priority.”
“Hampden-Sydney is where I developed as a person and a professional,” Nunley continued. “I hope the College will continue to attract young men from all areas of the country and differing backgrounds. President Stimpert has done a great job in his efforts to recruit a variety of students.”
Now retired, Nunley’s motto is practical: “Keep moving.” His purpose in life is a little more heartfelt: “As a husband, father, grandfather and individual, I strive to make the lives of others better.” With his philanthropy to Hampden-Sydney and elsewhere, he’s doing just that.
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