The week of Oct. 22-28, Livingstone College celebrated Homecoming 2018.

This was an epic moment to add to the many successes for Willie Tabor, who graduated with honors from Livingstone in 1971. For the first time in the history of the National Alumni Association Contest, a male adorns the title of “Mr. National Alumni.” Additionally, the National Alumni Association of Livingstone College awarded Tabor the “Distinguished Service Achievement Medallion,”the highest award presented to any alumnus.

Tabor is a native of Mocksville, and attended the public schools here. He graduated valedictorian from Central Davie High.

After graduating from Livingstone, he began his 43-year career with Western Electric, Now AT&T in Greensboro.

Tabor never forgets his roots/attachment to Mocksville. During his numerous speaking engagements throughout the country, he never forgets to give credit to the “village,” his many mentors in Mocksville who helped him to mold and shape a firm foundation for life.  Tabor is appreciative for his family, St. John AME Zion Church family, high school classmates, and so many friends who continue to support him in his many endeavors.

Tabor retired from Clinton College, December 2013, where he served as vice president for institutional advancement for three years. He resides in Charlotte, and is active with the Charlotte Alumni Chapter. He joined Weeping Willow AME Zion Church, and became active in a short time.  He was appointed a class leader the beginning of the 2017-2018 conference year in October.  He is a member of the sanctuary choir, greeting ministry, and serves on the hospitality committee. Tabor adheres to the old proverb at Weeping Willow; “Jump in where you fit in.”

Tabor has achieved numerous awards in his 43-year career:

• Top Secret Clearance by Western Electric, assigned to the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Project at Kawjalein Missile Range in the South Pacific – for National Defense –  500 miles from Guam.

• Returned to AT&T in New York, and was assigned to work with a team of 34 attorneys doing discovery assignment for anti-trust litigation cases.

• Distinguished Service Award – Brooklyn, Queens, Long-Island Alumni Chapter.

• Founding President of the Mid-Regional New Jersey Alumni Chapter

• City of Salisbury – proclamation presented by Mayor Margaret Kluttz – for exemplary services to UNCF Annual Funds at Livingstone College Oct. 5, 1993.

• Joseph Charles Heritage Society – Livingstone College February 1994.

• Nominated Outstanding Alumnus by the National Alumni Council, United Negro College Fund – February 1999.

• Earned MSE.d – special degree in adult education and higher education administration from N.C. A&T State University Dec. 15, 2001.

• Livingstone College Founders Day Award – for distinguished services to church and community – presented by Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church February 2002.

• The American Legion Department of N.C. Children and Youth Services Award – presented June 14, 2002.

• J.C. Price American Legion Post 107 Honor presented for exemplary leadership and serving Salisbury with distinction March 24, 2002.

• Brother of the Year – presented by Beta Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2002.

• Spirit of the Service Award – presented by Beta Mu Lambda Chapter for Exemplary services to the chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. April 2, 2005

“Thanks again to my family, many supporters and friends in Mocksville who made such a significant impact upon my life. I firmly believe in Proverbs 5: 5-6; ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understandings. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths’.”