Sam Davis Endowment

Sam Davis

This endowment was created by the family of Sam Davis in his honor. He was quarterback and captain of the 1933 Fightin’ Gators.

Davis developed his shipbuilding business, American Ship, in Tampa, Fla., where he took an active role in promoting the welfare of the community. He chaired the University of Tampa Board of Trustees, and held membership on a wide range of boards including those of First Florida Banks, Tampa Port Authority and Children’s home of Tampa. He also served as the First Chairman of Crime Commission for Tampa.

In 1968, Davis was named Outstanding Citizen of Tampa. Other honors included the Top Management in Industry Award from Sales and Marketing Executives, National Football Foundation Hall of Fame’s Distinguished American Award, Big Brothers of Tampa Award and Florida Horseman’s “Man of the Year” Award in 1975. In addition, Davis was a co-recipient with his wife of the United Cerebral Palsy Humanitarian Award.

Sam passed away in 1993, his wife Helen passed away in 2004.