The Bell Ringer Award recognizes exceptional service to Hamilton, its alumni and the community over the course of the recipient's lifetime. It was presented to Davies by William Yeomans '55, president of the Hamilton Alumni Association.
"Beyond your dedication to the practice of internal medicine, you concerned yourself with the health of the community at large," Yeomans said in presenting the citation. "In addition to your unremitting labors in promoting health care, you have been a stalwart volunteer on Hamilton's behalf. In ways beyond numbering you have expressed your loyalty to and affection for the College."
After his graduation from Hamilton in 1941, Davies entered Cornell Medical School. His medical studies were interrupted by his father's illness, which necessitated Fel's return home to manage the family coal business, and subsequently, World War II. Following the war he returned to medical school at Boston University, and was graduated in 1947. Following a stint in the U.S. Navy Medical Reserves, Davies returned to the Utica area to practice medicine for the next 35 years. He retired from active practice in 1989 and became medical director or BlueCARE Plus.
Davies has been an outstanding volunteer for the College as well as the local community. He has served as Class Agent for the Class of 1941 for many years, a member of the Utica Major Gifts Committee during the Campaign for the '90s, a Career Center volunteer and an active member of the Alumni Council.
Davies has also been active with the local chapters of the American Heart Association, the National Council of Alcoholism, Arthritis Foundation, Medical Society, United Way and Westminster Church. He also volunteered for 10 years as medical director of the Faxton Hospital Alcohol Detoxification Unit.
In addition to the presentation of the special award, the Reunion Weekend celebration at Hamilton included special class dinners and receptions, athletic contests, classes, meetings with the college president, a parade and the annual Alumni Service of Remembrance. Approximately 2,400 alumi and their families participated in the weekend.
