Gadfly Davis gives money to UNC for business journalism scholarships

Evelyn Y. Davis, the nationally recognized advocate for shareholder rights, and the Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation have contributed $100,000 to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication to endow four annual scholarships for senior undergraduate students interested in careers in business journalism or political journalism.

“Mrs. Davis’ very gracious commitment sends a powerful message about the critical importance of thorough and accurate reporting of business and political news,” said UNC President Erskine Bowles, who accepted the gift on Carolina’s behalf. “It will also help provide the financial resources needed to build on UNC-Chapel Hill’s international reputation for journalistic excellence.”

Davis publishes the corporate newsletter “Highlights and Lowlights” and has made a career of defending the interests of shareholders. She travels to many annual meetings each year, always commanding attention through her probing and challenging questions. Davis has been attending some White House press conferences since 1978. Her publication offers political analysis and timely business coverage in corporate governance matters for chief executives.

Davis, a resident of Washington, D.C., studied business administration at George Washington University. She has given similar business journalism scholarships to the University of Pennsylvania and University of Miami.

The UNC-CH School of Journalism operates the Carolina Business News Initiative, which offers a certificate in business journalism to undergraduate students. Its graduates are now working at media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bond Buyer and Bloomberg News.