Madison Rotary honors professor

His commitment to building and strengthening positive interpersonal relationships has won Richard Davis the 19th annual Manfred E. Swarsensky Humanitarian Service Award from the Madison Rotary Club.

An internationally recognized jazz bassist, Davis has been on the UW–Madison music faculty since 1977. Over the years, he has played and recorded with musicians the caliber of Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Rickie Lee Jones, Igor Stravinsky, Al Jarreau, Grover Washington Jr., John Lennon and others.

Always interested in helping people of color realize their fullest potential, Davis in 1998 organized the Retention Action Program, aimed at enhancing the experiences of students of color on the Madison campus. Similarly, his Adjunct Human Resource Program helps bridge gaps between UW–Madison and the community to help the university better deal with diversity issues. In 1992 he began the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists, which brings budding musicians to Madison to work with some of the country’s most prominent bassists and teachers. His foundation also refurbishes basses for students who cannot otherwise afford them.

Davis received the Swarsensky Award at a luncheon Nov. 8. The award commemorates the community contributions of Rabbi Manfred E. Swarsensky, a Rotary member for 22 years. As this year’s recipient, Davis will receive a $1,000 grant, presented to an agency of his choice.