WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Danny Worthy, a 1976 graduate of North Carolina Central University and former athletics administrator at the university who passed away on Oct. 18, 2011, was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference during the league’s basketball tournament on Thursday (March 8) at the Lawrence Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Worthy’s wife, Gloria, accepted the award on his behalf. She was greeted by rousing applause and a standing ovation in tribute to her late husband.
Worthy served as NCCU’s assistant athletics director for marketing and sponsorships from 2006 until 2011. Worthy arrived at NCCU in August 1972 as a young aspiring Eagle from Gastonia, N.C., to study physical education. He played on the basketball team, was a member of the band, and a member of Alpha Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Worthy was a leader on and off the court, serving as a charter member of the Zeta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. After graduation, he worked in marketing and advertising with Verizon for 27 years. In 2006 he returned to NCCU and joined the athletics staff, committing his talent and expertise to increase support for the institution’s athletic programs.
Worthy, who attended NCCU from 1972 to 1976 and was featured in “Who’s Who Among College Athletics,” played a significant role in the recruiting process, recruiting athletes from Texas to play basketball at NCCU. He was an influential mentor to youth and love encouraging students, especially student-athletes.
Director of Athletics Ingrid Wicker-McCree said Worthy was the epitome of a team player. All who worked with him admired his willingness to always be helpful, encouraging and supportive. He was a humble leader and served as a team player in every area of his life, she said.
While living in Arlington, Texas, Worthy was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Youth Athletic Directory and a member of the Male Chorus. After moving to Durham, he joined Union Baptist Church where he remained a Deacon.
