Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Ben Bundy played football at Lenoir-Rhyne from 1966-1971, playing the role of fullback, middle linebacker, blocking back, punter, and holder. He wore four different jersey numbers - #32, #11, #15, #16 - reflecting his adaptability and evolving responsibility within the program. He was a team captain in 1970, the winner of the Carolina Conference Kirkland Blocking Trophy (1970), and a recipient of Coach Hanley Painter's prestigious Lee Kirby Award (1970). 

Bundy has been a dedicated supporter of Lenoir-Rhyne athletics his whole life. He joined the Bears Club in 2006 and served the organization in various leadership roles, including Executive Council member of the Bears Club, Co-Chair of their first fundraising raffle, Chair of the Membership Committee, Bears Club President (2015-17), Vice President of the Executive Council (2021), and is currently the Chariman of the Nominations Committee. His decades of volunteer leadership have strenghened alumni engagement and financial support for Lenoir-Rhyne athletics, directly benefiting generations of student-athletes. 

Following graduation, Bundy began a successful career with Lowe's Companies, Inc. At 26 he became one of the youngest store managers in company history and in 1980, while managing a Charlotte, North Carolina Store, he oversaw an experimental initiative that launched Lowe's first Garden Center. After retiring from Lowe's in 1989, Bundy co-founded The Building Center North Mecklenburg, Inc., helping grow The Building Center, Inc. into the largest family-owned building material supplier in North Carolina before retiring again in 2003. He later partnered with former Lenoir-Rhyne teammates Chris Ripple and Roger Maxey to form Bear Builders LLC, constructing custom homes in West Jefferson, North Carolina. In 2007, one of their homes received the North Carolina Home Builders Association's "Best in Class" award for homes valued between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Bundy also served as President of the Statesville Home Builders Association (2007-2008), leading the organization to its largest membership and coordinating the construction of a donated home for a military veteran using fully donated materials. Ben is married to Jane Stack Bundy whom he met at Lenoir-Rhyne. They have three children and nine grandchildren.