Davidson Inducted into Bellevue Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame

The Bellevue Knights of Columbus 6192 held their annual Big Red Night on Friday. A record crowd was on hand at the Knights Event Center for food, fun, and Husker football talk with guest Sean Callahan. The Knights also inducted Bellevue resident Phil Davidson into their Hall of Fame.

Larry Reed is the financial secretary for the Bellevue Knights of Columbus 6192 and serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Big Red Night. Reed said a few years ago, the knights were looking to do something to add to their event. He and his fellow knights noticed that many neighboring KoC groups have a Hall of Fame, but noted that almost all of them recognized athletes, and the Bellevue Knights 6192 wanted to do something a little different. Reed said instead of recognizing athletes, the Bellevue Knights Hall of Fame chose to recognize individuals who have contributed to the Bellevue community, making it a great place to live and work.

We asked several people who know Davidson in different capacities to share their thoughts on what he does for the community.

As City Administrator, Jim Ristow sees Phil most every workday, and the two work closely together. Ristow talked about how Davidson goes above and beyond the job description. “Phil is a consummate promoter of Bellevue, bringing awareness to multiple community events, whether it be the Farmers Market, fundraisers at the food pantry, or school activities,” said Ristow. “In addition to that, Phil serves on both the BPS School Board and the NRD Board. He’s a constant voice for Bellevue and its needs. He’s truly a dedicated and passionate individual for Bellevue.”

Lisa Rybar, works with Davidson at City Hall and also served with him on the Bellevue School Board and Bellevue Community Foundation. “Phil is very humble and prefers to be behind the scenes. He always tells me his parents taught him from a young age to give back to his community. And that is what he certainly does,” Rybar shared. “Not only does he serve on the school board, but he is also on the NRD board and is the president of the Bellevue Community Foundation. He is a humble giver who never wants any kind of recognition. The Knights of Columbus couldn’t have picked a better recipient!”

Robin Bishop’s children attended the same elementary school as Davidsons, and the two served side by side as co-presidents of the school PTA for years. They also have served together on the Bellevue Community Foundation. Bishop shared, “Phil is very deserving of this recognition. He always makes time to help others. He is a very kind, selfless person, and a good friend to so many.”

Bill Richards is a close friend of Davidson, having met their sophomore year at Bellevue West. “There is no one more dedicated to Bellevue than Phil,” said Richards. “He has served as a volunteer coach, a member of the school board, and on the Bellevue Community Foundation. He is a familiar face at countless community events and is always working to make Bellevue the best it can be. Phil gives his heart to everything he does, and our community is better because of his dedication.”

Mary Hansen is the Director of Food Service for Bellevue Public Schools and a founding member of the Bellevue Community Foundation. She has worked with Davidson on both the Foundation Board and the school board. “Phil is a community leader. He always helps whoever, whenever. The Bellevue Community Foundation is successful because of Phil,” Hansen said. “He is a team player. He is the first to show up to work and the last to leave at all of our events. Phil is a friend to all. Everyone loves Phil.”

Below is an excerpt of what was shared with the crowd about Davidson, shortly before he was recognized.

Phil Davidson is the Communications Director for the City of Bellevue. Davidson graduated from Bellevue West High School and Bellevue University. He has worked for the City of Bellevue for over 30 years, and during most of that time, he has been tasked with getting information out to the public regarding events, activities, and projects happening within our community. His parents always stressed the importance of being involved in the community, and right out of college, he served as a volunteer coach at BJSA and Bellevue Public Schools for many years.

Phil has a passion for Bellevue. Over the past decade or so, Phil has served a variety of roles representing the citizens of Bellevue. He is a longtime member of the Bellevue Public Schools Board of Education and has also been elected to serve as the Bellevue representative on the Papio-Missouri River NRD Board of Directors for the last six years.

Phil is the president of the Bellevue Community Foundation, and he is very proud of the work the Foundation has done to support local groups and organizations throughout Bellevue, bringing events such as Bellevue Rocks! and Olde Towne Trick or Treat to the community.

Davidson also serves as a volunteer for several other groups and organizations. You will often see Davidson providing updates and pictures of the many events and activities happening throughout our community.

Davidson has been married to his wife, Trisha, for almost 30 years. They have raised their two sons, Drew and Kyle, in Bellevue. The Davidsons are also expecting their first grandchild any day now.

Davidson joins four other individuals previously inducted, including Frank Kumor, Dr. Paul Hartnett, Garrett Sims, and Larry Gold.