As a father, Fred Kirby never missed one of his four children's' swim meets. What this says about this titan of American industry is more than any singular tribute can say.  Business success comes to many, athletic success comes to special achievers, but true success as a human being comes to those who make a very special commitment to their loved ones and the world around them.

A heritage of industrial pioneers in the Kirby family tree left Fred a legacy of knowledge and understanding of the business world.  Fred's chairmanship of the Alleghany corporation has nurtured this company's growth into one of the largest holding companies in the United States.  Alleghany is the largest single stockholder in American Express, owns Chicago Title Insurance Company, the world's largest title insurance operation and other title and casualty insurers including a large stake in St. Paul Companies.

The Gold Medallion Award is not the first such recognition for Fred Kirby.  The Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All American Award for 1965 recognized Fred Kirby's athletic achievements as a regular on Lafayette's last undefeated football team.  Fred graduated from Lafayette College as president of his class in 1942, earning varsity letters in swimming, as well as football and wrestling.  He served as a World War II naval officer in amphibious operations receiving his graduate degree from Harvard Business School after the war.

Other awards include the NCAA Citation fro 1965, Pennsylvania Society Gold Medalist, St. Joseph's University Honorary Doctorate of Laws and Lafayette College Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Fred's active role in the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame as vice chairman and his service as a Director and Trustee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame continues his active participation in the sports he loves best.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of Affirmative Insurance Company, American Express, Chicago Title and Trust Company, Cyclops Industries, Inc. Insura Property and Casualty Insurance Company, The Pittston Company, Shelby Insurance Company, the F.W. Woolworth Company and various charitable organizations.

Fred Kirby is honored not only for his swimming accomplishments and his achievements in the world of business, but for his success as a mentor father to Alice, Fred, Dillard and Jefferson and four grandchildren - the children of a lifelong love affair with his wife Walker.