University News years , UNCP kicks off celebration of its 125-year history W ith motorcycles rumbling and a giant birthday cake, the university kicked off 14 months of celebrating its 125th anniversary. The fanfare on March 14 included celebrities from the university’s past and present. Television talk show host Cecil Chandler of WPDE-TV served as emcee. To enthusiastic cheers, he introduced Mike Williams, UNCP’s newly crowned national wrestling champion. Chandler also introduced three of UNCP’s oldest living alumni: Beulah Mae Ransom Kemerer of the classes of 1939 and 1952, Cattie Mae Hunt of the class of 1941 and Tessie Hunt of the class of 1942. They had front row seats as UNCP’s cheerleaders rolled in a massive birthday cake. He also introduced Larry Barnes, who was the first African American to enroll in the university. A five-motorcycle procession, led by Chancellor Carter, roared into the Main Gym to launch the celebration. The chancellor was followed by his wife, Sarah, and honorary chairs Alphonzo McRae ‘74, Dr. Linda Oxendine, former chair of the American Indian Studies Department, and Mickey Gregory ‘88. In his Spring 2012 remarks, Chancellor Carter invited the crowd of 1,000 to join in the celebration of its university. “We’re going to be celebrating for the next 14 months until commencement 2013,” he promised. “We will take every opportunity to celebrate the founding of this great institution.” UNCP student and television personality Victoria Huggins sang Happy Birthday, and everyone ate cake. Steven Roberts Original Desserts, a bakery that recently located in Pembroke and provides decadent desserts to restaurants throughout the country, created and donated the confection of layers of chocolate and vanilla cake and ice cream. The popular local rock band Dark Water Rising, led by former American Idol contestant Charly Lowry, closed out the celebration. As if to demonstrate that a rapidly growing regional university of 6,000 students still has its roots in its home community, the band’s drummer, Shay Jones, is the grandson of the late Chancellor English Jones, namesake of the English E. Jones Health and Physical Education Center, where the kick-off was staged. There was a lot of fanfare, but it was a day to remember the university’s history, too. In discussing UNCP’s 125-year history, a variety of landmarks stood out in the minds of those in attendance. Continued on pg. 5 3 UNCP Today