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Dial
Family Makes A Historic Gift to UNCP
 The
Danford Dial family history runs deep at The University of North Carolina
at Pembroke.
The senior Dial
graduated from Pembroke State College for Indians in 1947, and his wife,
Reece, graduated in 1941.
The family recently
honored the memory of their parents by establishing an endowed scholarship
in their honor. They also contributed to the Chancellor's Library five
framed family diplomas that reflect the many name changes of the university.
"We are still searching
for the family diploma that dates back to the very first Indian Normal
School," said Maureen Dial, daughter of Dan and Reece. "This university
is very important to our family."
Barbara Meadors,
wife of Chancellor Allen C. Meadors, accepted the historic artifacts
on behalf of the library, which is located in the Chancellor's Residence.
"This is a very
special moment," Mrs. Meadors said. My husband and I are the curators
of this library, which belongs to the larger university community."
Miss Dial, a 1965
graduate, and her brothers, Harold Glynn, Danford Jr., a 1969 graduate,
and Maurice Dial made the presentation during an afternoon reception
on May 11, 2001 at the Chancellor's Residence. Also present were nieces:
Amber Dial, a 1997 graduate and Ja Dell Dial, who graduated the next
day with the Class of 2001.
"This university
has made this community what it is today, Miss Dial said. "Our grandparents
were on the Board of Trustees in the very beginning, and their message
to our family was to 'get an education.'"
The family did just
that, and today they are able to give back to the university in the
form of a scholarship.
"This is an unrestricted
scholarship that we would like to encourage that the university to use
for an international student," Miss Dial said. "But the primary purpose
of establishing a scholarship is to honor our parents and to continue
their legacy.
"Danford and Reece
Dial were public school teachers in Robeson County who encouraged all
children to get an education," she said.
Mrs. Meadors said
the gift is a perfect fit for the new mission of the Chancellor's Library.
The diplomas are permanently displayed in the library.
"This is truly a
great family in the history of this university and this community,"
Mrs. Meadors said. "Our mission with the Chancellor's Library is to
preserve and protect the heritage of the university. This is a wonderful
contribution for which we are extremely grateful."
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