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Large Crowds
Attend UNCP Homecoming Weekend Events
Homecoming weekend
(Feb. 15-16) at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke truly was
the stuff memories are made of.
Concerts by popular
singer Percy Sledge and comedian Bruce Bruce were sold out at the 1,700-seat
Givens Performing Arts Center.
UNCP swept its basketball
doubleheader against Lander University. The women won 91-65, and the
men earned a hard-fought win 65-58.
The university gained
two new scholarships, one from the Robeson County Alumni Chapter and
another to honor new Athletic Hall of Fame member Dr. William H. Dean.
Dr. Dean served the university in a variety of capacities from basketball
coach to vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
And, perhaps, most
symbolic of a university on the rise, the new water feature was dedicated.
The one-acre pond, located in the Arts Quadrangle, features an amphitheater,
bridge and fountain.
It was a hit with
returning alumni.
- "The university
has created one more focal point for making memories on this campus,"
said Dr. Dwight Pearson '77, president of the Alumni Association.
- "Students
will find creative ways to use this place for many years to come,"
said Dane Onorio '02, president of the Student Government Association.
- "The campus
looks really good, and the water feature is awesome," said Chad
Martin '98.
- "It's wonderful.
It adds a lot to campus, and I wish they had it when I was here,"
said Peggy Bullock '85.
- "Today,
you see what happens when an exciting idea is merged with great planning,"
said Dr. Diane Jones '72, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "With
enrollment up to record levels the last two years, we are all proud
of the progress we have made here. Two weeks ago when the weather
warmed up, students were reading books, sunbathing and holding hands,"
Dr. Jones said. "We have already had two requests for weddings
(at the new water feature)."
Also speaking at
the water feature dedication was Dr. Cheryl Locklear, chair of the UNCP
Board of Trustees. Honored were architects Hayes, Howell and Associates
of Southern Pines, Pleasant contractors of Fayetteville, University
Engineer Bess Tyner and interim Director of Physical Plant Larry Freeman,
who collaborated on the project.
AWARDS BANQUET
Dr. Dean was inducted
into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet along
with five-time all-American triple jumper Charles Swindell Jr. '82.
Dr. Dean was a science
and physical education professor who also served as basketball, track
and cross-country coach, athletic director, chair of the Physical Education
Department, director of Graduate Studies and vice chancellor. He was
instrumental in the starting the first graduate programs at UNCP and
launching several new athletic teams.
"I have had
a great growing experience here in Pembroke," Dr. Dean said. "I've
always felt sorry for any student who did not come here. Both my sons
and wife came here."
The William Howard
Dean Endowed Scholarship will help others benefit from UNCP. It is earmarked
for a basketball player.
Dr. Dean was introduced
by Dr. Ray Pennington, retired UNCP athletic director and baseball coach.
Charles Swindell
Jr. was twice ranked in the top 50 of the world in the triple jump,
and he holds all UNCP records. He was named 12 times to the all-Army
track and field team.
"One of the
best decisions I ever made was to come to Pembroke," Sgt. Swindell
said. "I met a lot of good people. It was like a second home to
me."
Sgt. Swindell was
introduced by his former coach and fellow Hall of Famer Dr. Ed Crain.
Also honored at
the Alumni Awards Banquet were two Pembroke area businessmen: Curt Locklear
'49 with the Distinguished Service Award, and Harvey Godwin, Jr., '91
with the Outstanding Alumnus Award.
A veteran of World
War II, Mr. Locklear owns Pembroke Hardware and other business ventures
in town.
"Thanks for
the memories," Mr. Locklear said. "I feel so fortunate just
to be here."
Mr. Locklear was
introduced by Earlene Lowry.
Harvey Godwin is
owner of Two Hawk Employment Services and is well known for his portrayal
of local hero Henry Berry Lowrie in the outdoor drama "Strike at
the Wind!" He chairs the Julian T. Piece Memorial Scholarship board.
Mr. Godwin's grandmother,
mother, wife and son are UNCP graduates.
"We grew up
here at the university as kids," Mr. Godwin said. "This university
has inspired us, from watching baseball games to providing mentors for
us."
Mr. Godwin was introduced
by his niece Erica Dellinger.
CLASS REUNIONS
During the class
reunions Saturday afternoon, a check for $3,000 was presented to the
university by Robeson County Alumni Chapter President Sandra McCormick
'95. The chapter plans to create an endowed scholarship as it raises
additional funds.
Also on hand from
the Robeson Chapter were Ida Baker '85, president, Lois Oxendine '95,
Alumni Relations Director Teresa Cummings '97, Floyd Locklear '87, vice
president, Shirley Rodgers '93, Larry Rodgers '77, Dorothy Blue '55
and Earlene Locklear '57.
Alumni traveled
from as far away as Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Detroit, Mich., to attend
reunions. There were alumni basketball and soccer games, a barbecue
luncheon and a dance following the Awards Banquet.
BASKETBALL GAMES
The women's basketball
team crushed Lander as senior, all-American Ginnell Curtis led the way
with 23 points. That total left her six points shy of 2,000 for her
career. She is in second place on UNCP's all-time scoring list.
Both teams are having
their best seasons ever in the rugged Peach Belt Conference, and with
two conference games left both are in second place.
The women are 18-7
with 11 wins in the conference, and the men evened their season at 12-12
with eight conference wins.
At halftime of the
men's game, Ronald Johnson was named Homecoming King and Quiana Robinson
Homecoming Queen. Representing Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Mr. Johnson
is a junior from Fayetteville, and representing Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority,
Ms. Robinson is a sophomore from Rochester, N.Y.
PICTURES OF HOMECOMING
UNCP
Robeson Alumni Chapter Contributes Scholarship
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