Fair weather lifts Homecoming spirits at UNCP

Sunny skies and warm weather ignited Homecoming spirits at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Tents, barbecues and revelers sprouted across the James B. Chavis University Center lawn Saturday, February 21, as the University celebrated Homecoming with parades, banquets, athletic events and sold-out performances at the Givens Performing Arts Center.

The Four Tops spun their Motown magic on Friday night and Bruce Bruce headlined a night of comedy on Saturday.

The Braves lost both basketball contests to highly ranked Kennesaw State University, but spirits soared nevertheless, fueled by UNCP's award-winning cheer squad and a raucous pep band.

WNCP-TV, the University's broadcasting arm, televised Homecoming games live, along with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. Senior Harlton Brown of Lumberton was crowned King and junior Andrea Myagi of Raeford was crowned Queen.

Large crowds thronged to many events, including Thursday's Homecoming Parade, which had a record 29 entries.

"Homecoming is the most special time of the year for the University," Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said at the Awards Banquet Saturday evening. "It is the time when we celebrate our alumni."

"I feel very close to the honorees this year because I know them well," Chancellor Meadors said. "The first day I arrived on this campus, I was welcomed by Drs. Waltz and Louise Maynor.

The Maynors, both UNCP graduates and from the Pembroke community, have long family histories with the University. Dr. Watz Maynor, a retired mathematics professor, received the Distinguished Service Award, and Dr. Louise Maynor, chair of the English Department at North Carolina Central University, received the Outstanding Alumni Award.

"It's a long way from St. Annah to this podium," Dr. Louise Maynor said in her acceptance speech. "You can see St. Annah from the University, but believe me, it's a long way."

Dr. Maynor is one of 12 children who grew up on a 22-acre farm in the St. Annah Community, just a stone's throw from the University. Her family was barely able to come up with $37 dollars for tuition. The University community took care of the rest.

"The legacy of this University is far reaching," she said. "And, the greatest legacy is right here within our sights."

"UNCP's slogan is: 'where learning gets personal,'" she said. "Well, learning got very personal for me in 1969."

Dr. Maynor was introduced by her daughter, Malinda Maynor, and Vernon Thompson introduced Dr.Waltz Maynor as a "philanthropist, a philosopher, a catalyst."

"My family is a microcosm of what this University has meant to the Lumbee community," Dr. Maynor said. "Pappy never learned to read or write, but he sent four of his sons to UNCP."

A 1959 graduate, Dr. Maynor has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and was involved in many community projects in Pembroke, where he raised money to build a public library. He is retired from the faculty of North Carolina Central University.

Dr. Louise Maynor also leads an active civic life, serving on church, education and community boards. She is currently the chair of the North Carolina Advisory Council in Indian Education.

Inducted into the UNCP Athletic Hall of Fame at the Awards Banquet were U.S. Army Major Alex Gaines and the Rev. Tecumseh Brayboy. Soccer Coach Mike Schaeffer introduced Maj. Gaines, who is UNCP's all-time leading goal scorer.

"I had a good core of teammates, especially my twin brother who was a great defensive player," Gaines said. "I am where I am today because of UNCP and good people like Coach Schaeffer."

A catcher with a career batting average of .295, Brayboy is the third baseball player in his family to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Tim and Ray Brayboy were in attendance.

"I have never known anybody who could outwork Tecumseh Brayboy," Ray Brayboy said. "He is a champion, a wonderful role model and a trusted mentor."

"I am the third brother to enter the Hall of Fame," Tecumseh Brayboy said. "That's a third of a baseball team."

"I thank God for this place that I left 40 years ago," the Baptist minister said. "It is a great place."

He thanked three of his coaches - Ned Sampson, Delton Ray Locklear and Howard Dean - who were also in the audience.

Master of Ceremonies for the banquet was Jeffrey Alejandro, vice president of the Alumni Association.

Class of 1954 Reunion - From left: Delton Ray Locklear, Mabel M. Cummings, Adeline L. Maynor, Les Locklear, James C. Dial, Eyrtle R. Ransom, Sue L. Locklear, Grace L. Locklear and Adrene C. Locklear.

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