Generous gift helps honors students
By Hannah SimpsonStaff Writer
The Honors College was renamed on Sept. 13 in honor of Pembroke native Esther G. Maynor, who left the university $1.2 million at her death in 2005.
 Photo By Lisa Smith Esther G. Maynor’s cousin, Mary A. Teets, stands with Honors College students at the dedication ceremony Sept. 13. Honors students, left, Brian Norton, Samantha Kinder, Erica Esslinger, Kelly Cooper, Kim Brassard, Solita Jones, Aaron Locklear and Kristina Layden. |
“It’s bitter sweet, but it’s wonderful,” said Alice Teets, cousin of the late Maynor.
Maynor graduated from the Indian Normal School, which is now UNCP, in 1938.
She lived in Mount Airy, NC, from1946 until her death.
Teets said that she had asked Maynor in 1999 if she would consider donating to the University.
“She didn’t make a commitment,” Teets recalled. “But a seed was planted.”
Teets said that she prays the students will benefit from the gift and that “they will grow strong roots.”
Chancellor Allen C. Meadors praised Maynor’s gift, which has been the largest contribution in the history of UNCP.
“In the end she wanted to do something that will go on forever. She wanted to give other people opportunities,” he said. “We will be forever grateful.”
Dr. Jesse Peters, dean of the Honors College, said that the gift will “allow us to further our efforts to effect change and benefit the community.”
The money gifted by Maynor was placed in a permanent endowment fund, titled the Esther G. Maynor Scholarship.
Peters specified that the money donated will help fund study abroad programs for current and future Honors students, as well as offer scholarship opportunities.
Peters said that the fund will have a significant effect on the lives of Honor students.
Charles Harrington, provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said that the gift bestowed by Maynor will allow student “to have life changing academic and personal experiences.
“This is a gift that will make a significant and profound difference in the lives of the students,” Harrington said.
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The print edition of The Pine Needle is published 14 times a year during the fall and spring semesters. Updated: Sunday, October 1, 2006 © The University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
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