Newspapers / Chowan University Student Newspaper / Dec. 1, 1989, edition 1 / Page 9
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9{eius of Alumni 9{a]p'penings Gives credit to alma mater Goal achieved in Thailand “/felt that I belonged at Chowan. I was very active on campus. -Freda Britt Williams m MEMORIAM Class of 1920 Mrs. Louise H. Bell Class of 1922 Mrs. Beatrice U. Farthing Mrs. Josephine Futrell Weaver Class of 1926 Mrs. Meryl Lowery Mr. H. D. Lowery Class of 1928 Mrs. Susan Bridgers Class of 1929 Mrs. Virginia Martin Mullaney Mrs. Mary Moss Powell Class of 1932 Mrs. Maggie Boone Bridgers Class of 1957 Mr. Harold Dwight Hall Class of 1958 Mr. Charlie Thomas Whitley Class of 1964 Mr. Lloyd Fenton Maddrey, Jr. Class of 1978 Mr. David L. Lane Class of 1979 Mr. Kenny M. Johnson For Chowan College alumna and Murfreesboro native, Freda Williams, the blockbuster movie, “Good Morning Vietnam,” holds a special—and per sonal—meaning. Freda, while serving as a teacher at the International School in Bangkok, Thailand, met the star of the movie, Robin Williams. (“Good Morning Vietnam” was filmed in Thailand as are a number of movies annually.) They became good friends, sharing meals, touring Bangkok, and swapping stories. Robin Williams called Freda “Cuz” based on their similar last names. She also met Gregory Hines and in troduced him to her students. Meeting movie stars is just one of the bonuses of her role as chairman of the English Department at the International School. Freda and her husband, Roger, have returned to Thailand where Freda has resumed her teaching duties after a month’s vacation in the United States. They visited Freda’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter B. Britt, 507 South 4th Street, Murfreesboro. Teaching Experience Over the last 20 years, Freda has spent 10 years on and off teaching at the school, which has an enrollment of almost 2,000 students from kindergarten through high school. Prior to her vacation, she had taught at the school for five years beginning in 1984. She and her husband originally went to the country in 1969 as he pursued a career in govern ment service. Teaching at the International School has given Freda a chance to pursue her dream.of writing. She recently realized her goal when she was selected to write a book on the Maldives, a group of Indian Ocean islands. She received the opportunity after submitting a story to a Thailand monthly magazine. She was surprised when the publisher, a former student of hers at the International School, called and asked if she would be interested in traveling to the Maldives to write a book on the country. Freda called answering, “When do I leave?” She spent two weeks in the Maldives where she was treated royally by the people, especially since she was an official guest of the president. Beautiful Scenery Freda explained that the Maldives are a “tropical paradise. They are unspoiled by tourists or development. The airport is on one island and you travel by boat to the other islands. This preserves the peace, beauty and privacy of the islands.” She added she has never seen prettier water anywhere. The book is used to promote the development and tourism of the Maldives. Freda also writes articles on homes, fashions, features, etc., for Thailand magazines. She said authoring the book impressed her students. “I gained a lot of respect from my students,” explained the friendly, viviacious alumna. “It’s one thing to tell them to do something and another to do it yourself.” She teaches creative writing, writing workshop and journalism. Students representing 36 nationalities attend the school. They are children of diplomats and business people. Her son, Dan, is a sophomore at the school. (Her daughter, Tracey, is a junior at Guilford College.) Economic Development “Thailand is enjoying a boom,” she noted. “Businesses from America, Japan, West Germany, and many other countries are flocking to the country.” She said with the upcoming transfer of control of Hong Kong from England to China, its importance will increase even more. Freda said she loves Thailand. “It’s a beautiful country. It reminds me of Florida,” she commented. While teaching at the International School, Freda Williams is continuing to look for ways to help her alma mater, Chowan College. When Jon Williamson, assistant director of admissions, visited Thailand in the spring on his Asian tour, he found a friendly greeting and able guide in Freda. They ate dinner together, and then toured Bangkok. Helps Recruit Students During college day at the school, Freda noted that Williamson had few students visiting his table at the back of the room. To remedy the situation, she personally rounded up her 30 students and led them to Williamson where he explained the benefits of attending Chowan and handed out materials on the college. Although her role as wife and mother and her professional career have taken her thousands of miles from her alma mater, she has never forgotten her professors and administrators—many who continue at the college—and their contribution to her success. She said she appreciates the personal attention she received at Chowan. “I felt that I belonged at Chowan. I worked at the switchboard and was very active on campus.” She served as a class officer, member of the YWA’s and BSU and was named to “Who’s Who”. Her love for Chowan is heightened by the fact she met Roger at the college, where he was also a student. Transferred to Campbell After graduating from Chowan in 1963, she transferred to Campbell University where she received the B.S. (Later, she received her master’s degree from Michigan State University.) Her first teaching assignment was at Bertie Senior High School in Windsor. On her recent vacation at home, one of the first persons she contacted was her former Chowan English professor, Mrs. Jeanne Parker of Murfreesboro. Freda complimented Jeanne for giving her a strong foundation in English, and, just as importantly, “encouragement.” “During my visits home and contacts with Jeanne through phone calls and letters, I would draw strength from her. She believed in me and this helped me to believe in myself.” On her part, Jeanne Parker calls Freda “the perfect student, a teacher’s dream.” KEEPING IN TOUCH with our CHOWAN ALUMNI Please use this form to give the Alumni Office your change of address or to inform it of any news, or provide names of prospective students. \ Name Class Year: TITLE: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss Dr. Rev. Social Security No STATUS: Married Single Widowed Divorced Spouse’s Name: Address: Home Phone; Business Phone: _ PERSONAL NEWS (/amiVy, avocations, achievements): CAREER NEWS: 10—CHOWAN TODAY, December, 1989
Chowan University Student Newspaper
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Dec. 1, 1989, edition 1
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