Dormitory
Named For
Parker
Parker Hall . . . Chowan’s Newest Dormitory
Chowan College’s newest men’s residence
hall, opened in the fall of 1970, has been
named Parker Hall in honor of a Mur
freesboro couple, Mr. and Mrs. Elwood W.
Parker.
The announcement was made by
Chowan’s president, Dr. Bruce E.
Whitaker, following the action of the Board
of Trustees.
Parker is a former trustee of Chowan and
a long-time supporter. At present, he is a
member of the Board of Advisors. Mrs.
Parker graduated from Chowan in 1929
when it was a four-year institution for
women. She was a member of the annual
staff and one of 36 in her class, the largest to
that date in the school’s history, which dates
to 1848.
Generous Supporter
In naming the building in the honor of
Parker and his wife, the Board of Trustees
noted that Parker is one of the most faithful
and generous of Chowan’s supporters. His
support has been both personal, in terms of
involvement and financial.
The occasion will be marked with the
placing of a plaque in the lobby of Parker
Hall and the name on the outside.
“Looked Hopeless”
“To some, it looked like a hopeless
cause,” Parker commented recently. “The
college had only one building, the Columns
and it was rundown to say the least. The
campus was covered with weeds and un
derbrush. You had to have a vivid
imagination to picture a functional,
operating college. I told the people that the
college was not dead and with their support
it had a bright future,” he said.
Parker received an enthusiastic
response, he commented. “Ihad their faith.
They knew I wouldn’t say something unless
it was true. They became convinced that
Chowan was going to reopen and gave their
support,” he stated.
As for the present, Parker said it is not
possible to place a value on what the college
has meant to the community, area and
state. “The progress from 1949 to the
present is beyond any dream or
imagination,” he said. “It is due in great
part to the untiring effort of one of the
greatest educators and presidents Chowan
has ever had. Dr. Whitaker. Without him I
don’t believe it would have attained the
prominence it has in such a short time.”
125th Year
Reminded that the 1972-73 academic year
would be Chowan’s 125th year of service and
23rd since its reopening, Parker com
mented: “There was a time when we didn’t
think we’d have another anniversary. But I
am very proud to say that, in my opinion,
Chowan is one of the best colleges of its kind
there is to be found.”
The nine-story dormitory provides
housing for 280 men. It cost in excess of
$1,200,000 and contains 58,000 square feet.
Each room is fully carpeted and in
dividually heated and air conditioned.
There are two elevators and the first floor
provides for a lounge, recreation area, post
office and apartment for the head resident.
Enhancing the beauty of the area is an
adjacent eight-acre lake. The lake was
envisioned by Charles Revelle Sr., a close
friend of Parker and a member of the Board
of Trustees. Revelle often accompanied
Parker when he was soliciting support for
the college’s reopening.
Whitaker Tribute
Applauding the tIieisTon of the Board of
Trustees was Dr. Whitaker. He commented,
“I think the disignation of the name Parker
Hall in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Elwood W.
Parker by the Board of Trustees is a fitting
tribute to their interest, efforts and personal
support of the college as an institution of
Christian higher education.”
He continued, “As the college honors R'
Parker, along with Mrs. Parker, the colic
honors itself. They represent the best of ...
American tradition - churchmen, belief in
and practice of hard work, frugality and
support of good causes. ‘Mr. Elwood’ during
my tenure of service at Chowan has been a
constant source of encouragement, counsel
and strength to me personally. I am
delighted that this, the largest building on
campus, will bear the name of these two
good friends.”
Plaque in lobby
depicts dedication to
Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Parker.
TO THE
» CLORY OF GOD I
J and l>k-HpNOf OF I
hiV'OOD WHITTIHI PARKER |
elmethswkll HARKHl I
' C\R01JK \ I
For October, 1972
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