To aid students
Whitakers’ sons
honor parents
with scholarship
President and Mrs. Bruce E.
Whitaker have been honored
with the establishment of a
scholarship for academic ex
cellence. The scholarship is
initially funded by a $10,000
contribution from the couple’s
two sons, Barry Eugene and
Garry Bruce Whitaker. Barry is
joined in making the gift by his
wife, Becky Goff Whitaker.
Garry is single.
Since 1957, Dr. Whitaker has
served as president and Mrs.
Esther Whitaker is Professor of
Religion at Chowan. Under Dr.
Whitaker’s leadership the past
30 years, the college has grown
in all areas. The enrollment has
climbed from under 300 to 950.
More than $20 million has been
added to the college’s assets
and 13 major buildings have
been added.
Among Top 18 Presidents
Whitaker has recently been
selected one of the 18 most
effective college presidents in
the nation in a study designed
by Dr. James L. Fisher,
president emeritus of the
Council for Advancement and
Support of Education in
Washington, D. C.
Both Barry, who was four
when his parents moved to
Murfreesboro, and Garry, who
was born in Murfreesboro, were
“raised on the Chowan cam
pus”, noted Dean of the College
B. Franklin Lowe, Jr.
Lowe said they were “ever
present on the campus. Both
attended most of the athletic
and other events and had
numerous friends among the
student body, faculty and staff.
When they were older, they
worked in maintenance and the
cafeteria during the summers.”
Barry said through the
scholarship he and his brother
wanted to thank the college
“for all it has done for us
during our years of growing
up”. Barry added, “if it had not
been for Oiowan, I would not be
where I am today. The college
has helped me in many dif
ferent ways.”
“Honor Mom and Dad”
He said another reason is “to
honor Mom and Dad. I admire
my father not only as a college
president but as a business
person. I admire everything he
has done to help Chowan grow
and prosper.”
Barry Whitaker said he and
Garry also wanted to recognize
the contribution of their
mother, “both as professor of
religion and for the help and
support she has given behind
the scenes to our father.”
Barry, a Campbell University
graduate, is vice-president of
the southwest region of the
Financial Services Division of
Central Fidelity Bank,
Abingdon, Va. His wife, Becky,
is a customer service
representative with the same
bank.
Garry Whitaker is a lawyer
practicing in Winston-Salem.
He graduated from Wake
Forest Law School in 1983.
“Most Appreciative”
Garry stated that he is “most
appreciative of having had the
opportunity of growing up on a
college campus in a small town
of eastern North Carolina.
Through school and community
activities, especially scouting, I
had a great deal of exposure to
Bertie and Hertford counties as
well as Murfreesboro.”
Continued Garry Whitaker, “I
am very proud of the leadership
which my parents have
provided Chowan College,
Murfreesboro and Hertford
County.”
Director of Development
Bobby Cross encouraged other
individuals and groups who are
interested in thanking and
honoring Bruce and Esther
Whitaker to contribute to the
scholarship fund.
“Additional gifts to the
scholarship will enable the
college to help more students
with potential for academic
excellence and at the same
time further honor Dr. and Mrs.
Whitaker,” Cross noted.
Iltfflfl
The Whitaker family
The Whitakers are pictured as a family when the announcement was made of a
$10,000 scholarship for academic excellence. From left, Garry Bruce V\/hitaker,
Dr. and Mrs. V\/hitaker, Mr. and Mrs. Barry Eugene Whitaker.
Wllc
Anniversary observance
The Town of Murfreesboro's 200th Anniversary dinner was held in Thomas
Cafeteria on January 6, the day that the General Assembly chartered the Town of
Murfreesboro in 1787. Mayor Billy Hill presided. Others at the head table are,
from left Mrs. Hill, Dr.Thomas Parromore of Raleigh, who was the main speaker
E. Frank Stephenson, Jr., author of a bicentennial publication, "200 Years on the
Meherrin River" and Pete Whitley, President of the Murfreesboro Historical
Association. Dr. Parramore chronicled how floods had influenced the town’s
growth and history. Nearly 400 persons attended the celebration dinner to launch
a year of bicentennial events.
PAGE SIX—The Chowanian, February, 1987