SPECIAL SENIOR EDITION
OF
VolumeNumber 5
THE COMPASS
“Together We Will Find the Right Direction”
PUBLISHED BYTHE STUDENTS OF ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY
Elizabeth City, N. C.
May 1977
Seniors: Looking Back
Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr.
Dr. King Addresses
86th Commencement
Chancellor Marion D.
Thorpe announces that
Elizabeth City State
University’s Eighty-Sixth
Commencement Exercises
are set for 10:30 A.M., Sun
day, May 8. Highlight of the
morning ceremonies, to be
held in the spacious and
comfortable new gym
nasium, will be an address by
the Reverend Dr. Martin
Luther King, Sr., Pastor
Emeritus of the Ebenezer
Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga.
Father of the late Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., a
dynamic civil rights leader,
Dr. King has played
significant roles during
several movements, in
cluding the rise of Gov.
Jimmy Carter to the
Presidency of the United
States. Awarded the Bachelor
of Theology Degree, by
Moorehouse College, Dr.
King has been the recipient of
A survey was conducted
from a sample of forty
‘seniors to determine the
attitude that the Senior Class
'has developed during their
four years here at ECSU
toward their Alma Mater. It
was also attempted to get a
sample of the occupational
goals of the Senior Class.
When questioned con
cerning their major and
occupational goals it was
found that 4 seniors had
changed their major and
occupational goals since their
freshman year, 6 had
changed their occupational
goals only and 30 had kept
their same major and goals
throughout their four years
here.
When asked if they felt that
ECSU had successfully
prepared them for the
realization of their oc
cupation goals, 37 replied yes
and 3 replied no. It appears
that the majority of the
Senior class knew what their
occupational goals were at
their freshman year and feels
that ECSU has helped them in
reaching those goals.
The seniors who responded
“no” gave the following
reasons:
“I feel that I have not
learned enough about ac
counting to even consider
auditing someone’s books.”
Business Adm. Acc. Major.
“Underfunding” — Health
Physical Ed. Major.
\^en asked what are your
criticisms of ECSU the
following responses came up
most often:
Seniors felt that a wider
range of courses and majors
is needed at ECSU.
Seniors criticized the
inefficiency and lack of
student concern of the Ad
ministration.
Seniors criticized in
structors for:
(A) “not motivating
students to produce at their
capacity”.
seven honorary doctor of
divinity, humanities and
letters degrees from several
institutions, including the
University of Haiti.
Named “Clergyman of the
Year,” in 1975, by the Council
of Christians and Jews, Dr.
King has Lectured and
Ministered extensively,
abroad. Also, in 1975, the
Republic of Senegal, West
Africa bestowed on him “The
Order of the Lion,” the
highest honor ever accorded
a foreigner.
Following the address by
Dr. King, approximately 290
graduating seniors will
receive BS and BA degrees in
at least 20 academic areas,
including geology and in
dustrial technology. The
graduates will then be in
ducted into the ECSU General
Alumni Association by
President Thomas Evans,
Jr., Rockville, Md.
1891
1977
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Events of the
Eighty-Sixth
COMMENCEMENT SEASON
1977
Sunday, May 8
'Commencement 10;30 A.M.
The New Physical Education Facility
Speaker, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr.
Other Events
'Sunday, May 1 - 8:00 P.M Choir Concert
Tuesday, May 3 - 8:00 P.M Senior Class Dance
•Wednesday, May 4 - 8:00 P.M Class Night Program
Thursday, May 5 -12:30 P.M Senior Class Picnic
•Thursday, May 5 - 7:30 P.M Kindergarten Commencement
Little Theater
Friday, May 6 - 4:30 P.M Chancellor's Dinner for Seniors
Lawn - Chancellor’s Residence
Saturday, May 7 -11:00 A.M Alumni Meeting
Saturday, May 7-1:00 P.M Briefing Session
Williams Hall Gymnasium
•Sunday, May 8 Reception
University Center (immediately following Commencement)
•The public is invited to attend.
(B) “changes instructors
too often” (Social Science
Department).
(C> “feeling that students
here aren’t as ambitious as
those at other schools”.
(D) “being lenient on
students”.
(E) “having a lack of
methodology for motivating
slow students.” Most have the
attitude that “the best
method is to move at a slow
pace.”
Seniors felt that there was a
need for more housing
facilities.
When asked, “what do you
think of ECSU’s major strong
points? The following
responses came up most
often:
Seniors felt that ECSU’s
“small size” “friendly at
mosphere,” and “closeness”
was it’s strong points.
Seniors felt that ECSU’s
attracting students who
might not otherwise have had
the advantage of a college
education and giving them
the opportimity to go to
college its strong point.
Seniors felt that ECSU’s
financial aid programs was
its strong point.
Other responses were:
extra-curricular activity,
infleuntial speakers,
“privacy of the place,”
Biology, Music, Geology,
Sports, band, choir, academic
programs, good location,
concerned teachers eind
lyceiioms.
Six seniors felt that there
were no strong points.
When questioned con
cerning admission to a
graduate or professional
school. Five seniors said they
had applied and only one had
received an acceptance. One
had received an scholarship
and another a fellowship.
Twelve had already applied
and been interviewed for
employment next year. Six
indicated that the placement
office had assisted them in
finding employment.