ECSU Says Goodbye to an Old Friend
Friends, family, and coworkers gathered to celebrate the life of
Greg “Sampson" Lange, longtime radio personality and mentor
told the Lange family, “we can’t Institutional Advancement, Wil-
replace a Greg.” A tearful Randy liam Smith. Lange was a 4 time
By Brittnee Exum Jones, Lange’s close friend and recipient of the Hampton Roads
WRVS on-air host said, “the days Black Media Professionals’ Excel
Two months ago, hundreds of have been rough.” Nonetheless, Award,
family, friends, staff and students, Jones ensures ECSU that WRVS Students, many of whom con-
united to celebrate the life and will continue to move forward as sidered Lange a mentor, were
legacy of Greg “Sampson” Lange, Lange would have wanted the sta- openly emotional about Lange’s
the well-known radio personality tion to do. Roger McLean, mayor passing. ECSU alumnus, Jessica
for ECSU’s radio station, WRVS of Elizabeth City, said that Lange Barfield said, “He was like an-
89.9FM. had a song and a smile for every- other father to me. Other than my
Lange, a popular figure on the one. McLean noted that Lange’s family, he saw the potential in me
Elizabeth City State University favorite song was “I Feel Good” by that people didn’t see. Because of
radio station and around campus, the late James Brown. There was him, I was able to be on the radio
died at Norfolk General Hospital a reading by the mayor of Eliza- and learn at the same time.” Anto-
on January 19th after a heart at- beth City that preceded a Certifi- nio Squire, ECSU senior and ra-
tack. Lange’s passing was deeply cate ofMerit that was presented to dio personality, said, “He always
felt by those on campus who de- Lange’s family. A unique moment was an energetic man with a great
pended on his sultry music, warm came when Lange’s friend. Rad- smile. He really loved to teach the
voice and willingness to volunteer chffe Ramjohn, read from “The students new things.”
wherever there was a need. Lange Prophet” by Khilil Gibran. In true Lange, originally from Los
kept the campus informed of all pastoral fashion. Reverend Ricky Angeles, CA, is survived by a
that was going on, both at ECSU Banks of St. Stephen Missionary daughter, Aleshia of Charlotte,
and in the community. Baptist Church delivered words NC; mother, Juanita; sister, Han-
Many who attended Lange’s of comfort that brought the room an; and two brothers, Theodore of
funeral service noted that he was to its feet. Los Angeles and Michael of Oak-
in high spirits when they visited Lange began his career as a land, CA.
him in the hospital. The same high music librarian and radio intern in “The ear of the leader must ring
spiritedness permeated the Mick- 1976. He joined the ECSU family with the voices of the people and
ey L. Bumum Fine Arts Audito- in 1993. Lange was the production Mr. Sampson was just the ear,
rium during the service hosted by directior, interim program direc- voice and soul of ECSU,” said
Rivers Community Funeral Home tor and host of the “PM Cruise.” Damika Howard, President of
on January 24th. “He brought a lot of passion to ECSU’s Student Government As-
Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist his job,” said Vice Chancellor of sociation.
Celebrating A Man of Courage and Conviction
By Nicole Mitchell
“But they that wait upon the
Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be
weary; and they shall walk, and
not faint,” Isaiah 40:31
Perhaps these biblical words
sum up the life of the man who
cherished them so purely. Elliot
Smith, a man that many lovingly
called “Uncle Larry,” is no lon
ger with us, but his spirit remains
in the form of love, not only for
the people who knew him, but the
love he exerted upon a building
and program that he was instru
mental in creating: The Pharmacy
Complex.
Smith, a pharmacy council,
was the backbone of the Phar
macy building at Elizabeth City
State University. As a mentor and
recruiter for the program, he was
an essential part of the university.
Students from all over had trusted
Smith for words of comfort.
Photo COUK
attieiSmith
Smith had an open door policy
that allowed students who had
problems to come and share them
with him, so that together, they
could find the solution. He was
like a father, a brother and a friend
to anyone who walked through
his door.
A man of his word. Smith was
strong, inside and out. Many knew
Smith as a father, husband, pro
vider, counselor and mentor. As
a compassionate and Godly man,
the trust that grew between him
and the individuals who knew him
well was one of passion and love.
No mountain was too high for
Smith to climb. He believed that
with the Lord’s help, anything was
possible. In this aspect, Smith
reigned in many accomplishments
in his life. Smith was a member
of Groove Phi Groove, as well as
an established entrepreneur. A
businessman at all times, whether
at ECSU or outside the university,
he had a way of making things
happen. Smith garnered two suc
cessful businesses in his lifetime,
and his dedication shone through
not only with his work, but also
with his family.
In his death. Smith leaves be
hind his best friend and com
panion of nearly 30 years, Pattie
Smith. “He is my best friend,”
Pattie Smith said, “even till this
day and always will be, forever.”
Smith also leaves behind two
children. Amber and Avery.
Greg “Sampson” Lange, longtime mentor and radio
personality at Elizabeth City State University.
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