Newspapers / Chowan University Student Newspaper / June 1, 1994, edition 1 / Page 9
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Development Dedicated April in Whitaker Library Watkins Educational Materials Center supports teacher education Andrew Jackson Watkins of Henderson, was described as a “good man who left a legacy that will live on” when the A. J Watkins Materials Center of Whitaker Library was dedicated in his memory on April 14. The new facility, located on the ground floor of the library, was made possible through an en dowment gift of Mrs. Nora Watkins whose hus band was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1963 tol976. “We are indeed deeply indebted to Mrs. Watkins and members of her family for making this modern and well-equipped facility available,” said Dr. B. Franklin Lowe, vice president for aca demic affairs. Lowe pointed out that such a materials center is “required by the state Department of Public In struction to support our teacher education pro gram” and it was used extensively during the past academic year by Chowan’s education majors. Dr. Marion D. Lark, senior minister of First Baptist Church, Henderson, delivered the dedica tory address to a large crowd in front of Whitaker Library and said that an educational materials cen ter “has to do with curriculum resources, all of which have to do with learning and education.” The speaker noted that Watkins knew the value of a college education and said “he involved him self through Chowan to help other young people have opportunities for an education.” “He was involved in his community, in his church,” Dr. Lark said, “and in this college which he came to love and support.” Watkins’ former pastor and personal friend was introduced by Eve Ragland Williamson, execu tive director of North Carolina Museum of His tory Associates. Words of appreciation for the new facility were expressed by Elaine E. Myers, chair. Board of Trustees; Charles H. Albritton III, chair of the Board of Visitors; and. Dr. Charles P. Bentley, chairman of Chowan’s Deparunent of Education. The Rev. Jerry J. Juren, senior minister of First United Methodist Church, Henderson, gave the dedicatory prayer, afterwhich an open house was held for the Watkins Instructional Materials Cen ter and the Whitaker Library. Wakins was associated with Carolina Bagging Company of Henderson and was very active in church and community affairs. He died in Janu ary, 1990, after a period of declining health. A generous benefactor of Chowan, he gave generously of his means and worked diligently in his efforts to enlist others to support Chowan. Watkins was described as “one of the best friends Chowan College has ever had through an endur ing relationship of intaest and support.” Mrs. Nora Watkins, center, chats with Dr. Bruce E. Whitaker, left, president emeritus, and her minister, the Rev. Jerry J. Juren, during the open house of the A J. Watkins Educational Materials Center. I Mrs. Texie Camp Marks, Chowan benefactor, dies Wording on the dedicatory plaque for the Texie Camp marks Computer Laboratory summarizes the longtime relationship between Texie Camp Marks of Boykins, VA, and Chowan College as it described her as a “loyal friend, a generous benefactor and a positive force in northeastern North Carolina and southeast Vir ginia.” Mrs. Marks died on Friday, May 6,1994, at the age of 94 years. “Chowan has lost its best friend,” said Dr. Jerry F. Jackson, president. Mrs. Texie and her husband, Robert F. marks, be came identified with Chowan College in the late 1950s through their son-in-law, the Reverend J. Felix Arnold, a member of the Chowan Board of Trustees, and the late Frances White Coleman, a member of the faculty from Boykins, and Dr. Bruce E. Whitaker, president emeritus (1957-1989). Robert Marks Hall, a classroom facility dedicated in 1964, honors the memory of Robert F. Marks who viewed education as one institution which could offer the greatest opportunity for improving one generation after another. Marks Hall was make possible primarily through gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Marks and members of their family. “When one reflects on the recent growth and devel opment of Chowan, one automatically thinks of Mrs. Texie. Her influence has been felt in all aspects of the development program,” said Dr. Jackson. “She took pleasure in helping young people enhance their per sonal development through higher education at Chowan. She was proud of what Chowan has been able to accomplish. She understood the need for Chowan in Mrs. Texie Camp Marks northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.” The Texie Camp Marks Scholarship Fund was es tablished in 1985 with a grant from the Ruth Camp Campbell Foundation. “The Texie Camp Marks Scholarship is currently the largest endowed scholarship at Chowan and it is among the most prestigious scholarships awarded by the college,” said Mrs. Elaine E. Myers, chair, Board of Trustees. The scholarship is given with preference to students from Southampton and Isle of Wight coun ties and the Tidewater region of Virginia. The scholarship honors the many endeavors of Mrs. Texie Camp Marks in behalf of the college. Her ser vices included membership on the Board of Visitors. Recently Mrs. Marks was elected to serve as the first Dr. Lark described Watkins’ many contributions to his church, community and Chowan College. Center to be used by students in teacher education programs Chowan Baptist trustee outside of North Carolina. She also served as honorary chairperson for several development campaigns, including “Accomplishing Our Mission,” “Mission Excellence,” and the 1993 and 1994 “Day for Chowan” in Southampton County. Mrs. Marks’ dedication to Chowan followed in the tradition and spirit of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Camp, Sr. Her father, then a resident of Como, served as a trustee for over two decades (1885-1909). The Ella Cobb Camp President’s Home is named in honor of Mrs. Texie’s mother. Dr. Bruce E. Whitaker, president emeritus (1957- 1989), said, “Mrs. Texie Camp Marks was a rare spirit. She genuinely loved her family and friends, her church and Chowan College. She was concemed for those who had need at any level. She will be keenly missed by numerous friends and loved ones. The late Dr. Colgate W. Darden, Jr., referred to her as “ajewel of such char acter and integrity, the likes of whom we meet very few in a lifetime.’ “ Chowan College owes a debt of gratitude to Mr.s Texie and her laje husband, Robert F. Marks, and to their children — Mrs. Frances Marks Arnold, Wihnington; Paul Camp Marks and Robert F. Marks, Jr., both of Capron, VA; and, relatives of the Paul D. Camp, Sr., and James L. Camp, Jr., families. Her legacy includes 16 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Few families, certainly not in this century, have done more to merit recognition for their support of Chowan as a private institution of higher education and for their appreciation of the college as a dynamic force influ encing almost every aspect of life with the area. ‘‘Ajewel of such character and integrity, the likes of whom we meet very few in a lifetime.** CHOWAN TODAY. June 1994 — PAGE 9
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