Land Tracts Valued at $433,000
Largest Bequest Ever Received by Chowan
Chowan College has received a gift of two
tracts land totaling 437 acres, with an
estimated value in excess of $430,000, from
the estate of an alumna, the late Miss Mary
P. Thomas of Cofield, class of 1902.
The gift is the largest bequest in the
history of Chowan for the college’s general
endowment fund.
Mary Thomas also donated $5,000 through
her will to establish a scholarship to aid
deserving students.
After graduating from Chowan, “Miss
Mary” taught in a number of area schools.
She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist
Church, where she served as a Sunday
school teacher of the adult class, president
of the Woman’s Missionary Society, and
leader of the Sunbeam missionary
organization for children.
Mary Thomas was also active in the com
munity, supporting a number of worthy
causes with her contributions and service.
“Mary was a good community worker,”
noted her sister, Miss Ruth M. Thomas.
Former Tmstee
During her long association with Chowan,
she served as a member of the Board of
Trustees and in the Alumni Association.
Dr. Bruce E. Whitaker, noted “The be
quest from Mary P. Thomas represents one
of the largest gifts in the history of Chowan
College, and the largest by far for the
general endowment. The gift comes at a
critical time when small private colleges
are depending on the generosity of their
supporters to help provide a quality educa
tion for young people. Her meaningful gift
will greatly advance the program, progress
MARY V. THOMAS
Class of 1902
and service of Chowan, through all the
years to come in the life of the institution.”
Continued Dr. Whitaker, “No alumna lov
ed Chowan more than did Mary Thomas.
She held a special place in her heart for her
alma mater. She placed her trust, faith,
energy and resources with her alma mater.
Through her service and support of the col
lege, she made an important contribution to
the progress of Chowan.”
Family Commitment
The president said that over the years
“the members of the Thomas family have
supported Chowan with their service, love,
prayers and gifts.”
He added, “The gift by Mary Thomas
through her will is the latest example of this
family’s commitment and sacrifice to help
Chowan accomplish its mission of providing
young men and women with a quaUty Chris
tian higher education.”
Her sister, Ruth, is an alumna, class of
1917, and her mother graduated from
Chowan in 1876. Her brother, the late
William Abraham (“Will”) Thomas, served
two four-year terms as a member of the
Board of Trustees; three years as a
member of the Executive Conunittee of the
Board; and six years as the treasurer of the
Board.
The family heritage of service to Chowan
was also demonstrated by her paternal
grandfather, Abraham Thomas, and father.
Dr. R. P. Thomas. Abraham Thomas was
named to the Board of Trustees of the old
Chowan Female Institute in 1854. Dr. R. P.
Thomas served on the Board of Trustees a
record 33 years, including 17 as chairman.
In orda* to recognize and honor the
benefaction of three generations of the
Thomas family, the Board of Trustees
authorized the dedication of the college din
ing hall as Thomas Cafeteria on Dec. 16,
1966.
“Miss Mary’s gift will help to perpetuate
the ideals of excellence, quality and service
exemplified by the Thomas family,” Dr.
Whitsier concluded.
Spring Completion Slated
Old Gymnasium
Becoming New
Student Center
By GREG BASSETT
A spring ctxnpletion is expected in the
remodeling of the old gymnasium into
Chowan’s new student recreation center.
The old hangar-like gym which was built
in 1954 and once served as the campus’ gym
and class room building, will replace
facilities of Askew Student Center.
Plans call for the center to contain several
activities unavailable in the Askew Center.
It will feature two television lounges, a
game room, a weight room, conference
rooms, a offices for the SGA, and a complete
student laundromat.
The college post office will be relocated in
the student center in an expanded format,
while the bookstore will be enlarged in its
present location.
150,000 Project
According to the college’s superintendent
of buildings and grounds. Jack Hassell,
^,000 will be spent to refiu’bish the gym
nasium in an effort to turn it into a “first
class” student center.
“We hope to set up the student center so it
can bec(^e a drawing card for all the
students,” said Hassell. “We want it to be a
place where the students can go and enjoy
themselves.”
The planning cd the recreation center first
began four years ago, said Hassell, when the
college first planned constructing the new
Jesse Helms Center. He said the plans have
changed little and were conceived by a
special school committee with help from
student opinion.
Current layout plans call for the north
part of the gym which once held locker
rooms to become a game room complete
with pinball machines, ping-pong tables and
other game machines.
In the northeast portion of the building, a
full scale laundromat will be constructed so
that students may conviently do their wash
without leaving campus.
The basketball court will remain so
students can still engage in some play, while
there are also ideas of using the court for a
roller rink, Hassell said.
The center will, the committee hopes
become a popular meeting place on campus
and will serve as the location for various ac
tivities, including the SGA dances which are
now held in Thof^ Cafeteria.
For October, 1980
PAGE SEVEN