CLASS OF 1961
Golden Alumni Memory Book
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A Look Back... “A growing spirit…a place to learn and to meet others…and to become a part of…the spirit of East Carolina.” –Buccaneer, 1961 Hail to thy name so fair, dear ol’ East Carolina. From learning environments with lively class discussions, discovering new ideas, and seeing the world with a new perspective, to fond memories of courting, spending time with friends, and finding your own way…these are just some of the reasons why East Carolina is such a special place. It’s been 50 years since your graduation from East Carolina, yet you are still an integral part of our University’s past, present, and future. It is through our alumni that East Carolina has remained a beacon in the East, guiding young minds on the same adventure of self-discovery that you experienced 50 years ago. Today, ECU boasts a record enrollment of more than 27,000 students, 106 bachelor’s degree programs, 74 master’s degree programs, four specialist degree programs, one firstprofession MD program and dental program, and 17 doctoral programs in our professional colleges, the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, and the Brody School of Medicine. It is with pleasure that the East Carolina Alumni Association give you, our golden Class of 1961, this memory book to commemorate your 50th Class Reunion. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to your alma mater. This book contains the memories of many of your 1961 classmates. We hope you enjoy “catching up” with your fellow 1961 Pirates!
The way things were... In 1958: •Buc becomes mascot
In 1959: •Big Yellow House incident •John D. Messick resigns as president
In 1960: •Leo Warren Jenkins becomes president of the college •Aycock Dormitory built •Enrollment climbs to 5,178 •School of Nursing admits first students •School of Business is organized
In 1961: •Baseball team wins NAIA championship
National Highlights of 1961 •John F. Kennedy becomes 35th president •Berlin Wall goes up between East and West Germany •Peace Corps is founded •Jimmy Hoffa becomes president of the Teamsters Union •Roger Maris hits 61 home runs to take the home run record
What Things Cost House Average Income Minimum Wage Car Milk Bread Postage Stamp
$18,800 $6,471 $1.15 per hour $2,275 $1.05 per gallon $.21 per loaf $.04
Top Songs 1. “Tossin’ and Turnin’” – Bobby Lewis 2. “I Fall To Pieces” – Patsy Cline 3. “Michael” – Highwaymen 4. “Cryin’” – Roy Orbison 5. “Runaway” – Del Shannon
Donna Langley Brown Spouse: Bobby 1011 Rosser Rd. Spring Lake, NC 28390 Phone: 910-497-6823 Children: Sonya and Tina Grandchildren: Brandy, Shawn, Tyler Education: MA 1965 - ECU renewal classes for teaching Professional Career: Teacher, retired - NC 35 years Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: 1961 BS, 1965 MA, retired elementary education teacher, worked in elementary, junior high, middle school in math, science, and reading. Hobbies/Interests: Music - choir, pianist, and organist; Church-VBS director and trustee; reading, gardening, flowers; rental property manager; military surpluss flea market vendor. Fondest memory of ECC: Happy times with student friends, plays, concerts, dances, homecomings, church activities, groups, soda shop activities, ball games, dorm life, professors Other: My grandson Shawn D. Roberts is a 2011 Senior. My daughter Tina R. Brown is a graduate of ECU College of Business, 1990.
Dixie Batten Maiden Name: Wilson Spouse: Ray Duncan (Deceased) 613 Bob White Ln. Whiteville, NC 28472 Phone: 910-642-2126 E-mail: dbatten@ec.rr.com Children: Phillip Duncan, John Duncan Grandchildren: Ashley Duncan, Katie Duncan, Jessie Edwards Education: BS science education, Masters Education Professional Career: Taught for 39 years Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: State presidential award winner, president elect of NC science teacher association, Many of her students won state recognition in science Hobbies/Interests: Active in church, gardening best known for growing pineapples Fondest memory of ECC: Being at North Carolina Science convention the Day the first American went into Space and watching it on television. Also fond memories of the living in the dorm, Student teaching, Playing in the snow and walking and trying not fall, I have many wonderful memories in the classroom and working as a graduate assistant. I also have wonderful memories of football games, tailgating, homecoming, and floats. Other: Worked in the Joyner Library
Angeline Joan Van Dyk Bullard Spouse: Neal 876 Santee Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28303 Phone: 919-867-8957 E-mail: nbullard876@aol.com Children: Frank and Kurt Bullard Grandchildren: Brittany, Katy, and Zachary Bullard, Nicholas and Elijah West Education: Master of Arts in Education from ECU 1963 Professional Career: Teaching and business coowner Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Hobbies/Interests: Reading, traveling, and baking Fondest memory of ECC: Meeting my husband and making lifelong friends.
Neal Kay Bullard Spouse: Angeline 876 Santee Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28303 Phone: 919-867-8957 Children: Frank and Kurt Bullard Grandchildren: Brittany, Katy, and Zachary Bullard, Nicholas and Elijah West Education: MA in Education from ECU, Master of Science in Teaching from University of Arizona Professional Career: Teaching, also business owner Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Hobbies/Interests: Traveling Fondest memory of ECC: Meeting my wife.
Hoy Cobb P.O. Box 7052 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Phone: 252-977-7417 Children: Stephanie Cobb Education: BS History, Masters in Education Professional Career: Taught three years, Assistant Principal Rocky Mount High School, Went into Business with Father Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Nash County Board of Commissioners Hobbies/Interests: Play piano and reading Fondest memory of ECC: Coming back for the reunion and seeing everyone.
Linda Dean Cranford Dawson Spouse: Leland (Lee) 6565 Windchase Dr. Rocky Mount, NC 27803 Phone: 252-443-3294 E-mail: windchasememe@yahoo.com Children: John Edward Dawson, Craig Andrew Dawson Grandchildren: Aiden Quinn Dawson and Spencer Nathan Dawson Education: Professional development courses Professional Career: Elementary teacher (26 years) Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Retired teacher Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Pirate football, piano, reading, church, scrapbooking Fondest memory of ECC: My fondest memory is meeting my future husband and life long partner at ECC. Other: My two sons are East Carolina graduates.
James Malcom Hall Spouse: Lois Sykes 185 Friendly Dr. Wallace, NC 28466 Phone: 910-285-2405 E-mail: biggua38@embarqmail.com Children: James M. Hall, III, Dwight Peyton Hall, Jason Henry Hall Grandchildren: 6 Education: Med Professional Career: Teacher Administrator Hobbies/Interests: Duplicate Bridge
James Ashley Hardee Spouse: Carol (Deceased) 3307 Baugh St. Raleigh, NC 27604 Phone: 919-877-0531 E-mail: hardeejim@gmail.com Children: 3 (Jan, June, and Terri) Grandchildren: 8 Education: Graduate courses at NC State and UNC Professional Career: Teacher/Coach Raleigh School System and administrator with NC state government Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Man of the Year 2007 at Inwood Baptist Church Hobbies/Interests: Golf, travel, volunteer Fondest memory of ECC: The good times shared with the fraternity brothers at Delta Sigma Pi. Other: Nothing but fond memories of my time spent at ECC.
Sophia Jarvis Maiden Name: Twiford Spouse: Ralph E. Jarvis P.O. Box 248 Swan Quarter, NC 27885 Phone: 252-926-5351 Children: Penelope Jarvis, Jennifer Jarvis Edwards, Susanna Jarvis Jones, Styron J. Jarvis Grandchildren: Will Edwards (just finsihed freshmen year at ECU), Rebecca Edwards, John Edwards, Luke Edwards, Caitlin Edwards, Andrew Jarvis Jones Education: BS Primary Education, Masters in Education Professional Career: Taught in Camp Lejeune Dependent School until our first child was born and then stayed at home with the children and helped with the family business for 25 years. I also worked with the Book Mobile in our county for over 10 years. Hobbies/Interests: I enjoyed my time volunteering with the local 4H and the Pungo Christian Academy as the Librarian. I currently enjoy gardening, volunteering at our church’s Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday School. Fondest memory of ECC: The lifelong friends and experiences we had. I enjoyed being back on campus during the reunion, it made me want to go back to school.
Glenn R. Jernigan Spouse: Jane 2414 Rolling Hill Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-484-3039 E-mail: GJFC1996@infionline.net Children: Elizabeth “Lisa” and Glenn Jr. Grandchildren: Emme and Mary Scott Black, Chad and Chase Jernigan Education: Dean’s Honor Council, ECU, B.A. 1961; Class President, Campbell College, A.A. 1959; Class President, Fayetteville High School, 1957 Professional Career: Governmental Affairs, public service, NC House of Representatives, NC Senate, Mortgage Banker, Real Estate Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: News and Observer Tar Heel of the week, ECU Distinguished Alumni Award,Distinguished Alumni Award by Campbell Unviversirty, Who’s who in Americas Colleges and Universities, Distinguished Service award for Fayetteville and Cumberland County, Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, Fayetteville Area Kiwanis Club E.J. Wells award Recipient, Realtor of the year Award, Boys Club Director of the Year, United Way Outstanding Chairman Leadership Award. Hobbies/Interests: Boating, fishing, tennis Fondest memory of ECC: Dean’s Honor Council, ballgames (DC), working at the student union Other: Looking forward to seeing all of my classmates at our ‘61 reunion, U.S. Army Reserves 1961-1967, Fayetteville State University Board of Trustees - Chairman, Fayetteville Kiwanis Club President 2001-2002, Board of Trustees at ECU, Chairman at ECU’s Pirate Club, NC State Bar Association - Disciplinary Committee, Fayetteville Area Chamber of Commerce VP and Board of Directors, President of Cumberland County Boys Club, Mortgage Bankers Association, Homebuilders Association, Fayetteville Jaycees, Fayetteville Board of Realtors, Chairman of the Board - Wachovia Bank and Trust Co. Fayetteville, Board of Regents Barium Springs Home for Children, Former Chairman of Fayetteville State University Chancellor’s Advisory Committee. Chairman - Manufacturing Labor and Commerce, Alcoholic Beverage Control Chairman, Vice- Chairman Economy and Finance Congressional Redistricting and Senior Citizens Affairs, Co Chairman of the NC General Assembly Ethics Committee, Chairman of the House Election Laws Committee. Religious Activities: Highland Presbyterian Church, Chairman - Board of Deacons and Ruling Elder, Chairman Stewardship Committee, Committee of 12 Highland Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign, Sunday School Teacher.
Evelyn Caroline Johnson Kirkland Spouse: James 1102 Laurel Oak Ln. Lumberton, NC 28358 Phone: 910-739-5295 E-mail: jamesbkirkland@bellsouth.net Children: J. Bryant Kirkland, III and Laura K. Laudenberger Grandchildren: John Laudenberger Education: MA in Education Professional Career: Language Art teacher middle grades Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Long time member of Congressman Mike McIntyre Education Advisory Committee for the 7th Congressional District. Along with my husband, we established the James B. Kirkland Jr. and Evelyn J. Kirkland Middle Grades Scholarship in the College of Education. Currently serve on the Dean’s Advancement Council in the COE. Inducted in the Educators Hall of Fame in 2007. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling and volunteering Fondest memory of ECC: A very special memory occurred on a Saturday in the fall of 1960 when presidential candidate John F. Kennedy arrived in our stadium for one of his campaign stops in NC. I remember walking along next to his limousine for a short distance as the students greeted him with a warm welcome. Unfortunately, most students had gone home for the weekend, so there were only a few of us who joined local and area citizens for the event.
Elton Manning Roberson Spouse: Patricia 208 West McIver St. Zebulon, NC 27597 Phone: 919-269-8052 E-mail: Robersons2@bellsouth.net Children: Art Roberson, Blake Roberson, Chuck Griswold, Ken Griswold Grandchildren: 8 Professional Career: Teacher and coached for over 30 years Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Teacher of the year. Coach of the year in baseball. Football and several golf coach of the year awards. Hobbies/Interests: Golf, traveling, and my 8 grandchildren Fondest memory of ECC: Fun, fellowship, and friends. Tennis at ECU. Patricia Anne Roberson Maiden Name: Brantley Spouse: Elton 208 West McIver St. Zebulon, NC 27597 Phone: 919-606-3402 E-mail: Robersons2@bellsouth.net Children: Chuck Griswold, Ken Griswold, Art Roberson, Blake Roberson Grandchildren: Taylor Griswold, Tanner Griswold, Scott Griswold, Megan Roberson, Kendall Roberson, Meredith Roberson, Noelle Roberson, Kirby Roberson Professional Career: Taught first grade for 31 years; Mentor Teacher Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: BS Degree in Grammar Education Hobbies/Interests: Volunteering in schools, community, and church Gardening and Traveling Fondest memory of ECC: The fun I had and the friends I made Other: It’s great sharing our Golden Alumni Class of 1961 Reunion with YOU!
Bernice Wayne Thomas Spouse: Donna PO Box 2166 Cary, NC 27512 Phone: 919-851-0943 Children: Tina Thomas Whitmore (ECU 1990) Grandchildren: Blake and Tyson Whitmore Professional Career: Deputy Secretary - NC Department of Revenue Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: 39 years NCDR (retired 2001) Hobbies/Interests: Beach (live at Emerald Isle, NC 9 months each year) Fondest memory of ECC: Living in the Theta Chi Fraternity house.
Caroline Genevieve Miller Thompson Spouse: Jim 49219 Willie Rd. Richfield, NC 28137 Phone: 704-463-5497 Children: 3 nieces and 5 nephews Education: Western Carolina University Professional Career: Teacher (Grades 1-6); New Hanover County 2 years; also 30+ years Albemarle City Schools; School Administration Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: Chair person for the 50th high school reunion, Xi Chapter Alpha Delta Kappa; leadership roles in church & education, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church Trustee Hobbies/Interests: Associate Accreditation Team throughout the state of NC, gardening, growing flowers, genealogy, reading, and traveling Fondest memory of ECC: I’ll always remember shaking hands with John F. Kennedy at ECC! Also, meeting so many friendly people, some of these friendships have lasted 53+ years. Other: I have lived a life full of teaching, helping others, and enjoying the occasions when breath is stopped in amazement. My philosophy is to do your best and leave the rest to God.
Edna Elizabeth Baker Ward Spouse: Charles 112 Lakewood Dr. Greenville, NC 27834 Phone: 252-355-7724 Children: Stuart, Gregg, Elizabeth Grandchildren: Michael, Tyler, Luke, Hayden, Jennifer, Jane, Josh, Jake Education: University of Virginia for School Administration, ECU MAEd, BS, and Ed.S Professional Career: Educator Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: 2008 Outstanding Alumni of ECU College of Education, 2007 100 Incredible Women Graduates of ECU, 2000 ECU Distinguished Alumni Award, 1999 ECU Educators Hall of Fame, 1995 ECU Council for Teacher Education Outstanding Educator Award, 1994 D.H. Conley Area Principal of the Year, 1989 Pitt County Wachovia Principal of the Year Award, 1972 2nd runner up candidate for NC State Teacher of the Year, 1972 NCAE District 12 Teacher of the Year, 1972 Roanoke Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Hobbies/Interests: Love to cook for my family, support the ECU Pirate athletic games, and tailgate with family. Fondest memory of ECC: The ECU professors Dr. Pascal, Dr. Todd, Herth Carlton, Dr. Fleming, just to name a few
Charlotte Marie Purifoy Whitford Spouse: McRay PO Box 55 Ernul, NC 28527 Phone: 252-633-3729 E-mail: whitfordcharlotte@gmail.com Children: 2 Sons Grandchildren: 1 granddaughter Education: Just multiple courses to enhance my life and career Professional Career: I’ll just say that I have led a varied and interesting life and I wouldn’t change it! Honors/Awards/Accomplishments: I was privileged to have been selected as one of the 20 centennial Oral History Project Interviewees. It was for first generation graduates of the University. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, gardening, and learning new things. Research. Fondest memory of ECC: The friendships made and our experiences. Plus, the fact that I was actually there - a dream come true!
In Memoriam...Class of Gloria H. Askew
James Hoyle Gravley
Grady S. Austin
James Douglas Gray
William Seymore Autry
Paula Katheryn Grimsley
Jack Thomas Ayscue
Tennala Gross
Harry Parker Bayley
James Owen Hall
Jack Milton Beale
William Blackledge Harper
Jordan B. Best
Russell Norfleet Harrington
Jerry Nelson Black
Evelyn Harrison
Elwood Richard Brown
William A. Harrison
Dennis Rudolph Bullock
Willie Joe Hasty
Patricia R. Burton
Ronald Lewis Henry
Jay Wade Cardy
Verdia Hobson
Janet F. Carpenter
Dorothy B. Holden
Robert E. Cole
Carolyn T. Holt
Bruce A. Cooper
Nellie Mae Howard
James Alton Cowan
Glenda Howell
Frederick Marshall Cutler
Edward Stowell Hyde
Marilynn B. Davenport
George T. Ipock
Albert L. Davis
Anne Spell Jeffords
Peggy Jean Dixon
Rudd Lee Jenson
Doris Claire Dupont
Audry D. Jolly
Geneva H. Forehand
Cassie C. Jones
Theodore K. Fountain
Clarence Arthur Jones
Robert Lee Franck
William O. Jordan
Mary Louise Galphin
Michael Katsias
Robert J. Galphin
Mitzi O. Kellum
Edgar Allen Gideons
Charles Richard King
Glenda Gordon
Jackie Gardner Knowles
1961 Deceased Alumni Ted Michael Lassiter
Dan L. Shackleford
James R. Latham
Glenn Lee Simpson
Mardge Etta Lupton
Floyd Arthur Smith
Joseph Roy Martin
Frances R. Smith
Judith T. Martin
Judy Stephens
Josephine W. McKee
Junius B. Surles
Sandra Moon Mehalick
James William Todd
Lillie Ann Midgette
Mary Ray Trogdon
Cecil Mills
Herbert C. Tucker
Sam Douglas Mitchell
Jerry Branson Vandyke
Barbara Ann Moser
Hugh McAlpin Vann
Brunie A. Mullinax
Anne Rae Waters
Sarah Murphy
Albert Roland Webb
William Thomas Nichols
Glenn Elliot Webb
Patricia T. Overton
Mamie Eubank Weir
Francis Parish
Velner Brown Wells
Janice S. Penn
Lafayette Earl Westbrook
Ella Kinlaw Peterson
Joseph McElroy Whitehurst
John Thomas Peterson
Carolyn Pate Williams
Helen Pope
George Everett Williams
Thomas J. Powell
Frank Wilson
Virginia Pickett Quinn
Eugene Harrison Wood
M. Tom Ray
Frances Wood
Carrol S. Roberson
Nancy Brown Wynne
Haywood J. Roebuck Jimi Sawyer Warren Patterson Sawyer Noah M. Seymore
Alma Mater by Harold A. McDougle ’44 Praise to your name so fair, Dear old East Car’lina Your joys we’ll all share And your friends we’ll ever be We pledge our loyalty And our heart’s devotion To thee, our alma mater, love and praise