Where Tomorrow’s Leaders are Students Today
Campus NewsBriefs A Weekly Update of Activities at Rust College Vol. 42, No. 18
February 28, 2013
Annual UNCF Banquet Held at Rust College Rust College was the setting of the 23rd Annual Holly Springs/Marshall County UNCF Banquet held Thursday evening, February 21st. The near-capacity crowd who attended the event was treated to wonderful music by the Rust College Male Ensemble, moving testimony and a rousing keynote address. Greetings were brought forth by Mayor Andre’ DeBerry, and Mr. Sam McClatchy, UNCF committee member. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, delivered an inspiring speech, based on the event’s theme of “Getting Students To and Through College”. He urged the audience to get involved in the lives of young adults who are trying to gain an education.
Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr.
“What can we do to get young people to and through college? We must pour ourselves into the lives of some young person,” he said. “Those of you in the midst of your journey at Rust College, be encouraged. You won’t get through unless you keep on moving… make up your mind right now to finish college so when you finish, you can help someone else and give back to those people who helped you.” The audience was also treated to a stirring testimony by Ms. Tanya Kelly Kirk, a UNCF scholarship recipient who will graduate from Dr. Whalum with the Rust College Male Ensemble Rust College in April. Tanya returned to Rust to earn her degree after leaving the school in 1990. She credits UNCF with helping her to pay for her final year of school. “It really didn’t matter what year I finished, just that I finished. I realize I needed the second half of my life to be completed. It’s not what people think of me, it’s about what God and what I think of myself. Now I believe my calling is to be an advocate and a spokesperson for education. A mind is a terrible thing to waste if you choose not to grow.” Tokens of appreciation were presented to Dr. Whalum by Dr. David L. Beckley and the Student Dr. Whalum with Ms. Tanya K. Kirk, Government Association of Rust College, for his participation in the event. Special tokens were UNCF Scholarship recipient also given to Mr. Lawrence Autry and Dr. Arvern Moore, longtime supporters of UNCF and Rust College; and Mrs. Carolyn Tyson and Mr. Bobby Bonds, longtime members of the UNCF committee. The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented a generous contribution to Rust College and the UNCF, which helped the campaign to surpass its goal of raising $60,000.
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented a generous donation to Rust College and the UNCF.
Special thanks to the members of the UNCF committee: Ms. Lillie Bolton, Mr. C.F. Brittenum, Mr. Fred Carlisle, Mr. Robert Curry, Mrs. Stella Hall, Mr. Sam McClatchy, Mrs. Anita Moore, Ms. Adrienne Phillips, Atty. William Schneller, Mrs. Naomi Taylor, Mrs. Carolyn Tyson, Mr. Bobby Bonds, Mr. Barry Burleson, Mrs. Cynthia Cole, Mayor Andre’ DeBerry, Mrs. Mary Hicks, Mr. Alfred Moore, Mrs. Christine Ratcliff, Ms. Jo Ann Scott, Mrs. Willa Terry, Mrs. Jurlean Walker, and Mrs. Carolyn Walton. Ex-Officio members are Dr. David L. Beckley, president of Rust College, Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards, Vice President for College Relations and Mrs. Shirley Dillard, former Director of Alumni Development.