Elizabeth City State University - Viking Yearbook (Elizabeth City, NC)

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Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again, wisely improve thie present NEW SPORTS ARENA It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear, and with a manly heart. — Longfellow NEW INDUSTRIAL ARTS BUILDING Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adveF- sity. —Aristotle NEW MAINTENANCE BUILDING Model of Campus Development 10

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VIKING 1964 fe-.

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GREETINGS TO THE CLASS OF 1978! Although Chancellors or Presidents often Include statements in yearbooks of graduating classes, I have felt that our yearbooks can and do speak for themselves in capturing many of the inerasable memories of our sojourn at Elizabeth City State University. We are all acutely aware, however, that a multitude of changes are ever with us— in the world-at-large, in our per- sonal lives, and here in Viking Land. Since this is true, 1 feel we might pause for a moment in this our 1978 Yearbook, to note some of these changes, and also seek to glimpse a bit of the future. It is a significant time for BOTH of us:— for you, commencing into wider worlds of opportunity for service; for me, completing my first decade of responsibility as President and Chancellor of our beloved institution. For these reasons, I ' m enclosing my first yearbook statement since my arrival. What are some of the significant events which have occurred? For one example, as of 1978, we have produced graduates in fields of study which once did not exist here. As another, we have rather cheerfully endured in- conveniences necessary to accomplish significant physical expansion of our campus and its facilities. Further, we have seen our faculty and staff grow in size and strength— though we have also regretted losing some who gave so much of themselves in order to help us become what we are, and what we will be. We have seen our student body grow steadily in size, quality, and accomplishments. This is perhaps MOST signifi- cant because as time moves inexorably onward, YOU, the students, and YOU, who become the alumni, will be the ones in the final analysis who let others, locally or worldwide, know just what the essence of ECSU really is. And so, ultimately upon you rests the responsibility of showing that ECSU, your Alma Mater, is an excellent place to enter, maturate in, and depart from— then to demonstrate to the world that being a Viking is a lifelong asset. THIS, I feel confident, the Class of 1978 will do— just as its worthy predecessors have done and those who follow will do. And what of TOMORROW,— Class of 1978— having spoken of the past and present? None can say for certainty what tomorrow will be, but we can sketch what we HOPE shall be, and collectively seek to become. We feel we will grow larger and stronger, as we work toward our goals in togetherness— you as alumni, and we who continue to be here. We feel that we will have greater resources: in terms of increased good will, increased financial support, increased student services and especially in the strengthening and broadening of our existing and future academic program— which is what we ' re all about, in the first place. In academics, for example, there are plans for new majors and degree opportunities. We anticipate this phase of growth in the fine and practical arts, in certain technological and scientific areas, in the area of planning for better living— environmentally and otherwise, and in op- portunities for graduate study. Also as a part of tomorrow, as new students, faculty, staff, and administrators come to us, we anticipate enhanced quality and cohesiveness among all of them. We look to these types of resources and the kind who will join with the many fine persons already here in helping to achieve our and their plans, goals, and dreams. To do less than these things would be in discord with our role within The University of North Carolina System; would abort the expectations and labors of our Founders and those who have so arduously sought to implement their dreams; would subvert our own pride and sense of worth to the world— ECSU sentiments so aptly expressed in our Hymn— our Alma Mater. I feel that such MUST not, WILL not, be the case. Instead, MY glimpse into the future says that, working together, we SHALL achieve; that we shall achieve an ECSU of a nature beyond even the fondest dreams of our predecessors. I know that we have ample foundation upon which to build in order to make these things come true— that we CAN create an even greater edifice for learning, personal growth, and service to others. Finally, and in summary, we have worked together for the continued growth of ourselves and our institution. Together, we have experienced good moments, proud moments, and sad moments. But for ALL our moments, now and in the future, may we remember that there is a Divine Compass — to guide us into and through all worthy things which we would achieve. And so, Class of 1978, I remind you of just a few of the many words in that Divine Compass, which we should recall as, together, we journey into tomorrow. The Prophet Isaiah tells us (40:31): 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. Mrs. Thorpe, our family and I commend these words to you, congratulate your achievements and wish you Godspeed as you walk from these halls into the bright promises of tomorrow. Most cordially yours, Marion D. Thorpe Chancellor 11