Howard University - Bison Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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Above right: Cheek in h.s office Looking acton the ♦root, a m token to reflect on the day s Cheek Named New President Dr. James Cheek, the human dynamo who successfully resurrected Shaw University, has become the fifteenth President of Howard University. Dr. Cheek received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Shaw University and his Ph.D. at Drew University. While President at Shaw, the young administrator brought the University from the verge of bankruptcy, initiated a massive construction program, raised academic standards, doubled enrollment and more than doubled faculty salaries. These actions established his reputation as a top college administrator. Dr. Cheek p'ans to unify the students. faculty and administration into a cohesive academic community. He espouses the need to establish mutual confidence and trust among all faculties. i’he President admits that this will require cooperation and everyone working together. The 36 year old administrator believes that Howard should be the fountainhead of all universities as far as Black education is concerned.' In support of this idea, he hopes to develop a School of Urban Sciences. The objectives of this school will be to produce rew knowledge, technology, and engineers to relieve the urban crisis. Students, faculty, and administrators expect Dr. Cheek's performance will equal or surpass the actions of former Howard presidents. 17

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Either H. Polard—A member of the Commit lee on Instruction and Research and ♦he Committee on Admisvonj and Standards. ij chef of the Child Support Section of D. C. Juvonilo Court. Honorable Myles Paige—A member of the f ecutive Committee he »t a retired justice of tho Family Court of the State of New Yorl Walter H. Bioringer—A member of the Board s Joint Distribution Committee. Mr. Bierinqer is in addition the E ecutive Vice-Prevdent of Plymouth Rubber Company. 16

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President Welcomed at Reception in Festive decorations and soft, live music set the mood as guests arrived at a university wide reception for Dr. James Cheek and family. Refreshments were served buffet style at tables around the gym floor. Short introductory remarks by Judge Scovel Richardson, chairman of the Board of Trustees, officially opened the program. As he presented Dr. Cheek, he prophesied that the latter would in a short time become the beloved President of Howard University. After thanking Judge Richardson, the new president introduced his Men’s Gym family—his wife. Celestine: his daughter. Janet Elizabeth; and son. Jimmy. He then outlined his activities since coming to Howard and his hopes for the university. The remainder of the evening consisted of a highly varied and entertaining musical program. The highlight of the evening was provided by the Gospel Choir, organized last spring. The whole gathering came to life as director Wallace Williams ’ed the choir in renditions of O Happy Day. Up Above My Head. and I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.’ Above: Richardson ntroducei Dr. Cheek and his family fo the audience. Left: The New Th ng jozz trio perform their selections. Above: The mellow singing of M Vo King sets the stage for the hand-dapping, foot-stomping session begun by the Gospel Choir with ' O Happy Day (below). 18