North Carolina Central University - Eagle Yearbook (Durham, NC)

Page 10 text:

-ap?:i- JNorth Carolina Central University Founder ' s Day Friday, November 2 NCCU - A Triumph of Faith The history of orth Carolina Central I nnersity and its founder. Dr. fames E. Shepard. 1.1 music and narrative. presented by the VCCt Choirs and the Department of Dramatic Art. 11 a.m. B.N. Duke Auditorium Wrealh-la inB exercise al Dr. Shopard s statue to follow. t the lounge of the oino Elder Student An Educator Is Born The history of North Carolina Central University is in- timately linked with the life of James E. Shepard. When he was 35 years of age, he founded the institution; for the remaining 37 years of his life he carried its respon- sibility, directed its course, secured the funds for its operation and extension, and molded its course. Dr. James E. Shepard was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, November 3, 1875 to Reverend Augustus Shepard and the former Hattie Whitted. His father, a Bap- tist minister served as pastor of the White Rock Baptist Church of Durham. Being of a religious family background, James Shepard was raised to love Jesus. He was baptized at an early age. He was educated at Shaw University, one of the oldest Black Institutions In the country, which had been founded in the early wave of interest in Black education by Major Tupper. James E. Shepard was trained as a pharmacist and opened the first Black drug store in Durham. Later, he became a licensed preacher, in order to present the needs of his school from the pulpits of his brethem. In his druggist days, he became interested in politics and was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue, with offices in Raleigh. He was considering the campaign of Congress as successor to Representative Cheatham, last black to represent North Carolina in the national legislature (at that time), when he accepted appointment int to a post in the office of the Register of Deeds of Washington, D.C.

Page 9 text:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This year ' s edition of the eagle is being dedicated to Dr. Helen G. Edmonds on behalf of her numerous personal and university affiliated accomplishments. Some of these accomplishments include the position of Dean of the Graduate School (19641971), and Professor Emeritus of North Carolina Central University (1971 -1977). Dr. Edmonds has been a motivational and inspirational leader to students and administration alike for a number of years and continues to be active in University related affairs. I am sure I speak for the entire university community by stating that her undying interest in the future growth of the student body, not only in sheer numbers, but in the quality attained by the students are greatly appreciated by all par- ties concerned. According to Dr. Edmonds, The Eagle is no ordinary! So, we as students must strive to fulfill the ideals of our highly distinguished alumna. Dr. Helen G. Ed- monds. Duff Tinnin Dr. George Reid The bonafide student body of North Carolina Central University acknowledge the many services rendered to this university and student body by Dr. James F. Blue, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; Dr. Rodger Bryant, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; and Dr. George Reid. Dr. James F. Blue Dr. Rodger Bryant

Page 11 text:

r Annie D. Shepard Author of N.C.C.CI. ' s Alma Mater ALMA MATER Mrs. Annie Day Shepard apparently held only one title at this university her husband founded in 1910. For three years she was identified as Matron of the Dining Hall. For thirty-six years Mrs. Shepard was devoted to counseling students. If not for her efforts in helping students, many of them would not have achieved their wants and wishes. Mrs. Shepard was the author to the words to the university ' s Alma Mater, whose three verses are still sung today. Mrs. Shepard died Februray 8, 1 947. Her funeral was conducted on the following Monday. That morning an address by Langston Hughes was scheduled on the N.C.C.CJ. campus. The celebrated poet dedicated a poem. Dear Lovely Death to Mrs. Shepard. Mrs. Shepard was married to James E. Shepard November 7 , 1895. To their union, two daughters were born — Majorie and An- nie Day. ' Dear Old N.C.C. The sloping hills, the verdant green The lovely blossoms ' beauteous sheen Surround our college proud and Gray Where wave our colors Maroon and Gray What matters it how far we roam. Our thots will oft return to home And hearts will e ' er be true to thee. Our Alma Mater M.C.C. Chorus Then Rah! Rah! Rah! For our colors so gay! Dear Old M.C.C. ' s Maroon and Gray Thy Sons and Daughters will honor thee. Dear Old N.C.C. You send us forth with hearts of love So like a blessing from above. And from the path we ' ll never stray Our dear Alma Mater Maroon and Gray We ' ll work and fight, we ' ll win our way. When duty calls we shall obey And may we e ' er return to thee Our Alma Mater. N.C.C. mt