Shaw University - Bear Yearbook (Raleigh, NC)

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CLASS HISTORY In the year 1949, two-hundred and sixty-six innocent freshmen entered the sacred walls of Shaw University. These students, coming from eleven States and the District of Columbia, had varied interests, aspirations and objectives. Some came primarily to receive academic training, and some came to participate in extra-curricular activities as well as to receive academic training. These new students were quick to make adjustments to college life with the guidance of the orientation committee. To guide them through the first year as freshmen, they elected as their President, Thomas Armour; Secretary, Mary High; and as Advisor, Mr. ' Arthur George. Under the efficient leadership of the class officers with the assistance of their advisor, the infant Shawites settled down to a year of fruitful academic study and noteworthy extra-curricular partici- pation. The members of the class of ’53 strengthened the already notable music and dramatics departments. The Shaw University Chorale Society was reinforced by such personalities as Ella White, Aquilla Hairston, Judith Combo, James Alexander, Shirley Shannon, Gloria Kershaw, Mary Dudley, Helen Thompson, Dorothy Hodges, Billie Bland, Elmer Van Clark, Elsie Saunders, Ann Matthews, Rachel Jones, Oliver Lancaster, Diana Dunn, Frances Bronson, and Tullie Bazemore. In the realm of dra- matics, Jeanette Stephenson served as capable president for a year and later as vice-president of the Shaw Players. Other members of the class belonging to the Shaw Players participated in some of the plays which were given. In the meantime, other members of the class were busy strengthening the Athletic Department. John Thomas, Thomas Armour, George Singfield, John Rascoe, Wilson Chambers and William Alexander gave their muscular strength to the football team. To the roster of the basketball team were added the names of Elmer Clark, our present captain; Alphonso Wilson, Edward Smith, Ernest Middleton and Walter Robinson. The success of these endeavors can best be seen in terms of the large numbers of freshmen on the honor roll as the year ended, and in terms of awards received by individual members of the class. The recipients of the Freshman Class Awards were Dorothy Turner and Donald Davis. Other persons awarded for outstanding achievements were Bessie Perry, Annie L. Shaw, Tullie Bazemore and James Alexander. The second year, though fewer in number, the members of the class were able and more determined to carry on the work that they had so successfully started. They elected officers to plan and steer them through a successful sophomore year. John Rascoe was elected president; Shirley Shannon, Secretary; Mr. George was again selectedadvisor. Now well adjusted to college life, the class members found that they had no trouble excelling, academically and socially. The class was led by Lorine Harris and Dorothy Turner in academic achievements. They were recipients of the Sophomore Class Awards. Dorothy Turner was also awarded the Dr. Nelson H. Harris Prize, and John Rascoe was awarded the Benjamin G. Brawley Memorial Prize. The class members now sought leadership to guide them in the third year of their educational journey. George Singfield was elected President; Maxine Hoover, Secretary; Mrs. Norma Gaillard, Advisor. It was during this year that Harriet Nunn, Annie L. Shaw, Lorine Harris, Judith Combo, Dorothy Turner, Hobart Price and James Alexander became members of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Members of the class who became members of Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities were: Shirley Shannon, Annie L. Shaw, Oliver Lancaster, and Gloria Kershaw. Academically, the Junior Class was led by Dorothy Turner and James Alexander, both receiving the Junior Class Awards for that particular year. John Rascoe was elected to serve as President of the Student Council. The activities of the year closed with the sponsorship of the traditional Junior-Senior Prom which was a heel-clicking success. As the Senior Class now prepared for the last year of their collegiate sojourn, they elected George Singfield again as President. Helen Ragland was elected as Secretary, and Mr. Samuel Green as Advisor. During this senior year, the members of the class of ’53 received additional honors. Seven members of the class were selected as candidates to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. They were Harriet Nunn, James Alexander, John Rascoe, Shirley Shannon, Annie L. Shaw, Alphonso Wilson, and Oliver Lancaster. Another of our group, Eleanor P. Adams, became a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Thus closes the history of the famous class of 1953, a class which has endeavored to uphold the principles of Shaw University, and one which we hope will- reach greater heights and achieve nobler deeds to the honor and glory of its Alma Mater. Historian, DOROTHY LEE TURNER 15

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CLASS OFFICERS Mr. Samuel L. Green Advisor Mary Brooks Assistant Secretary Helen Ragland Secretary Hobart Price Parliamentarian Charles Alston Reporter Oliver Lancaster Treasurer Maxine Hoover Student Council Representative Gloria Kershaw Student Council Representative James Alexander Emma McDowell Sergeanl-at-Arms Student Council Representative

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SENIORS Eleanor Pearl Adams, A.B. “Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend, before we into the dust descend.” Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society; Young Women’s Organization. Mae Thelma Adams, B.S. “When love ' and skill work together expect a masterpiece.” Young Women’s Organization; Yearbook Staff; Future Teachers of America. James Zacheus Alexander, A.B. “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possesseth.” B.S.U.; S.C.A.; Student Council; State Student Legislative Assembly; Men’s Personnel Council; Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society; Who ' s Who; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; University Chorale Society; Theological Fraternity. William Edward Alexander, A.B. “The essences of life are those pleasures there from derived.” Pan-Hellenic Council; Football; Basketball; Base- ball; Spanish Club; Varsity Club. Agnes Iverna Alston, A.B. “Knowledge is but folly unless it is guided by grace.” Student Council; Speech Choir; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Young Women’s Organization; Pan-Hellenic Council. Charles C. Alston, A.B. “Success is the reward of sacrifice” Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Football Team; Vars- ity Club; Physical Education Club; S.C.A.; B.S.U.; Sunday School; Pan-Hellenic Council; Shaw Journal; Yearbook Staff; Intramural Sports: Alemtta Armstrong, A.B. “Always take advice, but do your own deciding.” Dramatics Club; B.S.U.; S.C.A.; Young Women’s Organization. Sarah Lillie Baldwin, A.B. “In the process of gaining the respect of others, by no means lose the most important, self-respect.” Young Women’s Organization; S.C.A.; B.S.U.; Sunday School. 16