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(March 2010) The University of North Carolina at Pembroke celebrated its 123rd year of service on Founder’s Day, Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Givens Performing Arts Center at the university.
“Our forefathers, with the assistance of Mr. Hamilton McMillan had the foresight to know what I would like to stress this morning, that an education from UNCP means employment and people working equals economic development,” affirmed Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett as he delivered his greeting to those in attendance.
According to the History of UNCP, the General Assembly of North Carolina, on March 7, 1887, enacted legislation to create the Croatan Normal School with the help of Representative Hamilton McMillan of Robeson County. “Good will can carry us a long way in life and the people that founded this university were people of good will,” stated Chancellor Charles R. Jenkins. It wasn’t until 1969 that the General Assembly changed the school’s name to Pembroke State University which later in 1996 officially became the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Dr. Linda Oxendine did a study 23 years ago on the descendants from W.L. Moore in regard to teaching service and she concluded that there are over 900 years of service within the Moore family. She also presented one of many historical facts that commencement exercises lasted across a span of four days in which students were required to debate during that time as well.
“The first tuition was free and you had to be at least 15 years old to attend however, if you could pass a reading, writing and arithmetic test you could be admitted as young as 11 years old but you had to promise to teach other American Indians too,” remarked Chairman of Faculty Senate, Dr. Anthony Curtis.
The ceremony honored descendants of Hamilton McMillan, Rev. W.L. Moore, the first board of trustees, and the graduating classes through 1950. “It’s not the honor you take with you, it’s the heritage you leave behind,” asserted Dr. Cheryl M. Locklear a 1975 graduate and Board of Governors Representative. The ceremony concluded with an Honor Song from Southern Sun Drum Group, remarks from the Chancellor and a reception in the lobby.
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| Tribal Chairman, Mr Purnell Swett(second from right) stand next to Dr. Linda Oxendine(retired CHair of UNCP American Indian Studies Program) listen to the Southern Sun Singers sing a traditional honor song |
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| Tribal Chairman, Mr Purnell Swett chats with alumni and friends after the ceremony |
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| Re-visiting days past with friends |
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| Chairman Mr. Purnell Swett after ceremony in lobby of GPAC. |
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CONTACT:
Kendra Danielle Chavis, Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 910.522.2187
Email: kdchavis@lumbeetribe.com |
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