On Thursday, November 7, 2019, Chowan University’s Jenkins Center transformed into an elegant banquet hall prepared to welcome scholarship recipients, their donors, and esteemed guests with warm, seasonal greetings. The event opened with host, President Dr. Kirk E Peterson, extending the official welcome to all attendees. Mari E. Wiles, University Minister, proceeded to give the invocation and blessing of the meal. 

At the conclusion of Rev. Wiles’s prayer, invited guests enjoyed a thanksgiving lunch, complete with succulent turkey as well as an ample serving of sides and a ginger molasses cake for dessert. Following lunch, Assistant Professor of Music Lisa Lowry was accompanied by pianist Dejuan Lee as she sang “The Water is Wide”, arranged by Scarlett Antaloczy. 

Loricia Martin, a senior psychology and criminal justice major, was the first of two outstanding students give her remarks on how being a scholarship recipient has enabled her to attend Chowan University and achieve her dreams. Loricia was poised and confident as she shared her story of growing up in an unstable family dynamic with accompanying financial struggles. Though many facing her predicaments might have accepted their situation, Loricia was determined to not become another disheartening statistic. Now on the brink of graduation, Loricia describes herself as a hard worker who has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles as well as a gracious recipient of annual scholarships and aid from selfless individuals. 

Kendall Butler, a senior graphic communications major, followed Loricia’s heartfelt remarks. His speech also detailed the struggles he faced along his Chowan journey. Apathy coupled with anti-social tendencies inhibited Kendall’s initial performance in his freshman year. Kind, thoughtful words from concerned professors instilled a reassurance and motivation in Kendall to accomplish beyond what he believed he was capable of achieving. Kendall recounted the many ways Chowan University has invested in his future: genuine professors rooting for his success, establishing business connections, providing internship opportunities, and even the chance to travel abroad. Kendall’s thriving Chowan experience is thanks to the monetary contributions and endowed scholarships gracious donors have provided. 

After scholarship recipients extended their gratitude, three Chowan University leaders offered their perspective on how endowed scholarships and the Annual Scholarship Luncheon have rippled to enable hundreds of worthy students to pursue their dreams. Scholarship donor Warren Chauncey spoke about the endowment experience from a donor’s viewpoint. His remarks were followed by Chancellor White’s comments on how the impact of donor’s support is beyond the money they give. Vice President for Development, John Tayloe provided the final mementos of appreciation on behalf of Chowan University and all of her students, faculty, and staff.