THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 20, 1996 TAG: 9608200339
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHILIP WALZER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 55 lines
In his final back-to-school address to Norfolk State University professors, President Harrison B. Wilson said Monday that he couldn't have succeeded over the last two decades without the faculty's support and commitment to students.
``Despite the problems of race and money, despite discouragements and setbacks, you, the faculty, staff and administrators, have helped to make Norfolk State prevail and endure,'' said Wilson, who is retiring next summer after 22 years in charge of Norfolk State.
`` . . . I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your confidence in me, for your support of my endeavors and, most of all, for your caring and nurturing spirit afforded our students. I shall always be indebted to you for the tremendous job you've been able to do.''
He applauded professors for their work in winning university accreditation and their willingness to teach an extra class per semester in the early '90s, to cope with state budget cuts.
``I can truly say that whenever I have called upon the faculty, . . . I have always been able to count on you to come through when the chips were down and the pressure was on the line. For each time that you performed so well for this institution, I say thank you again, because I can't say that enough.''
Wilson also cited illustrious alumni, including Ervin Jordan, a University of Virginia historian, and Kathleen Magee, co-founder of Operation Smile, which provides medical services for the poor.
``These are just a few of the outstanding products of Norfolk State, which you have developed with your academic training, your skill in counseling and your caring attitude,'' Wilson said.
During his 45-minute speech, he also urged professors to pursue several goals after he leaves:
Spruce up the surrounding Brambleton neighborhood. ``We must insist that it be cleaned up,'' he said to applause. Wilson urged professors to lobby City Council members to raze abandoned houses and build new ones.
``I'd like some nice stores on Park Avenue. . . . I'd like Park Avenue to look like Paris. It's very possible.''
Build a hotel on Brambleton and Park avenues. ``It would be a great thing . stay at a first-class hotel.''
Develop ``master teacher'' relationships with students, in the same way that Olympic coach Bela Karolyi encouraged his female gymnasts. ``We have to bring that same zeal and zest into our classrooms.''
Pursue electronic methods of teaching so Norfolk State could beam courses to universities such as Harvard.
In his last year as president, Wilson said, ``I do not intend to coast, to let down, not to lessen my zeal for Norfolk State. And I assuredly do not intend to be a lame-duck president.'' Wilson announced last month that he would retire next July to spend more time with his family.
Wilson received a standing ovation at the end of his speech.
Norfolk State, like most area colleges, will start classes next week. Courses began Monday at Tidewater Community College. by CNB