Seeking Outstanding Alumni!
The Alumni Awards program seeks to recognize
Outstanding Members
of the Mount Olive College alumni community.
Nominations are now being accepted through August 1.
Scroll down for Award information and download Nomination Form.
Alumni Awards
2008 Distinguished Service Award: James Cahoon '75
Cahoon, Assistant Superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools, received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award during Alumni Weekend's Sunday Worship Service. He is an active member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church; past president of the Columbia Rotary Club and past board member and chairman of the Original Free Will Baptist Children's Home. In 1997, Cahoon received the Outstanding Educator Award from ECU and in 1996 was named the Tyrrell County Schools Principal of the Year. Cahoon was nominated for the Distinguished Service Award because of his loyalty and service to his alma mater. He supports the College both financially and in action. He has served several terms on the Mount Olive College Alumni Association Board, including President of the Association in 2003-04. He has been quoted as saying, "the two years I spent at Mount Olive College were the most fulfilling years of my life. My time spent at the College allowed me to redirect my life in such a way that I was able to discover a purpose for my life beyond me as an individual." Barry Whitley '76 presented the award stating, "James Cahoon was a great roomate, but more than that, he is a great friend. More like a brother. I appreciated then his good morals, honesty and wisdom as I still do to this day."
2008 Hall of Fame Award: James Bethea '92
Bethea was nominated for Hall of Fame Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and for his involvement in numerous civic and professional activities. He is currently an assistant professor in the Human Services and Counseling Department at St. John's University in Queens, NY. He is also coordinator of the Mental Health Counseling Program where he prepares graduate level counselors to work with children and/or adults in a variety of mental health settings. Additionally, he is a senior research fellow for the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John's, a prestigiuous university faculty honor which recognizes effective teaching and scholarly research. Bethea serves as a consultant for the Southern Queens Parks Association providing mental health counseling services to children, adolescents and adults. He also works with the Young Adult Internship Program for low-income New York City young adults aged 16-24 who are not working and not in school. Additionally, he serves as a volunteer Disaster Mental Health counselor for the American Red Cross of Greater New York. Bethea is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. He holds additional certifications in Crisis Intervention and Mentoring Supervision. He identifies Mount Olive College as being the place of his transformation. Dr. Sharon Carter, MOC Chair of Recreation and Leisure Studies, presented the award stating, "James was one of my favorite students. He had a 'goodness of spirit' that made him a very likable young man among the faculty and his fellow students. I think he really found his calling when he decided to major in therapeutic recreation because he genuinely cared about what he could do to improve the quality of life for persons who had life difficulties that kept them from realizing their potential. He had a natural communication style that truly connected with people, so I am not surprised that he is a counselor and university educator. I am really proud of him!"
2008 Hall of Fame Cohort Award: Donna Fortner Edmundson '96
Edmundson was nominated for the Hall of Fame Cohort Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to her profession and for her involvement in numerous civic and professional activities. She holds the position of Corporate Health Coordinator for Wayne Memorial Hospital where she has been employed since 1989. Over the years, Edmundson has received the 2006 NC Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service; in 2003, she was nominated for the Wayne Memorial Nursing Excellence Award; and in 2006 was named to the NC Great 100 Nurses. According to co-workers, it is Edmundson's willingness to do more than is required that makes her stand out in her profession. According to co-workers, it is Edmundson's willingness to do more than is required that makes her a stand-out in her profession. "The thing that makes her truly outstanding is that she really loves what she does" shared a co-worker. Jerilyn Lee '96 presented the award stating, "when asked what stands out the most about Donna, I would say her honesty and integrity and a burning desire to be the very best that she can be Whether it is her work as a nurse, a volunteer with the Red Cross or planning a social event for the Military Affairs Committee, her goal is for it to be perfect."
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2008 Business Associate of the Year: Meredith-Leigh Craig '98
Craig is the owner and special events manager of American Tool Rentals in Kinston as well as owner of M. L. Craig and Associates, a collections agency. She has been active in the Phi Beta Lambda organization since her Mount Olive College days and has continued this involvement receiving the Distinguished Service Award at the NC Phi Beta Lambda Professional Division earlier this year. She is also very active with the Kinston Professional Women's Club; Kinston's morning Rotary Chapter; active member of First Baptist Church in Kinston and secretary of the NC 4-H Development Fund Board of Directors. Vickie Stroud Robinson '92, MOC Director of Development, stated, "it is with special honor and pleasure this year that I award Meredith Craig, a very dear friend, the award of Alumni Business Associate of the Year."
2008 Lifetime Membership Award: A. N. Martin '58
Martin, a constant friend and supporter of MOC, received the Lifetime Membership Award. Dianne Riley, Director of Alumni Relations, shared, "the Life Membership Award is not given every year. It is held for special times." Martin and wife, Ann, and son, Steve, annually assist with the planning and coordination of the Michael Martin Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament which was established in memory of their son and brother Michael. Michael was also an MOC alumnus (Class of 1991) and highway patrolman who died in the line of duty. Since the tournament was established, over $300,000 has been raised to support 35 scholarships to deserving MOC students interested in golf or the field of criminal justice. The award was presented by Genevieve McLamb Taylor and Herb Tyson from the class of 1957. Taylor stated, "Martin is a quiet and unassuming man. He is quick to tell you that he is not a rich man; however, he is proud of his alma mater. He has a passion to help young people, a good heart and a good business head on his shoulders." Tyson added, "A. N. is an alumnus who has been instrumental in helping in the transformation of many lives at MOC."
2008 Alumni Volunteers Award: Karen Thornton Sutton '76 and Francine Elks Cooke '76
The 1976 grads, Cooke and Sutton, were lauded for their volunteer efforts with the planning and coordination of the 2008 Winter Glitz, an event developed by the MOC Alumni Association to raise funds for student scholarships. Over $16,000 was raised during the inaugural event held in February. "These ladies were determined it (Winter Glitz) would work when others were very skeptical," stated Dianne Riley, Director of Alumni Relations at MOC. "They never gave up even in trying moments. Karen and Francine brought an enormous amount of vision, new ideas, and planning to this event. They never lost sight of their goal, and executed a terrific follow-through with other volunteers." The award was presented by Gregg Paul '74, President Elect of the MOC Alumni Association.
Honorary Alumnus of Mount Olive College: Kenneth Dilda
Dilda, a history professor at Mount Olive College for 38 years, was presented the award by Romey McCoy '78. Dilda's specialty is southern history, political science and museum studies. In addition to his work at the College, Dilda serves as the director of the David John Aaron Museum in Mount Olive. He is past president of the Mouth Olive Area Historical Society, and continues to serve on the Historical Association's Board. A favorite among MOC students and alumni, Dilda has been recognized many times for his classroom instruction. In 1991, he was named the MOC Teacher of the Year and in 1998 was recognized as the Most Outstanding Teacher in Criminal Justice at the College. Additionally, in 1984 he was named the Mount Olive Boys Club Man of the Year and in 1976 he received the Governor's Award for Community Service. Over the years, Dilda's volunteer efforts have extended to many organizations in Wayne County including: Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Mount Olive Jaycees, Waynesborough Park Committee, Carver Elementary School and many others. McCoy stated, "Many of us that had the distinct privilege to learn from Professor Dilda's teachings, have been encouraged to strive for excellence and were better prepared for the world that lay ahead. Dr. Alan K. Lamm, Chair of the MOC Department of History and Social Studies, noted, "Ken Dilda has been a tremendous influence on my life. I always loved history, but after studying under Mr. Dilda at Mount Olive, I was inspired to go into teaching history at the college level. He has always been a role model for me as a professor."
The Alumni Awards program seeks to recognize outstanding members of the Mount Olive College alumni community. You can download the nomination form and mail your completed form to: Dianne B. Riley '67, Director of Alumni Relations, Mount Olive College, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365.
Distinguished Service Award:
This award is presented to an Alum for participation and leadership in activities, which promote the advancement of Mount Olive College. Any former student (not necessarily a degree holder) who has been instrumental in the advancement of Mount Olive College rendering outstanding service by going beyond the call of duty for Mount Olive College and/or the Alumni Association and has distinguished himself/herself through personal or professional accomplishment is eligible for the award. Distinction may have been brought to Mount Olive College directly or indirectly through professional achievements in various fields.
Hall of Fame Award:
Traditional and Cohort
These awards are presented in recognition of productive citizenship and outstanding service to community, state, nation, or humankind for outstanding professional accomplishment. Any former student (not necessarily a degree holder) who has distinguished himself/herself through professional accomplishment in their field of work and who has brought distinction to Mount Olive College directly or indirectly through their achievements in these various fields may be considered for the Alumni Hall of Fame Award.
Business Associate Award
This award is given each year to honor an alum of Mount Olive College for extraordinary service and support whose business is a member of MOC Business Associate Program. Business Associates of Mount Olive College are businesses that contribute $1,000 or more annually to the College. Contributors to the Business Associates program join a long and distinguished list of community leaders whose vision and generosity enable the College to serve an ever-widening student population with ever-increasing needs. Support provides the operating budget with a dependable flow of unrestricted funds critical to the distinctive education Mount Olive College provides its students. Gifts help shape the future by providing opportunities that will last a lifetime.
Nominations
Nominations should be accompanied with biographical information including formal education, family, employment history, professional/special achievements, honors, awards, church affiliation and activities, community services/activities, contributions to Mount Olive College (other than monetary) or activities with Mount Olive College since college days and an alumni recommendation. All information must be forwarded to the Alumni Office by August 1. These nominations will be forwarded to the alumni awards committee for review and selection. All nominations will be carefully screened, reviewed, and otherwise considered by the committee. The presentations will be made during Alumni Weekend. Nominations for this year's Alumni Awards are currently being accepted. Send nominations to driley@moc.edu with "Alumni Award Nomination" as the subject line or download the nomination form and mail the completed form to: Dianne B. Riley '67, Director of Alumni Relations, Mount Olive College, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365.
The 2007 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award:
C. Darrell Horne '67
Hall of Fame Award:
Steve Herring '72
Business Associate of the Year:
Johnny T. Davis, Jr. '66
Honorary Alumni:
J. E. and the late Joyce Andrews
The 2006 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award:
Robert L. Tillman '62
Hall of Fame Award - Non Traditional:
Gary L. Evans '98, New Bern Cohort 19
Hall of Fame - Traditional
Linda Stevenson Budd '69
Business Associate of the Year:
David E. Jackson '81
The 2005 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Stanley Harrell '60
Hall of Fame Award - Traditional
Sandra Humphrey Davis '77
Hall of Fame Award - Non Traditional
Jerilyn James Lee '96
Honorary Alumnus
Willis Brown
Earl H. Glenn
Life Membership Award
Carrie Lou Bowden Asbill '55
The 2004 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
James Alton Cowan '59
Hall of Fame Award
Kim Quinn '88
Life Membership Award
Frank Ray Harrison '61
Honorary Alumni
William Burkette Raper
Rose Mallard Raper
The 2003 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Nigle Bruce "Tex" Barrow, Jr. '70
Hall of Fame Award
Earl Williamson Worley, Jr. '86
Honorary Alumni Award
William P. "Bill" Kemp, Jr.
E. J. "Buddy" Pope, Jr.
Special Appreciation Award for Extraordinary Leadership, Support and Christian Spiritual Life Enrichment
Nigle Bruce Barrow Family
The 2002 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Awards
Genevieve McLamb Taylor '57
Hilda Boykin Watkins '57
Hall of Fame Award
Marian Kennedy '82
Honorary Alumni Award
Lorelle F. Martin
Michael R. Pelt
The 2001 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Marvin Waters '73
Hall of Fame Award
William Whitfield '73
Life Membership Award
Lillian Langley '55
Billy Yawn '59
The 2000 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Allen R. Overman '57
Hall of Fame Award
Ashley G. Summerlin '94
The 1999 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Howard F. Scott '74
Hall of Fame Award
J. Freddie Pierce '88
The 1998 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
E. Lee Glover '59
Hall of Fame
Charles Gary Wilson '77
The 1997 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Kenneth "Kenney" Moore '83
Hall of Fame Award
Neal Lancaster '82
Clarence Rose '78