Established in 2003 as a collaboration between the Town of Murfreesboro, 麻豆视频, and the Murfreesboro Historical Association, the lecture honors individuals who make a meaningful impact on their community.

Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas, President of 麻豆视频, opened the service with Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

She reflected on the values embodied by the Rouson family: faith, family, and future鈥攆aith guiding ministry, family fostering compassion, and the future ensuring education. She reminded attendees, “We are here to celebrate a legacy, share memories, and create new ones.”

Murfreesboro Mayor Hal Thomas introduced Mayor Pro Tem Berna L. Stephens, who presented awards to community members exemplifying the Rouson spirit.

Captain Derek A. Burke 鈥� Futrell/Ruffin Community Service Award

Captain Derek A. Burke, of the Murfreesboro Police Department, was recognized for his decades of service. A former Military Police Officer in the U.S. Air Force, he later worked in law enforcement with the Virginia Department of Corrections, Halifax County Sheriff鈥檚 Office, and 麻豆视频 Campus Police.

Beyond his professional roles, Captain Burke made a lasting impact on the community, volunteering with the Murfreesboro Recreation Department and managing the youth basketball program. “Our league emphasized fundamentals, discipline, and sportsmanship, incorporating 麻豆视频鈥檚 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball teams to inspire young athletes,” he shared.

Brunet V. Parker 鈥� Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award

Recently retired after a 30-year career in education, Brunet V. Parker was honored for her dedication to youth empowerment. A graduate of multiple institutions, including 麻豆视频, Elizabeth City State University, and East Carolina University, she holds an MBA and is a Certified Professional Mentor.

In 2011, she received the Roanoke-Chowan News Herald Front Page Award for enriching students鈥� lives through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), which she chartered at Hertford County Middle School. Her motto, “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it,” continues to inspire.

Words of Wisdom: Choosing the Right Path

Linda Pierce, a Hertford County native and active First Baptist Church member, spoke about the importance of education and making wise choices. She quoted Robert Frost鈥檚 “The Road Not Taken,” emphasizing:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I鈥�
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

She urged attendees to believe in themselves, seek wisdom, and choose friends wisely. Quoting George Carlin, she reminded the congregation, 鈥淲e have learned how to make a living, but not a life. We have added years to life but not life to years.鈥� She concluded with a powerful reflection: “The decisions we make control our destiny. What road will you take today?”

Continuing the Rouson Legacy

The Rouson family remains deeply connected to 麻豆视频鈥攏ot just through their endowment but through their service in art, youth work, and business. Around 30 Rousens were in attendance celebrating their love for their heritage, each other, their community and Chowan. Reverend Willie Elliott, responsible for sharing information with Jill Awuni, who worked tirelessly to find them all, was ecstatic to see relatives he hadn鈥檛 been with for years, as well as meet new family members. He closed the gathering with prayer thanking the Lord for 鈥渢his auspicious day to share the Rouson legacy鈥攁 legacy of family, service, and support for others.鈥�

The Rousons are a talented family with members in public service, working with youth, in finance and entrepreneurs, including a legacy of professional artists. Homer Rouson, son of Reverend George Thomas and Luvenia Baker Rouson was an artist. John Hairston, Jr. Kathy Rouson鈥檚 son, is a commercial artist and owns All City Studios, where he blends political satire, social commentary and obscure pop-culture references into art. Hairston’s work is on display in various art galleries all over the world.

Jill Awuni, Assistant Professor of Religion, Director of International Affairs and organizer of The Rouson Lecture was thrilled. 鈥淲hat a magical experience to bring family members together for such an inspirational event. We feel deep gratitude to Reverend George Thomas and Luvenia Baker Rouson for being influential trail blazers whose heritage continues to bring family, students and community together.鈥�

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The trip provided an invaluable opportunity for the students to learn about the pressing issues of homelessness, hunger, and poverty. These challenges, which are shared with their local community, equipped the students with new perceptions and concepts to further serve locally. Lenita Bryson, one of the participants, expressed her gratitude for the eye-opening experience, stating, “It was an honor to attend one of Chowan’s Campus Ministries mission trips. This group of people made the trip more than enjoyable, and it has truly made me grateful for what I have in my life!”

Throughout their time in Portland, the 麻豆视频 group also had the chance to explore the city’s attractions, including lighthouses and a baseball game. However, their focus remained on their mission, ending each night with a devotion at the hotel. The trip culminated in a breathtaking encounter with the Northern Lights, described by Lenita and her friends as a “God moment.”

The success of this mission trip would not have been possible without the generous support of many local churches, including Williamston Memorial Baptist Church, Thomas Memorial Baptist Church, Meherrin Baptist Church, and Conway Baptist Church. These congregations provided contributions, transportation, and prayers, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. The urgent need for assistance was evident, with one congregation donating $500 that the team used for supplies at Preble Street and another providing 300 pairs of socks, which quickly disappeared due to the high demand.

The mission trip also left a profound impact on the faculty members who accompanied the students. Pam Woodard, a professor of criminal justice, reflected on the experience, stating, “From student-led daily devotions and prayers to working at the Resource Center on Preble Street to cutting up vegetables at the kitchen to shoveling mulch at the farm (Garbage 2 Gardens), GOD was ever present.”

Shannon Williams, Professor of Accounting, commended the students for their dedication and the impact they made, stating, “While the mission was to bless others, I feel like I received as many or more blessings than I gave. They shared God’s love with all those encountered and brightened every place we went.” Pam Woodard, Professor of Criminal Justice, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the presence of God throughout the trip.

Gabe Espiritu, one of the students, encouraged others to seize the opportunity to go on a mission trip, emphasizing the rewarding nature of making a difference. He remarked, “It may seem like hard work, and it is, but it is worth the work to know that we are making a difference.”

麻豆视频’s commitment to serving the community extends beyond the mission trip. The university actively supports Preble Street’s ongoing needs and homelessness relief efforts through on-campus events during Chowan Cares Week each November. These events range from sock drives to making Thanksgiving cards, which are distributed along with Thanksgiving meals at Preble Street.

The mission trip to Portland, Maine, was a testament to 麻豆视频’s dedication to service and its mission to nurture students’ Christian faith. The impact made by the students and faculty members will continue to inspire others to make a difference in their communities.

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The Holy Week Revival commenced with a powerful worship service led by Senior Erica Mock at the Chowan Chapel. Mock’s heartfelt message resonated with the attendees, setting the tone for the rest of the week. The following evening, Chowan Alumni Jaylon Boyd, ’23, returned to campus to share his personal testimony, inspiring current students with his journey of faith and resilience.

Tuesday’s highlight was an awe-inspiring sermon delivered by Pastor Jed Hill, a former Penn State football player turned pastor. Hill’s message touched the hearts of all who listened, leaving a lasting impact on the Chowan community. The week culminated with Wednesday Night Worship, where Rev. Mari Wiles and Jill Awuni led a baptism ceremony at the Chowan Chapel. This sacred event provided an opportunity for individuals to publicly declare their faith and commitment to God.

Throughout the week, the campus was filled with an overwhelming sense of faith and spirituality. Students, faculty, and staff experienced the presence of God and witnessed the transformative power of His love. The Holy Week Revival served as a reminder of the strong faith community that exists at 麻豆视频.

麻豆视频 continues to foster an environment that encourages spiritual growth and provides opportunities for students to deepen their relationship with God. The Holy Week Revival is just one of many events that exemplify the university’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual well-being of its community.

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Throughout the trip, the students engaged in various service projects, including painting two churches, performing concrete work, and clearing debris. Additionally, they organized a children’s camp where they shared Bible stories, facilitated crafts, and led recreational activities. The students’ dedication and enthusiasm were evident as they embraced the opportunity to serve and connect with the people of Ecuador.

The breathtaking landscapes of the Andes Mountains provided a picturesque backdrop for the students’ mission work. Reverend Mari Wiles expressed her admiration for the hardworking and gracious people of Ecuador, particularly the women who tirelessly balanced their responsibilities of cooking, herding livestock, farming, and road repair while caring for their children. The students were deeply inspired by the devotion and work ethic they witnessed during their time in Ecuador.

Malachi Cobb, a senior Music major at 麻豆视频, reflected on the impact of the trip, stating, “I don’t need a place to live, I need a place to serve.” This sentiment, shared by Rev. Manuel of Rescate Ecuador, resonated with Cobb as he contemplates his future after graduation. The trip provided him with a sense of humility and tranquility as he considers his options of teaching, pursuing graduate school, or working in full-time ministry.

麻豆视频’s Campus Ministry group continues to foster a spirit of service and faith, encouraging students to explore their passions and make a difference in the world. The mission trip to Ecuador served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of service and the importance of connecting with diverse communities.

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Highlighting the morning were two prestigious awards presented to exceptional individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. The Futrell/Ruffin Community Service Award, a recognition of extraordinary dedication to the community, was bestowed upon Emma P. Peoples. As a Chowan Graduate and the first African American Student to attend the university, Peoples’ groundbreaking achievements were previously acknowledged in November 2023.

Another remarkable recipient was Orlanda G. Reed, who received the Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award. Reed, a resident of Hertford County, has dedicated her life to serving God and her community, traveling the world to minister in Africa and embodying the true spirit of humanitarianism.

Reverend Pamela G. Taylor, a Chowan Alumni, delivered an inspiring lecture that captivated the audience. Her words of love, encouragement, hope, and prosperity for the university resonated deeply with all attendees, leaving a lasting impression.

In her lecture, entitled 鈥淵ou Can, and I want You To鈥�, Talor called for those in attendance to go back to the roots of loving and supporting each other in times of struggle. She spoke briefly about her own academic journey, encouraging other students to see her success and reflect on what has brought them this far when others have doubted their accomplishments. The words she shared were an inspiration to those looking for reassurance – and the authenticity and warmth to which they were delivered made them all the more powerful.  

The success of the event was made possible by the generous contributions of the dedicated family and friends who have donated to the Rouson Memorial Scholarship. Their support ensures that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams at 麻豆视频. 

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Under the theme of “Service for All,” students dedicated their time and efforts to various community projects. The town’s park, library, and the campus’s outdoor chapel received a much-needed facelift, thanks to the diligent efforts of the volunteers. Additionally, heartwarming gestures were extended to the Hertford County Office on Aging participants, as students assembled Valentine’s Day bags to show care for those in the community.

The day commenced with an inspiring address by motivational speaker Travis Williams, who emphasized the significance of Dr. King’s nonviolent protests and their relevance in today’s society. Williams eloquently shared his views on the effectiveness of nonviolence as a means to bring about positive change and foster unity within communities.

The event’s success was a testament to the dedication and commitment of 麻豆视频’s students, faculty, and staff. Their unwavering support not only strengthened the campus community but also extended a helping hand to the wider local community.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at 麻豆视频 serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, compassion, and active participation in creating a better society. By embodying Dr. King’s principles, the Chowan community continues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

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