Shaw University To Commemorate President Emeritus, Dr. Talbert O. Shaw
Raleigh, NC – Shaw University will host a memorial service and luncheon on Saturday, April 14 to celebrate Dr. Talbert O. Shaw, the University’s 12th president who is credited with leading the University through difficult financial times and restoring its reputation.
“Shaw University was incredibly blessed to have Dr. Shaw as part of our family,” said interim president Dr. Paulette Dillard. “His legacy is an inspiration and his contributions to this University and the city of Raleigh will never be forgotten.”
About Dr. Talbert O. Shaw:
Dr. Shaw became Shaw University’s 12th president in 1987 during a time when the University’s finances were in trouble. Dr. Shaw immediately went to work to repair Shaw University’s finances and public reputation. Using a combination of charm, public-relations savvy, and hard work, he was able to raise much-needed funds by building connections with the Raleigh business community. As student enrollment and donations soared, the university was eventually able to pay off its debts, and was able to establish a $12 million endowment by the time Dr. Shaw retired.
During his 15-year tenure, Dr. Shaw oversaw renovations of historic buildings, built new ones, and revamped academic programs. In fact, the largest single building project in the University’s history, the Talbert O. Shaw Living Learning Center, still bears his name. When Dr. Shaw took over, the Shaw Divinity School was an independent school of theology. Dr. Shaw led the effort to bring the school back under the University.
Dr. Shaw is also known for introducing programs in ethics training for students and emphasizing the importance of character development in higher education.
Event Details:
The memorial service for Dr. Shaw will begin at 12pm on Saturday, April 14 at the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel on the Shaw University campus. The service will be followed by a luncheon with Dr. Shaw’s family at the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium. Luncheon tickets are available for $100 and proceeds will go to the Student Retention Fund in honor of Dr. Talbert O. and Mrs. Marlene Shaw. More information and luncheon tickets are available at http://www.shawu.edu/DrShaw/.
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Shaw University, located in North Carolina’s vibrant Downtown Raleigh, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the Southern United States. Founded in 1865 by Dr. Henry Martin Tupper, Shaw is proud to be educating more than 1,800 students who will become the change agents of tomorrow. Our motto is “This is E.P.I.C,” as we are committed to advancing our mission with Entrepreneurial Thinking, Positioning and Presence, Innovation, and Customer Care. Learn more at www.shawu.edu.