Shaw held a memorial service for its past president, James E. Cheek, whom passed on January 8, 2010. A few students, faculty & staff and friends of the Shaw community gathered in the Thomas J. Boyd chapel for the service.
Reflections and tributes were done by the University choir, Dr. Yancy, Dr. Cleon Thompson, Dr. David Forbes, Sr., and many more.
According to our University president, many people outside of North Carolina celebrated the life of Cheeks. “There is a beautiful obituary in the New York Times and many of you may enjoy reading that,” said Yancy.
When Dr. Forbes got a chance to speak about Cheek, he said he didn’t hold anything back. “Not only was Cheek a graduate of this fine institution, but he returned to Shaw at the age of 30 to provide leadership to his Alma Mater. It blows my mind that a fresh PH.D. would leave Virginia Union and help raise Shaw to greatness,” Forbes said.
According to Dr. Cleon Thompson, there wasn’t enough time to speak on the life and honor of Dr. Cheek. “High in academics, scholarship, energy and persuasion, Dr. James E. Cheek was the best. He thought students were gifts from heaven and believed that the best education should be provided for them and they should have the best facilities to interact in,” said Thompson.
Miss Shaw University (1968), Ms. Carol A. Gartelle was so touched to not only be a student during Dr. Cheek presidency here at Shaw, but also to share his love for the students at the memorial. “It was usual that you would catch him walking across the yard with us, eating with us and just talking to us. He only accepted nothing but the best from us, the students and faculty & staff. Whenever he was faced with turmoil, he remained calm” Gartelle said. “I want all students to look at the contribution you are making to your Alma Mater and what legacy you are leaving.”
Cheek served as the seventh president of Shaw University from 1963-1969. Under his administration, the women’s dormitory on the main campus was built in addition to the administration building, the Willie E. Gary student union and also the purchasing of a 40-acre farm on Rock Quarry Road.
He has been the only alumnus to have occupied that position.