THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 28, 1994 TAG: 9412280425
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Chancellor Jimmy Jenkins is fond of reminding everyone within earshot of Elizabeth City State University's rallying cry: ``If you look to the northeast, you will see a rising star. . . ''
The stars catching attention in the state's northeast most recently are the famous friends the school is attracting to campus.
About two weeks after announcing that well-known television actor Clifton Davis has come aboard as interim vice chancellor for development, the school says a second TV performer will make an appearance at the General Alumni Association fund-raiser Jan. 15.
Whitman Mayo, best known for his role as Grady on ``Sanford and Son,'' will be featured at the $100-per-plate event, titled ``An Elegant Unity Soiree.''
Mayo has been seen on such shows as ``Baretta,'' ``Sesame Street,'' ``227'' and ``Full House,'' and in such films as ``Boyz N the Hood,'' ``Of Mice and Men'' and ``The Main Event.''
The alumni association event is an effort to promote greater unity among ECSU, its alumni and the community, school officials said. The fund-raiser aims to help the university complete its capital campaign for student scholarships.
Davis was hired earlier to oversee the completion of that campaign, which is working toward a goal of $5 million. Davis has appeared on television and on Broadway and has received Tony and Grammy nominations. He was lured into the job during a stop on his motivational lecture tour.
The black-tie fund-raiser is $100 per person or $800 per corporate table. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Kermit E. White Graduate Center. For more information, call Marian Mitchell at 335-3226. by CNB