University Award Winners

Profile of university award winners James Allen and Susan Benson. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.

Citation for this article is: "Class Notes," ECU Report, Fall 1988, Volume 20, No. 1.

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Two non-traditional students were presented the coveted University Award during spring commencement, beating out more than 1,500 graduates.

James Earl Allen, 37, ended a 15-year career as a law enforcement officer to enroll at ECU so he could become a school teacher.Susan Elizabeth Benson, the wife of an ECU medical school professor, graduated cum laude from the University of Cincinnati 10 years ago with a degree in nursing and now boasts a degree in accounting from ECU.She passed all four parts of the CPA examination in the first sitting.

Both winners ended their college careers with perfect 4.0 grade point averages in their major subjects.

Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the University Award recognizes graduating seniors for academic achievement, leadership and service.

The decision by Allen, the father of a teen-aged son, to end his career in law enforcement "was education's gain," said Dr. Patricia Terrell, chairman of elementary and middle grades education." He's one in a million.He is dedicated, enthusiastic and possesses much depth and wit. He has a very inquisitive mind."

Allen completed degree requirements last fall and taught fourth grade at an elementary school in Pinetops last year. He has indicated a wish to return to ECU for graduate study.

"Constant encounters with children during my tenure in law enforcement impressed upon me the need for mature, caring individuals willing to help shape the lives of young people in the public education system," Allen said. "In a time when young adults are questioning the benefits of a career as an educator, I have no doubts about my desire to teach. I begin each day with a goal in my heart and the willingness to succeed."

Allen has been a city police officer, deputy sheriff and a crime prevention officer in Pitt County. "I was 34 years old when I started college as a freshman," he said. "I began with a positive attitude and with the help of faculty and administrators, was able to maintain that attitude for a very positive three and a half years.

"I appreciate that ECU allowed me the opportunity to prove to myself that I could reach realistic goals and that I could accomplish a college degree."

An accounting major, Benson was active in the honors program, Sigma Theta Tau, an international honors society for nurses; the Student Government Association Review Board, and served as president and volunteer tutor for the Accounting Society.

She was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honor fraternity for the School of Business, and Alpha Iota Delta, the national honor fraternity of decision sciences.

As a volunteer faculty research assistant, she co-authored a paper that was accepted for presentation at a meeting of the Southwest Regional American Accounting Association.

"I've learned that to make this university great, we all have to participate," Benson says."We have to make it great.I really believe that individuals can make a difference."

Dr. Larry Hagler, chairman of the accounting department, said Benson's "various activities and accomplishments show that she is indeed a scholar and a person quite willing to be of service to others.Because she is able to do so many things well at the same time, she will no doubt continue to make a positive influence on the community."

While a student, Benson also volunteered at the local mental health alcohol unit and participated in Greenville Business and Professional Women's Club activities.

"If you expect excellence from others, you have to expect it from yourself even more so," she said. "A leader has to be a role model for others."

Allen and Benson received engraved pewter plates and a year's membership in the Alumni Association.In addition, $500 scholarships named in honor of each recipient were given to two ECU students for the fall semester.