Kesha Williams
April 07, 2005 The 10-year anniversary celebration for ECSU Chancellor Mickey L. Burnim brought musical tributes from students and faculty, a key to the city from Mayor John Bell and a flock of supporting ministers to the K. E. White Graduate Center. In two festive celebrations, Chancellor Mickey L. Burnim reflected on 10 years of growth and development for the 114 year-old institution. Saturday, a student band kicked off the 10th Anniversary Scholarship Gala with a musical tribute. Student vocalist Octavia Armond, a senior majoring in music, led a song written and arranged by ECSU Professors Thomas Harrison, Christopher Palestrant and Maurice Leflore, "That’s What a Leader Ought to Be." Representatives from the faculty, staff, students, ECSU Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, alumni and the Burnim family followed suit with plaques and framed photos. Elizabeth City Mayor John Bell¹s gleaming key to the city served as the appropriate finale of special presentations bestowed on Chancellor Burnim. Mayor Bell indicated that a key to the city is a rare and special honor. Sunday, the Viking family, supporters from the community and 10 area ministers joined Chancellor Burnim for a heart warming prayer breakfast hosted by the ECSU staff senate. There, ministers expounded on the theme, "From Good to Great Through the Fruit of the Spirit." At 11 a.m. Chancellor Burnim became center of attention again as the morning speaker at Mt. Lebanon AME Zion Church. Repeatedly the Chancellor thanked the audience for attending the events, contributing to the scholarship fund and supporting a university that takes pride in its mission to prepare leaders for a rapidly changing world.
