Tribute Held for FVSU Centenarian

clinem — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:22:23 -0400

“I’ve met famous women from Oprah Winfrey to Coretta Scott-King. I can’t say I’ve met a woman who’s 107 years old,” said Fort Valley State University Mass Communications instructor Chata Spikes, while celebrating the life of author, writer and former Jeanes Residence Hall mother Nella Edgar Crooks. “For me, this is more than just an honor, it’s a blessing.” On Monday, at a celebration in Hunt Memorial Library’s lobby, Spikes, the FVSU family, and Delta Sigma Theta sorority honored the centenarian, who turned 107 on Oct. 1.
A frail Crooks, stylishly outfitted in a fur stole and red beret, was navigated in her wheelchair to the best seat in the house, front stage and center, by her daughter, Nella Crooks Jenkins. The Fort Valley State University graduate watched and listened attentively as students Monique Robinson, Vanessa Hendricks, Chris Peets, Chelsea Johnson, Janise Henderson, Elias Heard, Dominique Walker and archival specialist Wilmetta Jackson dramatized in three skits highlights of her life.
Retinella “Nella” Elizabeth Octavia Edgar Crooks, the youngest of five children, was born in St. Ann’s, Jamaica. On the island, she worked in a hospital, but dreamed of becoming a pharmacist. The ambitious 19 year old immigrated to Boston, Mass. to pursue an education, but only found work as a family’s chambermaid, cleaning bedrooms and changing sheets. She met future husband, Jamaican native and Harvard student Kenneth Crooks, at St. Cyprians Episcopal Church. Eager to finish school, Crooks received a bachelor’s degree from Grambling College in 1959, and was the first to earn a master’s degree from Fort Valley State College in the guidance counseling program. Widowed, the centenarian became a resident manager where Jeanes Hall students affectionately called her “Oma Nella:” German for Grandmother Nella. Today, the beloved mother of four, grandmother and great grandmother lives in Perry and is the author of several books of poetry and an autobiography.
Berry Jordan, Anderson House Coordinator and program host, welcomed an audience of well-wishers. During the invocation, Dr. Dwayne Crew, Associate Vice President for Business and Finance, gave thanks for the lives touched by the honoree and First lady Betty Rivers paid tribute to the trailblazing educator, counselor, musician and writer. After the performance by students, a special collection of her mother’s books were given to the library by Jenkins. Then the proud guest of honor was presented a bouquet of long-stemmed yellow and pink roses and a keepsake: a framed photograph of a mentor group she founded in 1962 at Jeanes Hall.
Dr. Terrance Smith, vice president of student affairs, read a proclamation: “ I, Larry E. Rivers, President of The Fort Valley State University, respectfully, and on behalf of the university family, recognize Nella “Oma Nella” Edgar Crooks as a great woman who enriched the lives of FVSC students through faithful service.” Crooks, who had been silent until that moment, lit up with an “amen” that drew laughter from the audience.
“Mrs. Crooks, we love you and appreciate your years of service to FVSU,” said President Larry E. Rivers. “We can honor people when they’re gone, but it’s so nice that we can thank them while the blood runs through their veins.” A meet and greet reception followed.

Alumna donates $50,000 to student scholarships

clinem — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:32 -0400

Ruby Solomon registered to attend Fort Valley State fifty years ago. Her mother, living on a meager wage, culled enough money to pay for tuition and books. During the first week of classes, the young math major worried if she’d stay in school: $15 a month for room and board stood between her and a college education. Today, at 67, the silver-haired retired educator made sure some FVSU students don’t have the same nail-biting experience. The FVSU alumnae made a $50,000 contribution to the university for student scholarships. “My dad died so there were limited finances in our family. My momma couldn’t afford room and board. She casually mentioned to my doctor that I was trying to get in school and needed the money. He volunteered and paid the $15 a month for the whole four years. So I’m grateful. I’m grateful.”

Today, surrounded by a small group of friends, Solomon presented a check to FVSU President Larry E. Rivers.

“I am just overjoyed about this significant contribution from Ms. Solomon to her alma mater,” Dr. Rivers said. “I most appreciate her generosity. This contribution will be used to help students graduate from FVSU.”

Solomon was born in Plains, Ga. She enrolled at Fort Valley State College in 1958 and earned a B.S. in mathematics in 1962, graduating with honors. She dreamed of working at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida after pursuing a master’s. A high school teaching job in math opened in Roberta, where she remained for four years while pursuing the advanced degree. “When I saw how poor the students’ backgrounds were, I decided to stay and do what I could to help build a foundation so they wouldn’t have to struggle,” Solomon said. The allure of making a difference in the classroom kept her in the Butt’s County School System in Jackson for 26 years - helping struggling students.

After retiring, the longtime educator began thinking about how to further impact the lives of young people. She chuckled when asked about the ability to make a major donation on a retirement income. “While I was working, I saved. I’ve really been careful about spending.”

“She’s always been as frugal as she’s been generous,” said her former pastor, Bobby Saucer, of Zion Baptist Church in Jackson, Ga., who accompanied Solomon to the event. “That’s how she was able to raise the money to help these students.”

Reminiscing about campus life in the 50’s and 60’s, Solomon beams. The honor society student spent many hours in the library completing extra assignments to stay competitive. “There are so many students who have the ability. They just don’t have the finances. They struggle. It would be a shame for them not to be able to attend school. I wouldn’t have been able to make it without the generosity from others,” Solomon said smiling.

Alumni News @ FVSU

Tribute Held for FVSU Centenarian

Alumna donates $50,000 to student scholarships