10.08.04

Mary Lou Pearson

Alumni serve alma mater to accelerate Memorial Hall project

As Erskine students gear up for a traditional homecoming weekend today, a number of alumni are preparing for a return to their alma mater. For many Erskine alumni, love of Erskine translates into action. Some travel to Due West for athletic events, many give to the Annual Fund, and others serve on boards and committees.

The Gold Campaign, Erskine's current capital campaign aimed at "making a difference," draws on the talents of many such volunteers.

Two dedicated alumni, Mary Lou Whitesides Pearson ‘50 of Gastonia, N.C., and William J. Ranson '61, of Huntersville, N.C., serve as co-chairmen of the Memorial Hall Building Committee. The Memorial Hall project, which also incorporates the addition of a math facility, is one of eight areas of emphasis in the Gold Campaign.

Pearson is a member of the Erskine Board of Trustees, and has also served as co-chairman of the Living Endowment (now the Annual Fund). She was an elementary education major at Erskine, where she received the H.M. Young Ring, the highest award given to an Erskine senior.

Ranson, a businessman and former fighter pilot, is also on the Erskine Board of Trustees and has served as a member of the Board of Counselors, president of the Alumni Board, Living Endowment co-chairman and chapter chairman. He played basketball and tennis for the Flying Fleet and received the 2004 Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

The Erskine experience is what drives these faithful alumni.

"I grew up in the ARP Church and had family connections at Erskine, so I never considered going to college anywhere else," Pearson said. "Here I found friends who had similar values and they are still among my best friends today."

"Erskine has meant a lot to me and I can honestly say that it was a life-changing event when I decided to attend Erskine," Ranson said. "Erskine gave me the opportunity to develop and evolve at my own pace in a very uplifting environment. It had the same impact on my son David, who graduated in 1992."

Pearson cites favorite professors whose names might be recognized by current Erskine students. "There were professors who challenged me, like Dr. E.L. Reid," she said. "Professor James Bonner and Dr. (J.M.) Lesesne were not only strong in the classroom but opened their homes to students as well. These relationships I will never forget."

Ranson said he derived great benefit from a tennis coach, Dr. Grant Johnson, who was also an ARP minister. "He coached me in tennis, but he also coached me in life and was an inspiration and mentor," he said. "There have been so many other mentors at Erskine that it would be hard to single them out."

Pearson's love of music makes the Memorial project especially important to her. "One of the things I enjoyed most at Erskine was singing in the mixed chorus under the direction of Miss Ivah Dickson," she said. "Memorial Hall has had no major improvements since I was there over 50 years ago."

Ranson wants Erskine to reach "as many young people as possible" and the Memorial project will help. "Serving on committees is my way of trying to repay my debt and helping others enjoy what I experienced," he said.

Vice President for Development Lee Logan, who directs the Gold Campaign, relies on the service of such devoted alumni.

"In Bill Ranson and Mary Lou Pearson, you have fund-raising experience, unquestionable loyalty to Erskine, and commitment to seeing Memorial Hall done soon," he said. "They have worked tirelessly, and the results are outstanding. They are seeing that all of us keep up the good work."

Pearson is enthusiastic about the Gold Campaign and the future of Memorial Hall.    "Music has always been important at Erskine, and this campaign will provide opportunities for our fine music staff to serve the students, the college and the denomination," she said.

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