The Rustorian

Issue date: 2/28/09 Section: News

Frances Hathorne, icon of motherly love.

President David L. Beckley presents gifts and award to Frances Hathorne; Head Librarian Anita Moore assists.

Purchasing Director Ollie Bowen-Holloway pays tribute to retiree Bishop Jones.

Asst. Professor John House tributes Artha Wilkins.

With an impressive celebration befitting the icon of motherly love, Rust College honored its longest-serving employee, Frances A. Hathorne.

She retired after 63 years of meritorious service to the college.

The occasion Friday evening, April 24, was meant also for two other retirees, Artha E. Wilkins (17 years) and Bishop B. Jones (13 years). Families and friends, including Rust faculty and staff, filled the campus cafeteria venue to capacity in celebration of the honorees' combined 93 years of dedicated service.

Over the course of her career, Hathorne served under four presidents - Dr. Lee McCoy, Dr. Earnest Smith, Dr. William McMillan and Dr. David Beckley, the current president. She held various positions, serving as bursar, chief accountant, assistant to business manager, and coordinator of Individual Alumni Giving.

"Ms. Hathorne," as she's fondly called, is also the college historian. She has deep knowledge of Rust and the people, and could recall who, what, where, and when, of information pertaining to the historically black college.

As coordinator of Individual Alumni Giving, Hathorne did her job well in persuading alumni to donate and contribute to the college and the UNCF.

She received the 34th Tower of Leadership Award, presented by Beckley for her services to the college and the community at large.

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