March 10, 2007

Rachel Hawkins House dedicated at TROY Sorority Hill

TROY—The late Rachel Y. Hawkins of Troy was honored Saturday with the dedication of the Chi Omega House on the Troy University Campus in her memory.

Approximately 100 people from the University community, including active and alumnae sisters of the Iota Kappa Chapter of Chi Omega sorority, were on hand for the ceremony, which included the unveiling of a commemorative marker on the lawn of the house.

Tributes to Mrs. Hawkins were presented by Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University; Janice Hawkins, Troy University first lady; Lamar Higgins, a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees; JoEllyn Sullivan, Chi Omega National Officer; and Sherry Starling of Troy, President of the Iota Kappa House Corporation.

In closing remarks, Dr. Doug Hawkins, Mrs. Rachel Hawkins’ husband and president pro tem of the Troy University Board of Trustees, thanked the University and the women of Chi Omega for honoring his late wife. Mrs. Rachel Hawkins died Sept. 10, 2006.

Chancellor Jack Hawkins said TROY owes a great debt to Doug and Rachel Hawkins for their contributions to the Greek System.

“In the life of a university, there are only a few leaders who play a pivotal role in the development of the institution,” Chancellor Hawkins said. “Mrs. Rachel Hawkins was such a leader. It is not an exaggeration to say that Doug and Rachel Hawkins were the parents of the Greek System at Troy University.”

Mrs. Rachel Hawkins was instrumental in the chartering of the Iota Kappa Chapter in 1976 and served as personnel advisor to the chapter for 22 years. She and Alice Walters, who served as financial officer for the chapter, will be honored with portraits that will hang in the house. Mrs. Walters was a special guest at the dedication ceremony.

In addition, Dr. Jean Laliberte, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, announced the establishment of a scholarship to honor Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Walters.

--end--

CAPTION: Dr. Doug Hawkins speaks immediately following the unveiling of a commemorative marker in honor of his late wife Saturday, with members of his family looking on in the background. From left to right are Dr. Hawkins, Holly Hawkins Anderson, Dr. Robert Hawkins, Greg Anderson, Melanie Hawkins, Martha Lynn Hawkins Drinkard and Jim Drinkard. (TROY photo/Kevin Glackmeyer)

A portrait of the late Rachel Y. Hawkins will adorn the Chi Omega house at Troy University. (TROY photo/Kevin Glackmeyer)