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Charles W. Capps Jr. |
Edward Pope |
A. K. Eckles |
Dwaun J. Warmack |
As part of the Homecoming activities planned for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, Delta State University’s Alumni Association will recognize this year’s service award winners, Charles W. Capps Jr., of Cleveland, Edward Pope of Cleveland, Dwaun J. Warmack of Memphis, and the late A. K. Eckles.
Capps will be awarded The Gladys Castle “Friend of Delta State” Service Award. The award is name for Gladys Castle, a 46-year employee of Delta State who served as the first alumni secretary. Capps is a World War II veteran, former Sheriff of Bolivar County, and a former State Representative. He attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana, Davidson College in North Carolina and earned his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Mississippi in 1967. Capps has been especially active in promoting education and industrial development. He was married to the late Allen Hobbs Capps and is the father of three children, Alinda Sledge, Margaret Allen and Charlie Capps III; and grandfather of eight.
Pope will be presented The Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Service Award, named for Hugh Ellis Walker who served as the director of the Delta State Alumni/Foundation for 24 years. Pope is a 1981 graduate of Rolling Fork High School and a 1985 graduate of Delta State, receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is currently employed as the Regional Operation Director for Quick Cash Financial Services, Inc. Pope is a member of St. Paul M.B. Church, where he serves as a Deacon. Pope has also served as past president of the Delta State Black Alumni Constituent Group and president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in Cleveland. He is married to Irene Herron. Pope has two sons, Kameron Lamar and Geoffrey Pierre.
Eckles will posthumously receive The Legacy Award which is presented to a Delta State University alumnus who made an institutional changing contribution. Eckles, former Superintendent of Education for Bolivar County, is credited by Senator J. C. Roberts for “the idea of converting the abandoned agricultural high school buildings into a state normal college, or college for teachers,” which led to the founding of Delta State Teachers College. It was the dream of Eckles daughter, Brooksie Eckles Erskine, that he be recognized for his contribution to the founding of Delta State in Cleveland.
Warmack will be presented The Kent Wyatt “Young Alumnus” Service Award. The award is named for Dr. Kent Wyatt, who served for 24 years as president of Delta State University. It is presented to an alumnus of 35 years of age or younger who has given outstanding service to DSU. Warmack is the founder and CEO of Warmack & Associates, an educational consulting firm specializing in diversity training. He received his bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in social science from Delta State. While at Delta State, Warmack was as a starter on the Basketball Team. He currently resides in Memphis, Tenn., and serves as the Associate Dean of Students at Rhodes College and is completing a doctorate degree in higher education administration.
