Thurman Prescott Jr. worked at NCCU for 37 years.

Over the past 37 years many chancellors and faculty have come and gone at N.C. Central University. Thous-ands of students have graduated. Several new buildings have been constructed.

One man has witnessed it all. Known to some as “Mr. P” and referred to by others as “the Gentle Giant,” Thurman Prescott Jr., director of the Alfonso Elder Student Union, is saying farewell to NCCU students, faculty and staff. Since 1966, Prescott has dedicated his time, energy and a great deal of his life to serving others.

Prescott has been the only director of the Student Union since its inception in 1966.

“To me, the Alfonso Elder Student Union can best be described in a few words and phrases: love, dedication, potential, meaningful work, student development, faculty and staff involvement, opportunities unlimited and life-long learning,” said Prescott.

Prescott served his country as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963.

After graduating from Southern University A&M College in 1959, now Southern University, he served as a program director there from 1963-1966. In 1966, while working at Southern University’s student union, Prescott was informed of a position opening for director of the student union at the N.C. College at Durham.

“After an exhaustive interview, I was offered the job,” Prescott said. “The challenge of developing a student union on a campus where one had not existed before offered a challenge that was too hard to resist.”

Although Prescott has enjoyed his position, it didn’t come without challenges. “The challenges were numerous and some were unnecessary,” Prescott said. “Some difficulties were providing activities that were responsive to student needs and desires. And adjusting to and remaining productive as administrative styles and expectations changed.”

In honor of Prescott, a retirement celebration reception was given on Sept. 26 at the Alfonso Elder Student Union. Students, faculty, staff, community leaders and alumni gathered to express profound gratitude and to pay tribute to a man who has touched so many lives during his tenure at NCCU.

“Mr. Prescott is a very low-key, soft spoken and giving man,” said Muriel Jordan, Alfonso Elder Student Union assistant director. “I will miss seeing him do the writing he loved to do.”

Prescott was awarded the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest honor given to North Carolinians who give service to the state.

He is married to Gloria Prescott, his college sweetheart. They are the proud parents of four children.

Although Prescott has just four biological children, he has been the “surrogate father” for hundreds of NCCU students.

“Mr. Prescott has been a wonderful asset in my life,” said Ramon Hill, yearbook editor. “He helped me to develop into the man I am today.”

Prescott has received numerous awards and is a member of many professional organizations, including the International Association of College Unions, the National Association for Campus Activities and the National Association of Student Affairs Professional Workers. He has also served as adviser for Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, adviser to Phi Alpha Kappa Social Fellowship student group and the Efficiency Task Force.

In 1990, he received the Outstanding University Employee Service Award.

Although Prescott said he will miss the University, he is looking forward to retirement.

“I plan to rest, pursue other personal interests, continue work on student union history project, maintain professional participation, and see much of the U.S.,” Prescott said.

Prescott said he wants NCCU students to remember him as a professional with a strong commitment to excellence.

“When thinking about working at NCCU, it is difficult to determine what the best thing was about working here,” Prescott said.