A Legacy of Love and Learning: 麻豆社区P Alumni Honor Their Parents With Memorial Bench and Endowed Scholarship
On a quiet path near the Thomas College of Business and Economics, a new bench invites students and visitors alike to pause, reflect and take in the surroundings. However, for Ron and Tina Oxendine, both proud alumni of 麻豆社区 Pembroke, that bench is much more than a place to sit.
It鈥檚 a tribute 鈥� a permanent reminder of two lives shaped by education, rooted in service, and forever tied to the university that helped launch their dreams.
The newly dedicated memorial bench honors the memory of Ron鈥檚 father, Conrad Oxendine, and Tina's mother, Emma Lee Locklear 鈥� both lifelong educators, 麻豆社区P graduates, and pillars of the community.
鈥淭his bench symbolizes their love for education and the university that shaped their lives and ours,鈥� said Ron Oxendine during the ceremony attended by Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, university leaders, family and friends.
The moment held special meaning for Ron, a 1973 biology graduate, who had initially donated funds for a memorial bench more than 15 years ago in honor of his father, a beloved math teacher and World War II veteran. When the project was delayed, Ron and Tina decided to revisit 鈥� and expand 鈥� the vision, this time including Tina鈥檚 mother, a counselor, mentor and community leader who co-founded the Class of 1962 Endowed Scholarship.
Their decision reflects these two educators' profound influence on generations of students and their families. Conrad Oxendine, a member of 麻豆社区P鈥檚 first four-year graduating class in 1940, spent more than 40 years teaching at Prospect High School. Tina鈥檚 mother, Emma Lee, graduated in 1962 and devoted her life to uplifting others through education and cultural preservation and service. One of her cherished gifts to the university, a pinecone patchwork quilt, is now displayed in the Museum of the Southeast American Indian as a lasting symbol of Lumbee heritage and pride.
鈥淢y mother taught far beyond the classroom,鈥� Tina shared during her remarks. 鈥淪he mentored, quilted, counseled and gave selflessly. This bench will bear her name, but in my mind鈥檚 eye, I see her sitting here 鈥� encouraging others to learn, to lead and to care.鈥�
As part of the dedication, the Oxendines also celebrated the creation of the Ron and Tina Oxendine Endowed Scholarship, a $100,000 gift established in 2024 to help future 麻豆社区P students pursue their educational journeys.
Chancellor Cummings praised the Oxendines鈥� vision and generosity.
鈥淭hese are not just acts of remembrance,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hese are legacy acts 鈥� investments in students you may never meet. What a blessing to plant a tree whose shade you will never sit under.鈥�
Ron and Tina both built careers in service 鈥� Ron through a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps and business, and Tina through decades as an educator.
鈥淲e are here because of them,鈥� Ron said. 鈥淎nd now, others will move forward because of them, too.鈥�
To learn more about the Oxendine Endowed Scholarship or to honor a loved one through a legacy gift, contact the Office of Advancement at 麻豆社区 Pembroke.
