[Posted Nov. 16, 2007]

PART VII: Conclusion
A Toast To The Green And Gold
 

By Gary Ruegsegger
Special To New Journal and Guide
 
      There’s a certain magic in the name Horace Savage.  He’s as a much a part of the Portsmouth landscape as Craney Island or Hospital Point.  Just the mention of his name opens doors... and hearts. 
       “Horace Savage is the epitome of a man for all seasons.  His ability to mentor, motivate and collaborate with people is at a level that few other individuals have reached,” said Portsmouth’s Keith Bailey. 
      Mr. Savage has known all the school’s legends and leaders—G. W. C. Brown, Lyman Brooks, Herbert Marshall, Harvey Johnson Jr., Ernie Fears,  Harrison B. Wilson, Joe Echols, Clyde McDaniel and many more.
       He worked with Coach Robert Smith and band director Emery Fears at Norcom before they became NSU icons.  Professor Savage calls Norfolk State “the Miracle on Corprew Avenue.”
       “It’s been nothing short of remarkable how the school’s evolved.  In the beginning, it was a noble experiment,” he said.  “The institution needed as much financial assistance as the students did in those early years.”
 

      His still sharp eyes have watched Norfolk State grow from rented classroom space to a major university.  For five years, he taught at Norfolk State as an adjunct professor.  His sister Thomasine attended the school “in its infancy” on Bank Street.
      Like the Biblical loaves and fishes, Norfolk State multiplied to feed thousands of hungry young minds.
       Professor William H. Wright Sr. knew a miracle when he saw one. 
       “Lots of colleges and universities would have loved to have him,” recalled his wife and retired NSU professor Dr. Lillian Wright, “but Norfolk State was always his love, always his home.”
      From Norfolk Division to Norfolk State College to Norfolk State University, both Dr. Wrights nurtured the growing institution for over 30 years.

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