By Betsy Rhame-Minor, '01

Many members of the Meredith community squeezed into the first floor of the Cate Center to celebrate Postal Carrier Willie King's more than half a century of service. The Willie J. King Postal Center was dedicated during that gathering on April 20, 2007.

"Today is a day when we can affirm...the service and kindness exhibited by Willie King," said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Connie Harris, who said King was "a reminder of the goodness in people."

King, a Sampson County native, moved to Raleigh in 1956 and began work at the Wonder Bread Bakery across the street from Meredith. King kept that job after he was hired to work in Meredith's Belk Dining Hall. During his career at Meredith he also worked in housekeeping and maintenance before moving over to the post office around 15 years ago.

The Meredith campus celebrated King's service to the College at last year's annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. During the ceremony, President Maureen Hartford announced that Meredith's post office would be renamed to honor King.

"I was very excited," he said last year. "It was a surprise."

King's wife, Mary, and many of their eight children and 19 grandchildren who were present for the awards ceremony last year returned to watch the ribbon cutting at The Willie J. King Postal Center.

Before cutting the ribbon with King, President Maureen Hartford remarked that throughout his years of service, King has known many generations of Meredith students, staff and faculty.

"Willie is also the source of great knowledge about our campus," Hartford said. "Willie's work is all about excellence. He is one of the most dedicated members of the Meredith community."