Purvis receives Life Membership award at dedication of Purvis Garden

     Dr. P.C. Purvis, a retired orthodontist from Fairmont, N.C, was made a life member of Campbell University Board of Trustees at the dedication of the Purvis Garden, a campus landmark honoring his contributions to the university. A quiet and beautifully landscaped space surrounding the Folwell Fountain, the Purvis Garden is a symbol of Purvis’ dedication to Campbell’s Christian purpose. Purvis has served as a trustee since 1977.
     “The Purvis Garden is quickly becoming a unique landmark to Campbell University,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, president of Campbell University. “Thank you to Dr. and Mrs. Purvis, they have inspired us and it has become a reality.”
     After Dr. Wallace spoke, student representative Danielle Curtis, a senior Business Administration major from Fayetteville thanked the Purvis’.
     “Thank you from all the students,” said Curtis. “This is a place to relax, meditate, visit with friends, eat lunch and to find comfort.”
     A graduate of Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Ga., Purvis received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1944. Following graduation, he completed post graduate studies in orthodontics, radiography and oral surgery. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Purvis earned the rank of commander in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps. Purvis served as president of the Southeastern Dental Association as well as the Fourth District in North Carolina. In addition, he is a past vice president of the North Carolina Dental Society and was active on its By-Laws, Judicial and Ethics committees.
     Purvis could be called a patron saint of Christian higher education, in general, and Campbell University, in particular, added Wallace. For 29 years, he has served on the university’s Board of Trustees. In addition to sharing his leadership talents, Purvis and his wife Peggy have established an academic scholarship to benefit worthy young men and women and have given of their time and resources to insure the successful conclusions of many capital campaigns.
     In his community, Purvis is a past president of the Fairmont Rotary Club and a charter member of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairmont, where he has served as a deacon and director of the Sunday school.
     Purvis and his wife Peggy are the parents of three children, Judy P. Williams, Thomas H. Purvis and Blair H. Purvis, a Campbell graduate.

Photo Copy: From left, Fred Taylor, chairman of the Campbell University Board of Trustees, Dr. and Mrs. P.C. Purvis and Campbell President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace cut the ribbon Tuesday, April 18, at the dedication of the Purvis Garden on the Campbell campus. (Photo by Scott Capell)