One of State’s greatest graduates has died.
Retired music professor Charlotte Emma Giles, 81, was an icon on campus for nearly 40 years. Friends and colleagues described her as a fierce friend and a unforgettable artist.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Giles was the Music Department Chair. For the past four decades, she brought noted guest speakers, performances, lectures, concerts, and cultural activities to State’s campus.
Gikes was her mentor and friend, said Dr. Tee Ford-Ames, communications department professor emeritus. “Charlotte was a no nonsense, ‘get it done or leave it alone’ person,” Ford-Ahmed said.
“She was the ultimate ‘wheeler dealer’ in negotiating contracts in New York with agents and agencies.”
Giles was the first concert pianist to take the stage at the West Virginia Cultural Center on opening day and then again on the 10th anniversary. Former Arts and Humanities Dean David Wohl, says Giles “was an unforgettable educator and artist.”
Ford-Ahmed said, “Her colleagues often said there’s only ONE Charlotte, and everyone agreed. I’ll truly miss her.”
A scholarship has been created in Giles’ name, the Dr. C.E. Giles Memorial Scholarship Fund. You can make contributions payable to the WVSU Foundation and place Dr. C.E. Giles Memorial Scholarship in the memo. Mail all checks to WVSU Foundation, P.O. Box 1000/East Hall, Institute, W.V. 25112.
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