Scholarship Walk posthumously honors campus walker

CSU press release:

The Chicago State University family will commemorate the life of one of its most beloved personalities when it hosts the inaugural Arthur Stephens Scholarship Walk on Saturday, May 2.

Mr. Stephens had been a longtime presence on the CSU campus until his death on January 25 at the age of 86. He was a vital CSU community volunteer for many years following his 1991 retirement from the university. Frequently in and out of campus buildings, he was last seen here – walking on campus – just a few days before he passed.

Interim President Dr. Frank G. Pogue recalled seeing Mr. Stephens with his trademark cowboy hat many times on campus as a volunteer. “He liked to call himself ‘King Arthur,’ whenever he introduced himself,” said Pogue. “He was a real friend of Chicago State and it was always a joy to talk to him. He was always here giving of himself in one way or another.”

Among his many post-retirement roles, Mr. Stephens served as president of the State Universities Annuitant Association, Chicago State University Chapter for more than 10 years. At the time of his death, he was vice president of that organization, president of the CSU Learning Center’s advisory board, and a member of the CSU Division of Continuing Education advisory board. For many years, Mr. Stephens worked closely with CSU students, who affectionately called him “Campus Dad.” He enjoyed helping the editor of the Tempo student newspaper and counseling evening students; he was editor of the CSU yearbook, advisor to the Modeling Club, and faculty advisor for Baptist Campus Ministry.

Registration on the day of the Walk will begin at 7:15 a.m. The Walk will step off at 9 a.m. at the corner of Cottage Grove and 95th Street, proceed north to 87th Street, then west to King Drive, and south to the campus at 95th Street.

The registration fee is $20 for adults, $10 for high school and CSU students, and $5 for children under 13. Registration fees will be waived for those who receive pledges exceeding their registration cost.