McKinley Williams

"I fondly recall that in 2001 we brought Maurice Ashley to campus. Mr. Ashley is a grand chess master, and the only African American to hold that distinction at the time. He gave a series of lectures and demonstrations. He also played 25 students and community members individually at one time. He tied with one person, an accomplished chess player with many years of chess playing experience, and defeated the 24 other players. He also played a game against a team of 12 people. He wore a blindfold throughout this game and he won!!!!!

The campus was buzzing for days after this event. People in the community still ask if we will bring him back to the college. His visit also spurned an interest in chess at the college in the form of a chess club that lasted for serveral semesters. This is a perfect example of how events at the college can create community interest. "

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