Emory & Henry Honors Alumnus Eric Scott ’88 with Memorial Court
Scott was an Emmy award-winning photojournalist and an Emory & Henry College alumnus, a longtime WJZ-TV photojournalist known for his professionalism and friendly, outgoing demeanor. Scott passed away in 2020. Scott worked at WJZ-TV Baltimore for 25 years covering international stories, including the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl win and the Winter Olympics in Japan. Scott was called on for every significant hurricane and snowstorm to hit the East coast. Dr. Teresa Keller, a former communications professor emeritus and long-time friend and mentor of Scott said that what Scott did with a camera was “art.”
The dedication at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 21 was planned by the Director of Campus Recreation Rakeem Rutherford. It included a symbolic net-cutting ceremony, representing the opening of the multi-court for all to use. Scott’s basketball teammates climbed the ladder and cut the net, accompanied by Scott’s family and Rutherford. The net-cutting was followed by the unveiling of a signpost for the multi-court that includes a short biography for Scott that honors his legacy.
Keller and fellow alumnus Major Warner ’91 spoke at the ceremony alongside Emory & Henry College President Dr. John W. Wells and Student Government Association Secretary of Student Activities Ryan Vaughan.
“[Scott] was one of the few ‘Mount Rushmore’ people I knew,” Warner said, commenting on Scott’s outsized compassion. Warner and others in attendance at the dedication played on the Emory & Henry College basketball team when Scott was the captain. He was the first student to be named basketball team captain for four consecutive seasons.
“[Scott] never told me about any hopes for his legacy, or how he would like to be honored by the College, but I know that he loved this place, and he loved the people here. If you can welcome people onto this court and treat people with kindness every day, I know that you will be honoring [Scott]’s legacy,” Warner said.
After the dedication was completed, a new net was hung in the hoop and a 3-on-3 tournament was held in honor of Scott’s legacy. 75 students competed in the tournament, and the champions were Tyler McKinney, Raymond Morton, Qyjuan Marsh and Darrion Allen.