Biographical Text
Associate Professor Emerita of English Daisy Williams Eggers (September 16, 1918 - ), university professor, was born in Mountain Park, North Carolina, the daughter of C. W. Williams, founder of Mountain Park Institute, and Bessie Pfaff Williams, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned both her B.S. in English and French (1938), and her M.A. in English (1953), from Appalachian State University. Additionally, Eggers did post-graduate study in Modem British Literature in England at the University of London in 1964 (on a Danforth Foundation Scholarship), Oxford University in 1971, Cambridge University in 1972, and again, at the University of London in 1973. Also, she received a Certificate of Membership at the Yeats Summer School in Sligo, Ireland, in 1968. While an undergraduate student at Appalachian State University, Daisy Eggers was an outstanding scholar and very active in student organizations such as: president of the Y.W.C.A., president of the Dynician Literary Society, member of the International Relations Club, Playcrafters, College Chorus, Le Cercle Francais, and, during her senior year, was elected May Queen by the student body. Additionally, she won First Honors in Oratory in the South Atlantic Forensic Tournament. During this time she also served as part-time secretary to the Dean of the College, Dr. J.D. Rankin. After graduation she then worked full-time for Dr. Rankin for three years. As a graduate student, Eggers was so outstanding that Dr. Cratis Williams, Dean of the Graduate School at Appalachian State University, was moved to state later that: "I have never had a better graduate student. She was always exceptionally well prepared and came as close to the ideal in preparing' leads' for seminars, organizing her material for presentation within the time allocated, and engaging meaningfully in dialogue following her presentation as I have ever seen both at Appalachian and in seminars 1 attended myself while in graduate school. Her seminar papers were of excellent quality and her writing was seasoned and impeccable in its structure. She made A's in all of her graduate courses here and received top grades and honors citations for overseas study. She is a well-read, perceptive, and articulate scholar." Daisy Williams married Graydon Poe Eggers (October 13, 1903 -) on December 22,1938. Graydon Eggers is the son of John F. and Maude Bailiff Eggers. They have two sons and three grandchildren: John Landrine and Vivian Bullock Eggers and granddaughter, Lisa Daimar; and, Graydon Poe, Jr. and Carolyn Anderson Eggers and granddaughter, Marci Carol, and grandson Graydon Andrew (See Graydon Poe Eggers). Daisy Eggers joined the English faculty at Appalachian State University in 1954. From 1970-79 she taught Modern British Studies in the English Honors Program. Upon her resignation from the program and retirement from the University, the director of the program, Dr. Hans G. Heymann wrote: "In all these years you have been a shining example of a competent and dedicated teacher, exemplifying a deep sense of duty, dedication to your students and your profession, and a never-ending desire to deepen and enlarge your knowledge in your field of specialization. Your honors seminars on Yeats and later on Yeats and the Celtic Renaissance will be remembered by many of our finest students you taught in our honors program." Representative of Eggers' papers, addresses, and publications are the following: "W.B. Yeats: A Forgiveness of Opposite*," a seminar paper presented orally at Oxford University in 1971 and later printed by Verve magazine. Honors Day Address. Appalachian State University, Spring 1974. "Echoes of T.S. Eliot in Beckett's Happy Days." a seminar paper written at the University of London and later requested as an oral presentation at the Carolina* Symposium on British Studies in 197S. at Appalachian State University. Academic Adventure. 1976, published with Ford Foundation funds and shared with colleges and universities across the nation. "History of the First Baptist Church of Boone. 1969-81." From 1974 to 1979 Eggers served as coordinator of the Experimental Cooperative Program between Warren Wilson College and Appalachian State University which was supported by the Ford Foundation. Under her leadership the program was so successful that in 1979 the editors of the Chronicle of Higher Education lauded the project as an outstanding educational venture. During her twenty-eight year service to Appalachian State University. Eggers, in addition to her teaching responsibilities, served on dozens of committees and sponsored many organizations and activities. One year she was secretary and acting president of the Alumni Association. This long-term dedication was noted when in 1962 the yearbook staff dedicated the Rhododendron to her and her husband: To a man and woman who represented to many the epitome of service and understanding in their professional lives and whom the students of Appalachian respect and admire, we of the 1962 Rhododendron staff and the students we represent proudly dedicate our publication to Dr. and Mrs. Graydon P. Eggers. Also, in 1982, a Chancellor's Scholarship--a continuous Honors Program Scholarship--was named for Professor Eggers. Later, in 1983, Daisy Eggers received the "Outstanding Service Award" from the Appalachian State University Alumni Association for her contributions. Community service has played a large and important part in the life of Daisy Eggers. She has served as president of the Boone Women's Club and, most importantly, served as the organist of the First Baptist Church for thirty-three years. She was also the part-time choir director for some time, Sunday school teacher, and church historian, 1980-84. In retirement, Daisy Eggers resides in Boone, North Carolina, with her husband and now has the time to continue with her community activities, her bridge playing, and visiting with her children and grandchildren. Sources: Appalachian State University files. Professor Eggers' personal files, personal interviews, and long association. - Dr. Richard D. Howe
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