This year’s annual Chili Cook Off was full of good, spicy chili and lots of water. Faculty, staff and the judges enjoyed themselves with a sampling of some of North Carolina’s best chili prepared by Saint Augustine’s University employees.

The judges seemed to enjoy each spoonful of chili, and after much deliberation, the judges selected the winners. The first place winner for the chili cook off was SAU Chief of Police George H. Boykin III. The second place winner was Jorge Sousa, dean of enrollment, and the third place winner was Eric Townes.

New to this year was a bake off. The winners were Natasha Kent, who won first place, and Chris Tucker was the second place winner.

The chili cook off and bake off was held in honor of alumnus Charles Edwards. While a student at Saint Augustine’s University, Edwards did his work study in the mail room. Upon graduation, he was hired as a full-time mail clerk and later became the manager of the university mail room. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Terrance Ross, the current manager of the mail center, said his fondest memory of Edwards was the fact that he loved Saint Augustine’s University. “He knew everybody and knew so much about the rich history of the university,” said Ross, who worked as Edwards’ assistant for three years. “I learned so much from him. He was a great person who loved the university.”

The proceeds benefitted the Charles Edwards Scholarship Fund.