For his great career in serving the region’s people and needs, North Carolina Wesleyan University presented Norris Tolson with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at their Homecoming game on Saturday, October 14. Mr. Tolson is the Vice President of Special Projects for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership. The award is presented to a community leader who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership, service to the community and a commitment to spiritual values. This humanitarian award is meant to recognize those who have selflessly given and served others and the community.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan rose to success in New York City as a respected lawyer and a man who “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness” to others. After his death in 1887, the Society sought to honor him and the award bearing his name was established in 1925 by the Sullivan Memorial Committee and the New York Southern Society, which Mr. Sullivan had served as its first president.
“Mr. Tolson, for many years, has been a remarkable public servant in this region and statewide. When considering the attributes someone should possess in order to be awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, he was a clear choice and is well deserving of this honor,” stated Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive of Philanthropic Engagement at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Before joining the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Tolson served as a senior advisor for economic development with the Williams Mullen law firm, was President and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, served as both the North Carolina Secretary of Commerce and the North Carolina Secretary of Transportation. He was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly and served in the House of Representatives from 1994 until 1997 representing parts of Edgecombe, Nash, Pitt and Wilson Counties at the time. In 1999, Tolson served as the Chairman of the North Carolina Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund and in 2001 he was appointed to be the North Carolina Secretary of Revenue and stayed in this role until 2007.
Tolson proudly resides in Pinetops, NC. He has three children and five grandchildren.
NCWU Embraces New Freshman Class
North Carolina Wesleyan University held its 67th annual New Student Convocation today in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center. President Dr. Evan D. Duff gave a warm welcome to over 300 new students who are embarking on their college experience, congratulating them on taking the next step in their educational journey. The newest class of Bishops make up a diverse group of students with 196 hailing from North Carolina, 63 of which are from the local region, and 45 international students from 24 different countries. The top five majors that this cohort will be pursuing include Business Administration, Exercise Science, Criminal Justice, Biomedical Science and Computer Information Systems.
“During your time here, you will learn meaningful skills that will help you to successfully navigate life. Those include communication, collaboration, how to effectively make decisions, being self-aware and information technology skills. Your success in life is our success and we look forward to being an important part of your journey,” stated Duff.
This year’s guest speaker was Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, a 1988 Mathematics alumna and founder of the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race (WISER), which she is currently actively involved in. WISER is the first think tank to focus solely on the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of women of color. Sharpe was born in New York City, but raised in Virginia. After graduating from NC Wesleyan, she obtained three master’s degrees: Applied Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University (1992); Operations Research from Stanford University (1994); and Economics from Claremont Graduate University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Economics/Mathematics in 1998, also from Claremont Graduate University.
Sharpe has taught at a number of colleges and universities, including Barnard College, Bucknell University, Columbia University, Duke University and the University of Vermont. She is also the co-founder of the Diversity Initiative for Tenure in Economics (DITE), which she served as Associate Director from 2008 until 2014.
While addressing the new class of Bishops, Sharpe stressed the importance of not letting your past dictate your future.
“To the Class of 2027, I say to you: whatever your high school experience—whether you excelled or you had challenges—that was your past. Your future began when you stepped on this campus.” stated Sharpe. She went on to offer several tips for being successful over the next four years: be proactive, get to know your faculty, don’t be afraid to speak up in class even if you’re not always right, embrace and exchange ideas, acknowledge and appreciate those who maintain and clean your spaces, ask for help early and commit to look out for your fellow Bishop.
Throughout her address, Sharpe acknowledged multiple reasons why Wesleyan was a great educational choice for her. She closed by reiterating this sentiment, saying “Whether North Carolina Wesleyan was your first choice, your only choice, or your safe choice, as an alumna, I wish for you an educational experience that makes you feel like it was your best choice. It was for me.”
Afterwards, students exited The Dunn Center greeted by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of NC Wesleyan forming a time-honored tradition— the Bishop Tunnel. As they continued through the tunnel to enter the annual Rock the Mount event, they were each welcomed by President Duff and his wife, Marcy. Rock the Mount is a tradition at NCWU of welcoming new students to campus and to the community. Each year, it takes place the day before the University’s first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Organizations come out to support and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and advertising. This year, almost 110 community organizations lined the center of campus to celebrate Wesleyan’s Class of 2027. There were a variety of food options provided by food trucks CP3 Catering & Food Trailer, Integrity BBQ, 3Boys Smoke Pit & Catering, Webby’s, Minnie Amazing Foods and Thingz, and Dewberrys Fruit Smoothies were on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment was provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band “Blind Joy” and DJ 3two1.
Celebrating the Legacy of Late Artist J. Chris Wilson
The local community is mourning the loss of J. Chris Wilson, a North Carolina landscape artist, educator, cultural advocate and historic preservationist for over 40 years. Wilson, who recently passed away in Wilmington, NC on Saturday, August 5, was known for his paintings that are part of public, corporate, and private collections in the United States, England, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Photo by Ronald L. Sowers
Wilson received his undergraduate degree in art from Valdosta State University, studied drawing, bronze casting and art history in the University of Georgia Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy, and completed his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in drawing and painting in addition to post-MFA studies at the University of Georgia.
His artistic touch spread to Wesleyan beginning in 1988. When the historic Bellemonte House was originally moved from the back of campus to the front of campus in the fall of 1988, he served as the project coordinator and was highly involved in many aspects of its restoration. Wilson was instrumental in the successful nomination of the Bellemonte House for the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. He also painted the portrait of former NC Wesleyan professor and art collector, Daisy Thorp, that currently hangs in the President’s House in the dining room. In addition, Wilson and two others painted the large mural of chairs that previously hung outside The Dunn Center’s Carlton Boardroom. His tie to Wesleyan extends beyond the artistic work that he bestowed upon the University. He was also close with former NC Wesleyan President, Les Garner, and met his wife, Kathy, at the President’s house on campus.
Kathy served Wesleyan as a member of the Business faculty from August 1990 until her retirement with faculty emerita status in January 2017. A longtime friend and avid supporter of Wesleyan, Chris made many contributions to the University over the last several decades.
“Those who were fortunate enough to know Chris are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and their children during this difficult time,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “There are a number of areas on campus he left a lasting legacy on. I’m glad to know these will live on for generations to come. I am honored to get to display a piece of his art in my home.”
Many of his North Carolina “Murphy to Manteo” landscape paintings have been on long-term exhibition in the House of Representatives Chamber in the North Carolina Legislative Building and The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. His art work has been shown in galleries and museums throughout the Southeast including The Albany Museum of Art, The Burroughs-Chapin Museum of Art, The Spartanburg Museum of Art, The Fayetteville Museum of Art, The Greenville Museum of Art and in exhibitions at Blue Spiral Gallery and The Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art.
Wilson was a faculty member at Barton College from 1974-2012. He was awarded professor emeritus status in 2012 and from then until 2015, he was Barton’s first artist-in-residence. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and children, Matthew and Singleton.
The Dunn Center Announces Season Opener, Celebrates 27th Season
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University will kick off its 27th season of performing arts series with the very funny and extremely talented 3 Redneck Tenors. The 2023-24 season will include five shows from a variety of genres with season tickets on sale now for $150. As a season ticket holder, you get a reserved seat at all five shows. Individual show tickets are also available with prices ranging from $20-$55.
The “infamous” 3 Redneck Tenors have seen it all and sing it all, making us laugh till we double over. They remind us that in life, it is not the destination, it’s the journey. Get ready for a sidesplitting ride as we go on an excursion only the 3 Redneck Tenors could have had, delighting audiences with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of songs and music ranging from gospel, to country, to Broadway, pop and classical. You’re going to love them and so will anyone with a sense of humor and an appreciation for incredible voices.
“The Dunn Center is a true gem in eastern North Carolina and I’m proud of the exceptional lineup that we have to offer this season,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “For those who have attended a show here in the past, we look forward to having you back for another exciting performance. For those who have never been to our venue, I encourage you to come check us out and witness all that we have to offer.”
Also joining the lineup for the first time on October 13 is Rockland Road, six musicians representing four generations of musical heritage—all vocalists who among them play 23 different instruments. The Breakfast Club®, with real 1980s clothes, real vocals and real musical talent, will come to The Dunn Center on November 10.
Starting the 2024 year off on January 26 will be one of the most gifted singers ever to grace country music, Tony Jackson, who has been touted as a strong emotionally-charged and engaging voice that captured the hearts of millions, seemingly overnight. Finally, The Dunn Center will wrap up their season with Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters on February 9. Singer and playwright, Lisa Rock, has compiled a moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter and brings it to the stage with her six-piece backing band.
For more information on these season shows, as well as other cultural events and art shows, please visit dunncenter.com. All season shows are on Friday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Global Corporation Funds Sustainability Project at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has once again received Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. To celebrate this achievement, Easyflyers® collaborated with the University to enhance its campus by creating more green space through the planting of additional trees, installing a gravel walkway and adding a natural teak wood bench.
Easyflyers®, a global logistics company that offers comprehensive shipping solutions, has been a sponsor with Wesleyan over the last several years at their annual Wesleyan Cup Golf Outing. This donation to NCWU helps contribute to a more sustainable earth, while providing the campus community and visitors with a natural, outdoor sitting and meditation area. The newly-renovated space sits directly adjacent to the President’s House and contains two Mountain Gordlinia trees, a rare hybrid tree developed by NC State University, and five October Glory Maple trees arranged in a semi-circle.
Earlier this year, John Nelson, VP of North American Sales for Easyflyers®, attended the Wesleyan Cup Golf Outing and had the chance to ride through NC Wesleyan’s beautiful campus and thought to become more involved. “At Easyflyers®, we’re always looking for a way to give back and reduce our carbon footprint,” stated Nichol Ally, Managing Director for Easyflyers®. “We were looking for a great opportunity for an Arbor Day project and after speaking with John, thought what better way than to help create this green space on campus to help the environment and NCWU.”
The Tree Campus USA® program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. North Carolina Wesleyan University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project. To assist with this mission, Easyflyers® is involved in social responsibility projects, supporting numerous schools and charitable organizations that improve the quality of life for individuals and improve the standards of education, environmental care and fairness in the community.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
NCWU Becomes an Affiliate of Bee Campus USA
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has become an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators. NCWU joins many other cities and campuses across the country united in improving their landscapes for pollinators.
“Here at Wesleyan, we strive to incorporate biodiversity throughout our campus and recognize the vital importance of bees to our environment, food supply and health,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “As we join 170 Bee Campus USA universities throughout the country, we’re proud to be 1 of only 8 universities in the entire state of North Carolina to receive this designation.”
According to Dr. Carl Lewis, NCWU’s Bee Campus USA Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, NCWU has created and maintained a pollinator garden for the past several years which contains three active bee hives. The concept of having bee hives on campus was the result of the work of alumna, Carolynn Davern ’18. Caitlin BrabbleRose ‘18, along with several other founding members, helped create The B Club during their time at Wesleyan. This student organization, led by Dr. Ayra Sundbom, allows students to perform research while learning about animals and biodiversity. The “B” in B Club stands for more than just bees— Bees, Bats, Birds, Butterflies and Beasts.
NC Wesleyan takes pride in its commitment to minimizing hazards to pollinators by using nearly no neonicotinoids or other potentially dangerous pesticides. To raise awareness about the plight of pollinators, the University plans to publish a webpage to disseminate information to the campus and external communities including NCWU’s Integrated Pest Management Plan, a list of native plants incorporated into the campus landscape including their bloom time and habitat needs, links to student and faculty research into pollinator issues, and information about upcoming events.
Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA are initiatives of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, with offices across the country. Bee City USA’s mission is to galvanize communities and campuses to sustain pollinators by providing them with healthy habitat, rich in a variety of native plants, and free of pesticides. Pollinators like bumble bees, sweat bees, mason bees, honey bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and many others are responsible for the reproduction of almost ninety percent of the world’s flowering plant species and one in every three bites of food we consume.
“The program aspires to make people more PC—pollinator conscious, that is,” said Scott Hoffman Black, Xerces’ executive director. “If lots of individuals and communities begin planting native, pesticide-free flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, it will help to sustain many, many species of pollinators.”
According to Bee Campus USA coordinator Laura Rost, “How each city or campus completes the steps to conserve pollinators is up to them. Affiliates play to their own strengths, designing pesticide reduction plans, improving habitat, and holding events ranging from garden tours to native plant giveaways to bee trivia nights. Each campus must renew their affiliation each year and report on accomplishments from the previous year. Other institutions of higher education are invited to explore completing the application process outlined at beecityusa.org.”
To learn more about North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Bee Campus USA program, contact Dr. Carl Lewis at clewis@ncwu.edu.
For more information about Bee Campus USA, visit beecityusa.org.
For more information about the Xerces Society, visit xerces.org.
For information about four simple ways to help pollinators, visit xerces.org/bringbackthepollinators/.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Alumnus to Serve as New NCWU Board Chair
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has announced his plan to hand over the reins to Vice Chairman, Paul Bauer, after serving in the capacity since 2018. Mr. Bauer will begin his tenure as Board Chair on June 1 with Dr. Crocker remaining an active board member.
Mr. Bauer is no stranger to Wesleyan, as his father Dr. Raymond “Moe” Bauer, served NC Wesleyan for over 33 years in a variety of roles such as Head Baseball Coach, Director of Athletics and professor of both education and physical education. You may also recognize the name from NCWU’s baseball facility, Bauer Field, dedicated in memory of his father in 2005.
“I’m honored to have this opportunity to help lead the University in the coming years. Dr. Crocker has always led by example and paved the way for a successful transition,” stated Bauer. “With the history that Wesleyan holds for me and my family, I’m excited to see my alma mater continue to flourish over the coming years.”
Bauer is a 1986 graduate of NC Wesleyan who majored in History and Political Science. He is a Senior Client Executive with JHA Risk Management in Rocky Mount. In this role, he develops customer relationships and specializes in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance sales.
“I’m thankful for the leadership and generosity that Dr. Crocker has provided to the University and our Board of Trustees. During his tenure, NC Wesleyan has experienced numerous enhancements and growth,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. “I look forward to continuing to work with him as an active member of the Board and maintaining this momentum with the appointment of Mr. Bauer.”
Dr. Crocker has served on the Board of Trustees since 1997 and was Vice Chairman from 2016 until 2018. He and his wife, Brenda, have been avid supporters of NC Wesleyan throughout the years creating multiple scholarships, mentoring students and beautifying campus with Brenda’s gardening talents. In appreciation for their selfless contributions, the board has established an endowed scholarship fund in their name. With Dr. Crocker’s passion for higher education and nursing, the scholarship will go to benefit NCWU nursing students.
“Witnessing the success of North Carolina Wesleyan University is a passion of mine and I have full confidence that Paul will continue to lead this University to new heights,” stated Dr. Crocker. “I’m proud of the accomplishments that we’ve been a part of and I look forward to continuing to work with this talented group of board members.”
Bauer has served on the Board of Trustees since 2014 and as Vice Chair since 2018. As Board Chair, he will lead 20 others from a variety of backgrounds and industries who serve on the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
First Carolina Bank Champions NCWU Sports Stadium Campaign
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – First Carolina Bank supports North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Sports Stadium Campaign with an additional $25,000. Chief Banking Officer, Maxie Coker, presented the check on campus last Thursday, May 4. The funds will be used, in part, to go towards construction of the stadium’s press box.
Last year, NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees voted to name the future stadium press box in honor of Marion Barnes’ family. Barnes’ father, Guy Barnes, was one of the original founders of NC Wesleyan. The Marion Barnes Family Press Box will kick off Phase II of NC Wesleyan’s Sports Stadium Campaign. Marion Barnes is a former longtime trustee of the University and owner of Frontier Trailer Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, directly adjacent to the new stadium.
First Carolina Bank gave an initial $25,000 in 2021 in support of the stadium initiative. A banking partner with NC Wesleyan over the years, First Carolina Bank continues to be a strong supporter of Wesleyan and the Sports Stadium Campaign.
“We are appreciative and proud to partner with First Carolina Bank. Their unwavering support of NC Wesleyan, and specifically the stadium project, will pay dividends for Wesleyan students and community members for years to come. Strong, consistent advocates like First Carolina Bank are why this project continues to move forward and I cannot thank them enough,” stated Aaron Denton, Vice President of Athletics.
The Sports Stadium Campaign is completely donor-funded and consists of four project phases, as funding allows. Additional phases will include permanent seating and a new Sports and Entertainment Facility that will include classrooms, laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, as well as other sports and entertainment venue related amenities.
Those interested in helping with Phase II of the campaign can contact Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics, at adenton@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
NC Wesleyan University Sends Off Class of 2023
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, May 6, North Carolina Wesleyan University held its annual commencement ceremony at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The University celebrated 418 graduates, marking its 83rd graduation.
The event was open to graduates, faculty, the platform party and guests of graduates. There were 34 international students from 17 different countries: Argentina, Australia, China, Ecuador, France, Italy, Liberia, Uganda, Venezuela, Israel, Martinique, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal and Turkmenistan. University Chaplain, Rev. Edwin Ferguson, gave the invocation, followed by a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by alumna, Ms. Latisha Scott ’06.
President Dr. Evan D. Duff welcomed the crowd to the momentous occasion and congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments noting, “your degree is provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good and individuals who care about others. As we celebrate together, we acknowledge the obligations all of us have to help bring about a better world.”
The commencement address was given by Renee Chou, news anchor and reporter for WRAL-TV. Chou is a three-time, Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter who joined WRAL in October 2004 as a general assignment reporter. Over the years, she has served as the weekend morning anchor and weekend evening anchor. Chou was promoted to weekday morning anchor in March of 2014.
Chou addressed the graduates stating, “your drive and hard work has set you on a path to success and a lifelong journey of learning. There are graduates here who understand how quickly the years go by, who have decades under their belt…they are proof it’s never too late to set a goal and conquer it. I say to you, you are an inspiration and the definition of what is possible when you put in the work…your investment in higher education will shape you, transform you and set you on a trajectory.”
She went on to offer the Class of 2023 five truths that have helped her on her journey. First: trust that the no’s will lead to a yes. Second: you can do anything, but you can’t do everything. Third: everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Fourth: pay attention to who shows up for you unconditionally. And fifth: “just think, you’re not even the best version of yourself yet. It’s comforting to know; the best days of your life are still ahead.”
Chou ended with words of wisdom and hope urging graduates, “don’t let others write your story. YOU are the author, the journalist of your own story. Your story is still being written and the world can’t wait to learn about it. Class of 2023, go shine your light!”
After Mrs. Chou’s inspiring speech, Dr. Katrina Sweet, Associate Professor of Business Administration, was presented with the 2023 Exemplary Teacher Award. This award recognizes excellence in teaching and promotion of student learning, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, service to students beyond the classroom and service to the larger community beyond campus.
De’Asia Clark received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, which honors a senior who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership, service to the community and a commitment to spiritual values. Clark obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
The President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average, went to Allison Wichrowski. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in the Honors Program and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice.
In addition, NC Wesleyan’s ROTC program commissioned two graduates into the United States Army. These students took the oath of office from Major William Burgdorf. The newly commissioned Second Lieutenants include: Second Lieutenant Elijah Meyers and Second Lieutenant Joshua Hughes commissioned into the U.S. Army.
The event was live-streamed and recorded so family and friends who were not able to attend in person could celebrate with their students virtually. The recording can be viewed on youtube and the University’s Facebook page.
Photos from the event can be found on our campus sites photos.ncwc.edu and also Carl Lewis Photography.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram and YouTube.
NCWU Students Take Action on Mental Health
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Four international students at North Carolina Wesleyan University have teamed up to develop a course and textbook that promotes mental well-being among their peers. The Wesleyan Mindset— Inner Journey Journal is the brainchild of former student-athletes Gregor Baum (Germany) and Harjot “Hardy” Singh (New Zealand), with help from sisters Candela Conde Latini and Delfina Conde Latini (Argentina) on design and layout. Both Gregor and Harjot independently took the initiative to create this resource, not as a required class project, completing it in a few short months during the fall 2022 semester.
The two left their home countries to attend NC Wesleyan to grow, learn and succeed. They quickly formed a strong bond over their shared experiences as student-athletes who endured severe injuries which altered their journeys. Gregor was injured during his first week of practice on the Battling Bishops tennis team and Hardy just after his first week of starting at his dream high school. Both faced very tough periods of being hurt, far from home and unprecedented challenges. Each thought their dreams and identities had been crushed. Through perseverance and learning, they both found new passions in leadership, public speaking and service towards others— skillsets they want to share with others in similar situations.
“I was so excited to complete this project that I couldn’t sleep. Hardy and I spent so many late nights in the library to make this journal a reality,” stated Gregor. “I hope that other students will greatly benefit from taking this inward journey. I’m a firm believer in the American dream. If you work hard, align yourself with the right people and remain optimistic, doors will open for you.”
Every Tuesday night from March 14 until April 18, Gregor and Candela will coach NCWU students through the Wesleyan Mindset— Inner Journey Journal, having them explore areas of self-reflection, energy sources, gratitude, adversity and success. With the goal of leaving their University in a better place than they found it, Gregor and Hardy developed the journal they wish they had when transitioning to college. The tools and strategies it presents helps students find the inner hero among themselves.
“The Wesleyan Mindset journal provides introspection from a student’s point of view for establishing a successful mindset to combat the struggles that many students encounter on their life’s journey,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This project demonstrates the benefit of a small, close-knit university. These students came up with a practical way to serve their fellow Bishops and pitched it to the President. Now, they have an opportunity to implement this as a pilot course and potentially turn it into a one-credit hour class in the future. The pilot course will be offered as part of the University’s Practical Skills Academy (PSA), which offers life and professional skills to students in areas not typically covered in traditional coursework.
“I was excited when Gregor and Harjot reached out to me about their Mindset Journal. We talked about what motivated them to write this journal and it was clear that we share the same goal, which is to help students transition to college life,” stated Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success. “We agreed to pilot the journal in the spring sessions of COL 103: Wesleyan Transition. At the start of the course, students were given the journal and Gregor visited the class sessions to introduce himself and share the vision. Students are working through the journals now at their own pace and the COL 103 instructors offer students opportunities to share their growth in class discussions and writings. We look forward to hearing how the Mindset Journal impacted these students and hopefully using the journals in future COL 103 sessions.”
Gregor and Hardy took the practical skills that they learned at NCWU and their passion for helping others to develop GH Inner Performance, LLC in January 2023. The mission of their company is to help others find the hero in themselves.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
