ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University held its 63rd annual new student convocation today at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, welcomed the Class of 2023 and congratulated them on taking the next step in their educational journey.
“During your time at Wesleyan, you will learn meaningful skills that will help you to successfully navigate life… so you can make an impact on the world,” stated Duff. “
The ceremony highlight was keynote speaker David Crabtree, lead anchor/reporter for WRAL-TV in Raleigh. After addressing the crowd, the award-winning reporter of over 37 years challenged new students to “change the world and love your neighbor.”
Crabtree, a Tennessee native, is no stranger to dedicating one’s time and effort to advancing their education, after receiving his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in May. Some of Crabtree’s most memorable assignments include the election of Pope Francis, the funeral of Nelson Mandela, an interview with Holocaust survivors, Pope John Paul II’s funeral, Mother Theresa’s funeral and covering seven major hurricanes, to name a few.
David Crabtree imparted this knowledge upon students— “You are on a magnificent journey. Embrace it. Love it. Love your neighbors. Change the world. Make us better.”
Other speakers included College chaplain, Reverend Barry Drum, Interim VP of Academic Affairs & Dean of Students, Dr. Molly Wyatt and Associate Dean of Students, Jessie Langley.
New students poured out of The Dunn Center embraced by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of the College who formed a time-honored tradition— the Bishop Tunnel. As they proceeded through the tunnel, they were each welcomed by Dr. and Mrs. Duff. Students then continued on to the annual Rock the Mount event at the Southern Bank Green, where they were also greeted by local businesses and community organizations.
NC Wesleyan Invites Businesses to Rock the Mount
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Local businesses, churches and organizations can register today to meet NC Wesleyan University’s incoming Class of 2023 at the College’s eighth annual Rock the Mount event. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Rock the Mount is an annual tradition for NC Wesleyan to welcome new students to campus and to the community. It takes place the day before the College’s first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Local businesses and organizations are given the opportunity to come and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and free advertising.
Each year, hundreds of students flow through a Bishop Tunnel, formed by cheering returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. The tunnel leads them to the Southern Bank Green, located in the center of campus, where businesses and organizations are setup with booths displaying their products and services. Last year’s Rock the Mount event brought 75 vendors to campus, including companies such as BB&T, Bojangles’ and Sheetz.
NC Wesleyan aims to have even more vendors this year. “This event was established in order to help build relationships between the College and the greater Rocky Mount area,” stated Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at Wesleyan. “Students are able to discover many of the area businesses and places to worship, as well as have the chance to discover volunteer and part-time job opportunities.”
The event is free to vendors and the College provides a six-foot folding table, two chairs and complimentary lunch. Exhibitors are required to bring table covers, while power cords and small tents (no larger than 10’ x 10’) are encouraged. Vendors can begin setting up the day of the event on the Southern Bank Green at 9:30 a.m. and are asked to have setup completed by 10:30 a.m.
Display spaces are limited, so businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign up now. All who would like to participate must register online by Friday, August 2 at rockthemount2019.eventbrite.com. For additional questions, contact Tammy Robinson at trobinson@ncwc.edu or at 252.985.5581.
