ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 On Saturday, April 25, 麻豆原创 held a to honor the Class of 2020. The College announced on March 23 that the spring commencement ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. In lieu of a physical ceremony, the College wanted to do something special to honor its 222 seniors who graduated.
The included a welcome message from President Duff, baccalaureate address by Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and photos that the graduates submitted, along with their hometowns and majors. In addition, the graduates were treated to a surprise video from award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, who was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey鈥檚 Anatomy and the CBS comedy, 鈥淢e, Myself and I.鈥
In her video, Lawrence addressed the graduates, stating 鈥淚鈥檇 like to talk to you today about sacrifice 鈥 something that we鈥檝e heard of, but I think we all know a little more about now.鈥 She went on to mention all of the sacrifices that are made in order to obtain a college degree, many of which she experienced herself. She specifically addressed the challenges and sacrifices that are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 鈥淏ut I never had to sacrifice my graduation service鈥he Class of 2020 did something unique.鈥 She left the graduates with the hope that maybe they would all be able to celebrate together at the December ceremony.
This was the College鈥檚 79th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 10 international graduates from six countries: Argentina, Cambodia, Venezuela, England, Nepal and Italy. This commencement also included the third cohort of Wesleyan鈥檚 new Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice program.聽
NC Wesleyan to Celebrate Graduating Seniors with Virtual Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创鈥檚 spring commencement ceremony was originally scheduled for April 25. With ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College announced on March 23 that the ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. Graduate candidates for April, August, and December will be able to participate in the December 2020 ceremony. In lieu of a ceremony on April 25, Wesleyan has created a virtual celebration which will be published on the College鈥檚 website and social media that day.
Award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Wesleyan is excited to announce that she will still be addressing the Class of 2020 at the December commencement ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey鈥檚 Anatomy and the CBS comedy, 鈥淢e, Myself and I.鈥 A native of North Carolina, she was born in Charlotte and later moved to Raleigh where she graduated from Broughton High School. Lawrence attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is also the daughter of Tom Lawrence, former news reporter for WRAL News in Raleigh.
鈥淎s our graduating seniors entered their final semester, the world changed before their eyes. However, in this moment, they became fearless, bold, and emerged stronger as productive and informed citizens. The education they attained at 麻豆原创 has prepared them for this very moment,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
The virtual celebration on April 25 will include a welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, baccalaureate address by College Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and recognize each graduate. The virtual celebration can be viewed on April 25 at ncwu.edu, as well as the College鈥檚 , , and accounts.
SAT/ACT WAIVED FOR FALL 2020
麻豆原创 remains committed to our community by offering educational opportunities despite the challenges influencing our nation and world. Our core values of Kindness and Empathy require NCWC to be a good faith partner to our service area. In furtherance of these values and in order to afford an opportunity to make an investment in our community, NCWC has amended the admissions policy to waive the ACT/SAT for students who have not had an opportunity to take these national tests. This test optional admissions waiver will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Fall 2020 admissions cycle is complete.
Over the past several months NCWC has started new degrees, expanded online learning, and have plans to open other campus locations. All of these academic and operational enhancements were designed with our community in-mind as we continue to provide options for working adults, transfer students, commuters, as well as maintaining a full residential life college experience.
Wesleyan is proud of the service we provide to our students and in the decision to waive the SAT/ACT admissions requirements. This is one small way we continue our commitment to serve the educational needs of our community.
Contact our Admissions staff at 252.985.5200 or admissions@ncwu.edu for more information.
NC Wesleyan Offers Care Packages for Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 In an effort to assist students and support those on campus, Wesleyan provided care packages Friday, March 20 with help from local churches and organizations. Packages included snacks, drinks and other food items for students to take back to their residence halls.
NC Wesleyan currently has approximately 200 students remaining on campus to finish the semester via remote instruction. Many of these students do not have transportation or the financial means to return home. These care packages were distributed in hopes of boosting students鈥 spirits, while showing them love and care during this national pandemic.
Organizations who signed up to donate items, dropped them off this week in The Dunn Center鈥檚 Garner Lobby. Wesleyan staff were sure to practice social distancing and wore gloves while putting the care packages together. Students were strongly encouraged to also maintain social distancing while picking up their packages, as well as not congregating in groups of 10 or more.
Wesleyan Collects Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19
With the dwindling supplies of protective masks nationwide, NC Wesleyan is mobilizing an effort to make homemade face masks to help local providers protect against COVID-19. The College is calling on the public to help with this effort!
麻豆原创 will be collecting masks at a drive through drop-off at the Gateway Technology Center at the front of campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 鈥 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. 鈥 noon. The College will then distribute to local providers in need.
For more information, contact NCWC’s RN to BSN Director of Dr. Brittany Bass at bbass@ncwu.edu. For DIY mask and pattern ideas, watch the video below:
A Day for Wesleyan
One Day. A Lifelong Impact.
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The Day for Wesleyan event has been a tradition at 麻豆原创 for 38 years, typically taking place over several weeks in the fall of the year. As Wesleyan implements safety and operational plans related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the College is still working hard to fulfill its educational mission and help its students complete the semester. This year, 鈥淎 Day for Wesleyan鈥 will be a 24-hour online giving opportunity for alumni and friends to show their Bishop Pride on Thursday, March 26.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important that we are meeting the needs of our students, both academically and financially. In an effort to uphold our mission and press on to provide this support for our students, we will move forward with our Day for Wesleyan campaign. Now more than ever, our students, families, communities and state need to rally around one another,鈥 announced Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
The goal of the campaign is to attract 650 donors to help raise $45,000 in a single day. Among the matching gift incentives, once the campaign reaches its 300th donor, a gift of $10,000 from an anonymous alumni will be unlocked.
鈥淲e hope that the entire community will show their Bishop Pride on Thursday, March 26th. When alumni and friends of the College unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen,鈥 said Vice President of Advancement and Wesleyan alumnus, Eddie Coats. 鈥淎ll gifts, regardless of the amount, add up to make a huge impact on the College鈥檚 efforts to educate these bright and talented students.鈥
NC Wesleyan hopes everyone in the community will embrace March 26th as a day to celebrate Wesleyan. It can be as simple as wearing blue and gold or Wesleyan gear, posting Wesleyan memories on social media using #DFW2020, spreading the news to others to follow Wesleyan, or making a gift in support online. Gifts to the Wesleyan Fund will give the College the ability to respond to the greatest needs and concerns as they arise.
鈥淭heir growth has brought more young people to this area,鈥 states Chamber of Commerce President David Farris. 鈥淭he educational experiences they offer, and the opportunities they create to improve our quality of life culturally, has an impact on everyone in this region.鈥
Donors can learn more and participate in the Day for Wesleyan by going to the secured giving website or by calling 252.985.5266. Gifts are tax-deductible.
Wesleyan Sets New Annual Senior Tradition
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 North Carolina Wesleyan College has launched a new, yearly tradition that allows graduating seniors to leave a mark on campus that will continue to grow for years to come. The tradition involves the planting of tulip and daffodil bulbs on an area of campus chosen by the seniors.
This past Monday, NC Wesleyan seniors who will be graduating in December 2019 or May 2020 gathered on campus in front of Pearsall Library to kick off the new tradition. The graduates had the opportunity to plant these bulbs as a symbol of their legacy at NC Wesleyan University. This annual event provides a burst of color, revitalizing natural spaces and offering years of beauty throughout campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Dr. Duff surveyed the senior class in order to gauge location interest and confirm best available times to plant. In the future, the College plans to allow each senior class an opportunity to choose a different location unique to their gift.
鈥淭his is a creative and lasting way for our seniors to leave their mark on campus. As tours are conducted on campus, we can show visitors one way seniors are making their impact on the beautification of Wesleyan,鈥 stated Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This new tradition nicely coordinates with Wesleyan鈥檚 continued efforts to expand its beautification of campus and positively impact the environment. Since 2017, Wesleyan has received Tree Campus USA庐 recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
Sony Music Entertainment Executive, December 2019 Commencement Speaker
Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 North Carolina Wesleyan College is proud to announce Ms. Constance D. Williams as their December 2019 commencement speaker. A seasoned executive with over 26 years of human resource and business experience as well as previous adjunct professor at the College, Ms. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to impart upon the upcoming graduating class. Her legacy of delivering trusted, forward thinking, creative and impactful insight within her field will inspire graduates as they transition into the next chapter of their lives, promotion opportunities and future careers.
鈥淐onstance is a positive force of nature in the world of human resources and organizational development. During her time as an adjunct professor, she instilled the highest level of knowledge, character and personal development with our students. I am so excited for our December class of 2019 to hear the wisdom she has to offer,鈥 stated Wesleyan鈥檚 Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Ms. Williams currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment located in New York, NY. She leads Sony Music鈥檚 talent acquisition and talent management functions.
Prior to her employment at Sony Music Entertainment, Ms. Williams was an adjunct professor at North Carolina Wesleyan College, credentialed to teach courses in Psychology, Business and Organizational Administration at all levels. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Cornell University and her master鈥檚 degree from Columbia University. She also earned distinction having received Billboard Magazine鈥檚 2018 Women in Music Award.
鈥淧rofessor Williams was very attentive and you can tell that she genuinely cared about the success of her students. What I enjoyed most about this class was the authenticity in our class discussions and being able to apply real life situations to the information we were learning. She created unity in the class that allowed us all to participate and learn,鈥 stated one of her former NCWC students.
In support of Wesleyan students鈥 future career exploration, Ms. Williams has created a Sony Music Entertainment job shadowing opportunity for students in Wesleyan鈥檚 Music Production and Human Resources programs. This year鈥檚 selected students, Will Plyler and Joshua Strausser, had the opportunity to visit the Sony Music Entertainment Headquarters in New York City over fall break. As part of their experiential learning, the students visited The Orchard, the renowned Sony recording studio, and shadowed some of Sony Music Entertainment鈥檚 top music production engineers. Wesleyan is grateful for this partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and hopes to continue building this relationship for future opportunities.
Community Partners Work to Strengthen Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Wells Fargo has awarded a $15,000 grant to support a new Launch Rocky Mount Biz program to spur local business creation.
Offered by the Small Business Center at Nash Community College, Eastern NC Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at 麻豆原创, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce and Station Square, the program will prepare local entrepreneurs to launch new businesses.
Author: NCC Public Relations Department
Wesleyan Celebrates 63rd Anniversary
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University celebrated its 63rd year with its annual Founders鈥 Day ceremony Thursday in Minges Auditorium of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts.
The opening processional included an invocation by Dr. Barry Drum, presentation of the colors by NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Army ROTC and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. North Carolina Wesleyan Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, welcomed the crowd of students, faculty, staff and friends of the College.
鈥淭oday we celebrate our 63rd birthday,鈥 noted Duff and 鈥63 years of academic excellence.鈥 He then followed by reading a letter dated back to 1955 from Archie W. Mclean, Co-Chairman at the time, addressed to Mrs. R.D. Gorham, Miss Vivian Braswell and Mr. Thomas J. Pearsall. The letter acknowledged the College鈥檚 deep appreciation of the four sites on the Belmont Farm gifted to develop what we now know as North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Guest speaker for the event was the honorable Judge Phil Carlton, Trustee Emeritus. Carlton has a long and generous history with NC Wesleyan, serving almost 20 years as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He has been an instrumental financial supporter and advocate of the College since the 1970鈥檚. Carlton has a wealth of historical knowledge of the founding and growth of the College.
Judge Phil Carlton kicked off his speech acknowledging, 鈥淥ne fact you may not know is that Methodist College in Fayetteville and Wesleyan opened on the same day and they are today still the youngest four-year liberal arts colleges in North Carolina.鈥 Carlton asked, 鈥淪o, what鈥檚 our future here today on our birthday?鈥 He then noted, 鈥淲e need to decide what it is that is driving higher education today and what is going to drive it in the future鈥 If I had to pick two key words it would be collaboration and partnering鈥 It鈥檚 called thinking out of the box, and that鈥檚 what we got to do.鈥
Eddie Coats, VP of Advancement, presented members of the Nash County Tourism Development Authority and the Foundation for the Carolinas with tokens of appreciation for their generosity and support of Wesleyan. In 2018, the 2.18-mile Wesleyan trail that circles campus was constructed thanks to the contributions from the Nash County Tourism Development Authority and the Longleaf Fund, managed by the Foundation for the Carolinas.
During the ceremony, two North Carolina Wesleyan residence halls were formally renamed. Nash Hall was renamed Pash Hall in honor of Mrs. Jessie 鈥淛ackie鈥 H. Pash in recognition of her service as an elementary school teacher in the Nash-Rocky Mount School System. Edgecombe Hall was renamed after Carrol and Judy Roberson in recognition of their service to others and the values they placed upon education. These tributes were both made possible due to a generous gift to the College by the Roberson鈥檚 son, C. Saunders 鈥淪andy鈥 Roberson, who was also a former student in Mrs. Pash鈥檚 first-grade class at Englewood Elementary School here in Rocky Mount.
鈥溌槎乖 is fortunate and blessed to have a long history of dedicated members of the Rocky Mount community who have supported the mission of the College with their time, talents and donations. We appreciate the generous gift that Sandy Roberson has made to rename these residence halls,鈥 commented Duff.
The day concluded with an Open House hosted by NCWC Residence Life staff at the newly renamed Roberson Hall.
