ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Recent art works, Fantasy Fantastique by artist Patricia Horne, will soon be transforming Mims Art Gallery at 麻豆原创. Her exhibition of colorful paintings, digital prints and sculptures will begin to blanket the gallery walls on October 28, 2021. Open to the public and free admission, come meet Patricia and enjoy refreshments at a reception on Thursday, October 28 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in The Dunn Center鈥檚 Mims Art Gallery. The exhibit will also continue to be showcased Monday 鈥 Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and during evening events until January 3, 2022.
Gallery visitors will be lured in and transported into Patricia Horne鈥檚 dreamy world of fairy tales and fantasy, where everyday realities lie somewhere else. The artist shares her own improvisational surprises with the viewer as her cast of people, creatures, plants and planets, each have their unique personas and exist in narrative harmony with one another. Outside of sculpture and traditional painting, the computer has more and more become the perfect medium and paintbrush for Patricia. The immediacy of pictorial form, phosphene color, shape-shifting change, and layering of environment and space keep her flights of fantasy and narratives fresh and alive.
Patricia, a life-long North Carolina native, has raised her family in Fuquay-Varina where she lives with her husband. Since childhood, making art has been one of her favorite things to do. In her teens, she competed at a national contest in NYC where she received the Gold Key Award and honorable mention for a pen and ink entitled “Lady In Command.” After high school, she attended Chowan University between 1982 and 83 and then Hardbager Jr, College from 1983 to 84. Married with the responsibilities of raising a family, she put making art on hold. With children grown and on their own, it was a 2015 Zentangle class in art that recharged her artistic pursuits and ongoing non-stop career. Largely self-taught like so many other greats, she exhibits regionally, accepts commission art projects and is a resident artist in the 311 Gallery.
Don鈥檛 miss this opportunity to view Patricia Horne鈥檚 work. Her prints and paintings are for sale and will make a favorite addition in a home or special collection.
麻豆原创 The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims Gallery, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The Gallery is open weekdays from 2:00-4:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on .
NC Wesleyan To Induct 6 into Athletics Hall of Fame Class of `20 and `21
N.C. Wesleyan University is preparing to induct six members to its Athletics Hall of Fame.
The Bishops will honor the 2020 and 2021 classes during an invite-only ceremony on Oct. 9. The new members include the late and former athlete and administrator Cliff Sullivan, as well as former players Brittany Insley-Pecora, Chris Bryant and LeeRon Boykin in the 2020 class.
The 2021 class includes athletes Trey Drake and Caitlin Sanderson.
NCWC Homecoming Returns
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 will kick off its Homecoming week festivities on Monday, October 4 leading up to the Bishops鈥 football game against Greensboro College on Saturday, October 9. For the second time, the Battling Bishops will play their Homecoming game on-campus at the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Football Field, after first doing so in 2019.
Throughout the week, many activities will take place both on-campus and throughout the community for students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public. There will also be opportunities to cheer on men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer, as well as baseball. An alumni football game is scheduled for Friday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. on the field adjacent to the Gateway Technology Center (GTC), located at the front of campus.
Saturday, tailgating will begin at 9:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m., the College will be dedicating a plaque recognizing and honoring alumni who served in harm鈥檚 way during the Vietnam War. This will be an addition to the existing Vietnam Memorial Courts at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center. Also at 10:00 a.m., the Alumni & Kid Zone opens at the football field or catch the alumni softball game at Edge Field. A chili cook-off will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Homecoming golf cart parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Kickoff against Greensboro College is at noon and alumni plan to round out the day at The Rocky Mount Mills from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
For a full list of activities, times and locations, visit ncwu.edu/homecoming or the NCWC Homecoming 2021 event on Facebook. Individual tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are $5 for adults (18+), $3 for ages 12-18 and FREE for all under age 12. Alumni Homecoming Packets can be purchased online for $35 and include a game ticket, t-shirt, parking pass, bookstore discount and a list of Community Partner discounts.
NC Wesleyan Kicks Off Annual Fall Fundraising Campaign
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 launched their annual fall fundraiser, The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, on Monday, September 27 at a kickoff breakfast in The Dunn Center. This campaign seeks vitally important support for various purposes including student scholarships, the latest in cutting-edge technology, lab enhancements, recruitment of students and faculty, additional library resources and more.
To help usher in the campaign, two highlights of the event included check presentations by First Carolina Bank and NC Wesleyan alumna, Jane Gravely. Lank Dunton, First Carolina Bank鈥檚 Market Executive for the Rocky Mount Area, presented the College with $25,000 to support the Sports Stadium Project. First Carolina Bank has been a banking partner with NC Wesleyan and is a strong supporter of the Sports Stadium Project and other ongoing efforts at the College. Jane Gravely 鈥74 donated $24,000 to establish the Gravely Arts Gallery in The Dunn Center and start an endowment supporting the visual arts programs at NC Wesleyan. She is a current NC Wesleyan Board of Visitors member and fan of the arts.
鈥淲e are so grateful for the support this community shows the College. For 65 years we鈥檝e been serving not only our students, but the community as well. That partnership, from its beginning to today, has been mutually beneficial,鈥 stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement. 鈥淎s NC Wesleyan continues to grow and thrive, so will the opportunities we offer back to the area through the arts, academic excellence, quality athletics, entertainment and volunteer support. Regardless of the size, we are grateful for all gifts of support during this campaign.鈥
The College has set a goal of raising $280,000 by October 25. Those who are interested in supporting this campaign can give securely online at or by calling 252.985.5581.
Local Artist, Ashley Fabrizio, Coming to The Mims Gallery at NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center will kick off their 2021-22 season with an opening reception featuring local artist, Ashley Fabrizio. This free, public event will take place on Thursday, September 9 from 5:00 鈥 7:00 p.m. Gallery receptions provide a unique opportunity to enjoy new art, socialize and meet the artist.
Already famous in local community, Fabrizio is the artist behind the 125-foot by 30-foot CSX mural on the side of Station Square in downtown Rocky Mount. Fabrizio will discuss her experiences as a muralist, commission painter and paint party hostess, as well as a creative force in regional expressionist painting. A 鈥渇earless鈥 artist, there is no subject she will shy away from, including portraits of friends, celebrities and dogs in vivid color and bold brushwork. You can feel the energy and excitement in her paintings, as well as envision her ideas and thoughts about her subject matter.
Educated in local schools and a student of painting and art education at Barton College, Fabrizio has found her artistic voice as an expressionist where emotion and bursts of excitement drive her vision and painting style. She is an active member of both the Wilson and Rocky Mount art communities, as well as other regional venues.
A mother of two young children, Fabrizio balances her creative life with parenting. Her determination to make a living as a career artist is to be admired. You can find Ashley at the Bel Air Art Center in downtown Rocky Mount where her lively, free-spirited mural is already a Bel Air landmark.
Don鈥檛 miss this opportunity to view Fabrizio鈥檚 work. Her studio paintings will be on display and for sale in The Mims Gallery through October 22, making a great addition for your home or office collection.
麻豆原创 The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims Gallery, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The Gallery is open weekdays from 2:00-4:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on .
Calling All Entrepreneurs: Bring Your Best Pitch to NCWC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 will host their first Nancy A. Shaw Entrepreneurship Competition on Tuesday, October 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center. This competition is open to residents of Nash and Edgecombe counties, as well as faculty, staff and students at NC Wesleyan.
Participating entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase a product, service or idea that they have created for domestic cats and/or dogs. The competition is judged in two parts. All participants will have their initial application and video reviewed by a panel of judges. These will then be narrowed down to the five best entrepreneurs, who will then present their pitch on October 19. Prizes will range from $1,500 for third place to $4,000 for the grand prize. There is no entry fee and the deadline for applying is September 23. The community is invited to come hear the presentations and enjoy light refreshments.
鈥淒r. Nancy Shaw was a pioneer in health care and a life-long animal advocate. With the help of her endowment, NC Wesleyan will be able to establish its first endowed Professorship for its Pre-Vet major. Along with that, we now have the opportunity to host our new 鈥楳ake Your Pitch鈥 Competition. What better way to honor an animal lover than to highlight pets and the importance they play in our lives,鈥 stated Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Services and Business Innovation.
The College announced in October 2020 that it had received $2,500,000 from the Dr. Nancy Shaw Trust. In addition to establishing its first endowed Professorship, the funds will create a highly-selective endowed scholarship, develop additional living and learning space and upgrade equipment in the College鈥檚 Biology, Biomedical, Environmental Science and Chemistry programs. The primary focus of Dr. Shaw鈥檚 trust is to benefit the health and care of felines, which was a passion of hers.
Dr. Shaw attended Brown University where she graduated magna cum laude and entered Brown University Medical School graduating in 1983. She completed her Internship at Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham, Massachusetts in 1985. Her Residency in Internal Medicine was completed at the Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, Connecticut in 1988. She became Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1989. Dr. Shaw resided in North Carolina from 1992 -2012. During that time, she established the Hospitalist Programs for both Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, Concord, and Boice-Willis Clinic in Rocky Mount. She and her mother resided in Rocky Mount during these years.
Those who are interested in applying can visit bit.ly/ncwcpitch. For further information, please contact Dr. Gena Messer-Knode at gknode@ncwu.edu.
Local Author & Entrepreneur Set to Speak at NCWC Convocations
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 will hold its 65th annual New Student Convocation on Tuesday, August 24 at The Dunn Center. Keynote Speaker for this year鈥檚 event will be Etaf Rum, local author and entrepreneur.
Rum is the author of which became a New York Times bestseller, hit the ninth spot on Amazon’s Bestseller List and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager as her book club’s May 2019 read. Rum is also part-owner of two local businesses in Rocky Mount鈥Barley & Burger, a bold and refined kitchen and bar, and Tipsy Tomato, a premier Italian pizza restaurant. Her newest venture, Books and Beans, centers around two of Rum鈥檚 favorite things: writing and coffee. Outfitted with a counter and handful of tables, Books and Beans serves breakfast, lunch and coffee from a North Carolina roaster.
When asked how she plans to motivate Wesleyan鈥檚 students, Rum stated she would 鈥渟hare with them tips to encourage discipline and goal-setting throughout their college experience; learning how to overcome adversity for success, transform through suffering and develop the mindset of a winner.鈥
鈥淣ew Student Convocation is an important part of the orientation experience at NC Wesleyan,鈥 stated Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success. 鈥淭his ceremony is a chance for our new students to come together, while being encouraged and challenged as they move forward on their journey as a Bishop. Etaf Rum鈥檚 message will help educate our students and motivate them to be agents of change.鈥
In addition to welcoming NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Class of 2025, Rum will also address the College鈥檚 professors at their Faculty Convocation on Tuesday, August 17. This event is used to give faculty a fresh perspective on issues in higher education, as well as provide them with exposure to a work, such as Rum鈥檚 book, that will give additional perspective to students the College serves. Rum grew up in a Palestinian-American household as the oldest of nine children in Brooklyn, New York. While raising her two children, she enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she earned a B.A. in English Language and Literature, a B.S. in Philosophy and an M.A. in American and British Literature and Philosophy.
Rock the Mount 2021
Rock the mount is back and we’re ready to make it better than ever!
Come out and help us welcome NC Wesleyan’s Class of 2025! Surrounding area business owners, churches and other non-profit organizations are invited to come gain exposure with Wesleyan’s students and promote your organization. General Public is invited.
August 24th, 11am – 1:30 pm
Food Trucks, Music and More!
Volleyball and Soccer Showcase, 2pm -5pm
The Aftershock Party, 6:30pm
Live Concert, Carnival Rides, Free Food and More
Jim Brickman Supports the Arts Concert
WITH SHARE THE LOVE LIVE! VIRTUALLY
JIM BRICKMAN SUPPORTS THE ARTS WITH SHARE THE LOVE LIVE! VIRTUALLY
Jim Brickman donated over $100,000 to the arts across the US this past holiday season, and now is doing it again by performing LIVE virtual concerts in February.
WHAT:
Jim Brickman 鈥淪hare The Love, LIVE!鈥 Virtually
WHEN:
Friday, February 12 at 9pm ET
Saturday, February 13 at 7pm ET & 10pm ET
Sunday, February 14 at 7pm ET & 10pm ET
WHERE:
Your couch, your bed, your comfy chair
WHY:
To enjoy a one of a kind personal concert experience with Jim Brickman and support your local theatre.
PRICES:
Early Bird $40 ($50 starting February 1)
INFO: Jim Brickman will wow the crowd with his uplifting, family-friendly, 鈥淟OVE BY REQUEST鈥 CONCERT.
Support local Performance Arts!
PROMO CODE: lovedc
Use this code and a portion of each ticket price ($10) will go to The Dunn Center!
Tickets On Sale Now EXCLUSIVELY at
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Grammy Nominated Songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman will continue to entertain fans in February with 鈥淪hare The Love鈥 LIVE Virtually. A portion of each ticket purchased to this LIVE event will be benefit theatres across the country. Fans and their families can enjoy this unique virtual concert experience from the comfort of home, while supporting the arts during this challenging time.
Brickman will bring the LIVE concert experience up close and personal with his 鈥淟OVE BY REQUEST: concerts filled with his own hit songs such as, 鈥淟ove of My Life,鈥 鈥淒estiny,鈥 鈥Angel Eyes鈥 and 鈥淰补濒别苍迟颈苍别.鈥 Brickman will warm the hearts of all as sweet sounds love bringing family and friends together to Share the Love.
The Jim Brickman鈥檚 Valentine鈥檚 tradition continues, with a front row experience like never before.
NCWC Board Announces Duff as College President
Contract Extended Through 2023
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Dr. Evan D. Duff has been named the eighth President of 麻豆原创. The announcement came early this month from Dr. Dan Crocker, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the College.
Duff was appointed as Acting President by the Board of Trustees on June 10, 2019 and later accepted a two-year contract as Interim President. Following recent discussions with faculty and staff, a consensus decision was made by the Board of Trustees in their May 29 assembly to appoint Duff as President and extend his contract for an additional two years. The extension positions Duff as President for the College through May 31, 2023.
In his statement to faculty and staff, Dr. Crocker, Chair of the Board, noted 鈥渢he remarkable manner in which Dr. Duff took the reins since last summer, leading both efficiently and effectively.鈥 He also mentioned 鈥渢he extraordinary financial turnaround [of the College] in just one year with Evan at the helm.鈥
Over the last year, Dr. Duff has worked diligently with the Provost and faculty to develop new academic programs, namely Wesleyan鈥檚 new RN to BSN Program, set to begin this fall. In collaboration with faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees, he has been instrumental in developing a new vision, core values and a comprehensive strategic plan for the College, while providing significant leadership in the College鈥檚 efforts to finalize the educational space of Wesleyan鈥檚 new Indoor Sports and Education Facility, currently under construction.
The Executive Advisory Committee of the Board agreed to complete a yearly formal presidential assessment, which is currently in-process under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Stern, Chair of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Faculty Council. Critiques from this assessment will be a valuable resource for both the Board of Trustees and Dr. Duff as he continues to lead the College.
鈥淚 am humbled by this opportunity that the Board has granted me, and I look forward to serving the faculty, staff, students, alumni, area churches and the community as we all continue to ensure the mission of the College is met. There is no greater time than the present to ensure our students are informed and educated citizens who are passionate about being positive change agents,鈥 said Dr. Duff.
