ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 On Monday, October 25, 麻豆原创 celebrated its 65th Founding Anniversary during the College鈥檚 annual Founders鈥 Day Celebration. The event took place from 5:30 鈥 6:30 p.m. in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center.
The celebration began with a processional consisting of NCWC international students each carrying a flag representing their country, followed by faculty members. An invocation was given by College Chaplain, Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson, presentation of the colors by NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Army ROTC and the singing of the National Anthem by the Tar River Children鈥檚 Ensemble. President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, welcomed the crowd of over 600 students, faculty, staff, friends of the College and members of the community.
鈥淭his is a special Founders鈥 Day for a couple of reasons. The first is that it鈥檚 our 65th . We were founded exactly on October 25, 1956. This year we are putting a special focus on dedicated donors, past, present and future, who have created the Wesleyan we are today and the Wesleyan we will become,鈥 stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
During the ceremony, a slideshow was presented highlighting milestones throughout the previous 65 years. In addition, and well-wishes from board members, a descendent of one of the founders and supporters of the College was played, along with messages from students thanking supporters.
Guest speaker for the event was Dr. A. Hope Williams, President of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU). Her message offered words of encouragement for celebrating this milestone occasion and emerging from the challenges faced during the pandemic.
鈥淚ndividuals and companies continue to have the most important role in the growth and enhancement of a college. All have meant so much historically and certainly though the pandemic鈥o keep our students safe, along with our faculty and staff,鈥 stated Dr. Williams. “Under the critical leadership of President Duff, the service of the strongly committed Board of Trustees, and outstanding faculty and staff…Thank you for your leadership in transforming the lives and the futures of our students and their families.”
NCICU is the statewide advocacy, public policy and fundraising organization for the 36 independent, or private, colleges and universities in North Carolina. As President, Dr. Williams is the Chief Executive Officer for the NCICU Board of Directors of college and university presidents and for the Independent College Fund of North Carolina board that also includes corporate trustees and raises corporate and foundation funds for student scholarships and programs. She has been president of NCICU since 1992. Dr. Williams received her undergraduate degree in French and History from Duke University, an MPA degree from North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
After Dr. Williams鈥 keynote address, guests enjoyed a choral selection from the Wesleyan Singers, directed by adjunct faculty member, Thomas Parker. Following this was the presentation of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award by Aaron Denton, Vice President of Athletics. This nationally-recognized award honors the excellence in character, leadership, community service and spiritual values of the late Algernon Sidney Sullivan, a lawyer, scholar and orator. The recipient should display characteristics of compassion and love for one鈥檚 fellow man and woman, adherence to Christian ideals, courteous and gentle behavior, and active participation in the College or community affairs. This year鈥檚 recipient was Nathan Edwards 鈥01 of Edwards, Inc., an industrial contractor headquartered in Spring Hope, North Carolina. Edwards鈥 work to improve the experience and facilities for NCWC students has reached more than half of the College鈥檚 athletic teams. He and his company鈥檚 time and efforts were a key factor in helping the College recover from storm damage in June 2019.
In addition, an inaugural Donor Impact Award was presented by Mark Hinson, Director of External Affairs. This award honors an individual or company, regardless of the size of the gift or the manner in which it was given, for their exceptional vision and generosity towards 麻豆原创 becoming a healthier, safer and stronger institution. The 2021 recipient of the Donor Impact Award was Dr. Robert and Mrs. Nancy Zipf. Early in the pandemic, the Zipfs made it possible for NCWC to purchase high-quality air purifiers to help with COVID-19 prevention and the spread of it throughout the College鈥檚 indoor spaces. Due to a prior obligation, the Zipfs were not able to attend the ceremony in-person. Accepting the award on their behalf was Dr. Jonathan Sarris and his wife Dr. Karin Zipf, daughter of Dr. Robert and Mrs. Nancy Zipf.
The event concluded with a reception immediately following in the Garner Lobby of The Dunn Center. Guests were able to browse through NC Wesleyan memorabilia on display while enjoying 65th anniversary cupcakes and lemonade.
NCWC Partners with Duke Divinity School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 (NCWC) has signed an agreement with to offer NCWC students an accelerated pathway to pastoral leadership. This agreement will allow NC Wesleyan students to dual enroll at both institutions during their junior and senior years.
Leaders of both institutions signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a virtual ceremony on Monday, October 18. The Accelerated Pastoral Formation Program of Duke University is designed to coordinate the education of students in selected undergraduate schools with professional programs in theological education offered at Duke. The program provides a unique combination of liberal and professional education well suited for those desiring entry to the fields of ordained and lay ministry.
鈥淣C Wesleyan has a proud tradition of preparing students for ministry. This partnership will provide students called to serve the church with outstanding opportunities for both intellectual and spiritual formation,鈥 stated Dr. Andrew Stern, Professor of Religion at NC Wesleyan.
The Accelerated Program provides a pathway for undergraduate students to begin graduate level study at Duke that is eligible to apply toward completion of requirements for the Hybrid Master of Divinity (MDiv-H) or Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP) degree.
鈥淭丑谤辞耻驳丑 partnership with NC Wesleyan University, a United Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college, we will create innovative ways to serve students seeking careers in ministry, helping students discern their vocational calling and cultivate their pastoral leadership,鈥 stated Dr. Jung Choi, Senior Director of Wesleyan Formation Initiatives at Duke Divinity School.
Although the program is designed to accommodate a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds, students with majors in the humanities, especially Religious Studies, will be best prepared. NC Wesleyan students will be able to matriculate to Duke Divinity School immediately following the conferral of their baccalaureate degree.
麻豆原创 Duke Divinity School
Duke Divinity School鈥檚 mission is to engage in spiritually disciplined and academically rigorous education in service and witness to the Triune God in the midst of the church, the academy, and the world.
New Art Exhibit Coming to Mims Art Gallery at NCWC
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 University Student Receives UPS Scholarship
RALEIGH, NC 鈥 Greenville native, Evan Meza-Romero, a senior at 麻豆原创 majoring in Business Administration and Accounting, has received a $3,200 UPS Scholarship for the current academic year. The scholarship is provided by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) through its national partner, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC. For more information, please see the attached release.
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.
NC Wesleyan Partners with Local Packaging Solutions Company
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The Office of Career Development & Leadership at 麻豆原创 has established a new partnership with , a local corporation headquartered in Battleboro, to provide several job shadowing opportunities for its students. Ossid manufactures and sells machinery to a variety of businesses in need of wrapping, labeling and sealing equipment to package their products.
This unique learning opportunity was presented to all NC Wesleyan juniors and seniors with a major or minor in Marketing or Communications. Ossid鈥檚 Senior Marketing Specialist, Stacie Eberly, typically works out of Charlotte, but travels to the Battleboro location on a monthly basis. During her visit the week of September 13, she hosted a group of NC Wesleyan students to work on trade show preparations, digital marketing, blog content and meeting with other executives.
鈥淚t was a pleasure opening our doors to NC Wesleyan University students. They were engaged, asked great questions and provided support across multiple marketing projects. I look forward to continuing this partnership with Wesleyan,鈥 stated Eberly.
Bijou Patel, a North Carolina Wesleyan senior majoring in Marketing, was able to shadow Eberly on Tuesday, September 14. During her time there, she participated in a business meeting, toured the facility and learned about the machinery and how it鈥檚 marketed. Patel had the opportunity to witness what she鈥檚 learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, stating 鈥淚 got to see a lot of the things I learned in my classes implemented and thoroughly explained. I even got to provide input, which was heard and applied.鈥
This partnership came to fruition when Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development and Leadership at NC Wesleyan, met with Eberly to tour Ossid鈥檚 local facility. After learning more about Eberly鈥檚 role, Langley explored ways in which NCWC students could gain knowledge within the field.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 think Ms. Eberly enough for investing time in our students. I look forward to continuing to send students to shadow with her on a monthly basis. This model sets a precedent for other area businesses to consider. Structured job shadowing is one ideal way to invest in our students鈥 career development,鈥 stated Langley.
麻豆原创 Ossid
is the industry leader for leak-resistant tray sealing for case-ready products, flexible packaging for healthcare, horizontal thermoform, fill and seal equipment, weigh/price labeling equipment, flow wrappers and case scales. Catering to customers of all sizes around the world, Ossid鈥檚 packaging solutions are ideal for fresh and processed meats, produce, convenience foods, consumer goods, and medical devices. Ossid is a product brand of ProMach, a global leader in packaging line solutions. As part of the ProMach Flexibles & Trays business line, Ossid helps our packaging customers protect their reputation and grow the trust of their consumers. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package. Learn more about Ossid at
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.
The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment
Established at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, has made a gift to 麻豆原创 to establish The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment.
The new endowment will allow for an annual scholarship to be presented, with preference given to a current NC Wesleyan female in their junior or senior year who earns and maintains a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are eligible. They should also demonstrate financial need, a passion for community service and good personal character. Application details are available through the College鈥檚 Financial Aid office, with the first scholarship expected to be awarded in the 2022-2023 academic year.
鈥淛anice Bryant Howroyd is a vibrant beacon of light who guides others to attain success in their personal and professional lives. She is passionate about women in STEM, education and 麻豆原创,鈥 stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淭his endowment exemplifies not only her values, but also her commitment to the community where she grew up. We are fortunate to have her as a Board of Trustee member and as part of the Wesleyan family.鈥
In early 2021, NC Wesleyan announced a partnership with the , a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Howroyd is a native of Tarboro, NC and a 麻豆原创 Board Member.
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.
Dr. Evan D. Duff Installed as 8th President of 麻豆原创
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 officially installed Dr. Evan D. Duff as its 8th president on Friday, September 17, 2021. An inauguration ceremony was held in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center on the College鈥檚 campus.
Opening remarks were given by Rebecca Mitchell, NC Wesleyan senior, double majoring in Psychology and Biology and intern in the President鈥檚 Office. 鈥淔rom the beginning, Dr. Duff has demonstrated his passion for helping students, offering them a voice and a place to call home,鈥 stated Mitchell. She continued, 鈥淒r. Duff truly cares about his students and their overall well-being.鈥
Greetings to Dr. Duff were given by students, faculty, staff, board members and friends. Some unable to attend sent personal greetings via video. Constance Williams, NCWC Board Member and human resource professional, offered her congratulations, stating 鈥淧resident Duff is by far one of the most visionary, humble and forward-thinking executives I have ever had the privilege to know. He prioritizes and operates from a position of fairness, excellence, inclusion and kindness.鈥
Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group and NCWC Board Member, also sent her well-wishes, noting 鈥淒r. Duff鈥檚 vision for the school is only exceeded by his strong competency and his vision for what life can be like for all of us.鈥
Award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, delivered her virtual greeting saying 鈥淚 know that under Dr. Duff鈥檚 successful leadership, this institution has thrived in very challenging circumstances. I also recognize that today鈥檚 installation honors the tradition of Wesleyan excellence and investment in education for our region.鈥
A surprise, handwritten letter from Governor Roy Cooper was presented to Dr. Duff on his accomplishments. It read, 鈥淩ocky Mount is proud to be home to 麻豆原创 and the outstanding programs and experiences it offers to its students. I know under your leadership, it will continue to grow and be an important North Carolina institution of higher learning. On a personal note: thanks Dr. Duff鈥 this is my home area and I know how important this great College is.鈥
Dr. Dan Crocker, Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, conducted the Investiture of the President. Afterwards, Paul Bauer, Vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented Dr. Duff with a Presidential Medallion, a symbol of authority and a token of esteem and confidence. One side displays the President鈥檚 name and date of Inauguration, the other the College seal. The Seal includes five symbols 鈥 an owl is shown for wisdom, a lion for courage, a triangle for the Trinity, a budded cross for Christianity and a lamp for learning.
Dr. Duff was then joined on stage by his wife of 23 years, Marcy, and their four children 鈥 Tyson, Landon, Peyton and Chloe 鈥 as Rev. Laura Wittman gave a blessing of the presidential family.
Immediately following the Inauguration, a luncheon honoring Dr. Duff was held at the Rocky Mount Event Center for family and close friends.
