麻豆原创 (NCWU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix, a permanently restricted endowment created by alumnus Daulton West, Jr. 鈥72 (listed in official paperwork as Henry D. West, Jr.). The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Martin 鈥淢arty鈥 Sarra 鈥68, while also recognizing the lasting impact of beloved campus figure Rachel T. Dix, longtime namesake of the University bookstore.
This new endowed scholarship reflects what NC Wesleyan is built upon: relationships, tradition, and the deep bonds that form within the Bishop community and last long after graduation.
The scholarship will support junior or senior students of any major, with preference given to students employed in the , who demonstrate academic achievement or financial need, and who exhibit strong personal character. Students may be domestic or international. Once the endowment reaches the University鈥檚 required minimum funding level, the scholarship will be awarded annually and is renewable in accordance with University guidelines.
鈥淭his scholarship is about more than financial support,鈥 said West. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about honoring people who made our lives better and remembering the moments that made Wesleyan feel like home.鈥
A Homecoming Tradition 鈥淟ike No Other鈥
The scholarship鈥檚 origin is rooted in a cherished NC Wesleyan Homecoming tradition shared by West and his close friends beginning in the early 1990s. Each year, West reunited with Marty Sarra and Brian Richardson for a weekend filled with Homecoming activities, camaraderie, and the University鈥檚 alumni golf tournament. A few years later, Phillip Boone ’70 joined the group, completing the foursome that would continue their tradition for nearly three decades.
One of their most meaningful stops each year wasn鈥檛 on the golf course 鈥 it was inside the .
On Saturday mornings during Homecoming, the friends made it a point to visit the bookstore, pick up new Wesleyan gear, and spend time catching up with 鈥淢iss Rachel.鈥 For them, it became one of the most special parts of the weekend.
鈥淥ur visits with Rachel were always memorable,鈥 West shared. 鈥淲e looked forward to seeing Rachel every year, and she looked forward to seeing us too, always welcoming us with open arms, and a big smile on her face.鈥
Honoring Marty鈥檚 Commitment and Character
Marty Sarra鈥檚 dedication to this annual tradition was unmatched. In later years, he famously made the long drive from Canada each year to return to Rocky Mount and play in what many know today as the Wesleyan Cup Golf Tournament, simply because the weekend鈥攁nd the friendships tied to it鈥攎eant that much to him.
West said Marty鈥檚 presence brought something special to everyone around him.
鈥淢arty was a dear friend for life,鈥 West said. 鈥淎ll our lives were better because he came our way.鈥
A Scholarship Rooted in Service and Memory
By centering the scholarship around students who work in the bookstore, West hopes to honor Rachel Dix鈥檚 spirit of kindness and connection, while also supporting today鈥檚 students who balance employment with academic responsibility.
The Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix will be invested as part of NCWU鈥檚 permanently restricted endowment and awarded in perpetuity. In accordance with University policy, the scholarship will be awarded once the fund meets the required minimum endowment level. Annual scholarship amounts will follow NC Wesleyan鈥檚 endowment payout guidelines.
A Call to Celebrate Bishop Friendships
NC Wesleyan hopes this scholarship will inspire alumni and friends to reflect on the people who shaped their college experience鈥攁nd to consider honoring those memories through giving.
This new scholarship serves as a reminder that the Wesleyan experience does not end at graduation. It continues through friendships, traditions, and the people who make the campus feel like home.
Those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, or establishing an endowed scholarship of their own, are encouraged to contact the NC Wesleyan Office of Advancement.
To learn more about giving opportunities at NCWU, visit ncwu.edu/give.
NCWU Alumni Release Heartfelt Holiday Single
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is proud to announce the release of a brand-new Christmas single created by talented alumni of its Music Production program. Just in time for the holiday season, graduates have come together for a collaborative rendition of the beloved Christmas classic, 鈥
The project, produced under 301 North Records, features an impressive lineup of former members of NCWU鈥檚 performance ensemble Spectrum, including:
- Joshua Strausser 鈥20
- Will Plyler 鈥21
- Justin Long 鈥21
- Madison Barbour 鈥21
- Jackson Nethercutt 鈥23
- Colby Whaley 鈥23
The single was officially released on Friday, November 28th, and is now streaming on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production and Director of 301 North Records, shared his excitement about the project: 鈥淚t was wonderful to work in collaboration with our alumni on this musical project. It is my hope that we can have more such alumni collaborations in the near future.鈥
NCWU continues to celebrate the success of its graduates and the growth of its innovative Music Production program. This release showcases not only the skill and creativity fostered at Wesleyan, but also the lasting connections formed through its close-knit artistic community.
For more information about the Music Production program or 301 North Records, visit here.
NCWU Walks & Talks with Twin-County Partners
麻豆原创 (NCWU) proudly participated in the Education and Business Leaders鈥 Summit held Thursday morning at partner . The annual event was convened by representatives from local businesses, K-12, schools, and higher education to strengthen collaboration between education and industry.
The summit featured three dynamic panel discussions, each addressing critical topics on workforce development and preparing students for success. Conversations highlighted the importance of creating awareness of opportunities early and equipping young people with essential soft skills that make them more qualified and adaptable in the workplace.
Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NC Wesleyan University, served on the panel 鈥How Our Colleges Are Keeping Pace with Employer Demand.鈥 He spoke on the University鈥檚 commitment to aligning programs with workforce needs, specifically spotlighting the recent demand for more healthcare professionals in the region. Dr. Duff emphasized NCWU鈥檚 new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as a direct response to that need.
鈥淎s the hometown university in our community鈥檚 backyard, we are committed to meeting employer demand while providing students with a strong investment,鈥 said Dr. Duff. 鈥淥ur BSN program is one example of how NCWU is responding to the needs of our region while equipping students for long-term success.鈥
Mary Cat Weloff 鈥21 & 鈥23, Coordinator of Gifts & Information at NCWU, also represented the University on the panel 鈥Return on Engagement: Why Investing in Youth Talent Pays Off.鈥 Speaking on the value of listening to and learning from the incoming generation, Weloff encouraged employers to remain open-minded.
鈥淲hen young professionals bring in new perspectives, it doesn鈥檛 mean they are trying to change everything,鈥 Weloff shared. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about embracing fresh ideas that can make organizations stronger and more adaptable.鈥
By engaging in this important dialogue, NC Wesleyan University reaffirmed its role as a collaborative partner in the Twin Counties, working alongside businesses, schools, and community leaders to ensure that local students are prepared to thrive.
From Court to Career: Nadia Simmons鈥 Path in Sports Administration
Nadia Simmons, a standout student in Business and Sports Administration at 麻豆原创 (NCWU), continues to pave the way toward a promising career in athletics and sports leadership. A dual graduate of 麻豆原创鈥攅arning her undergraduate degree in 2024 and her Master of Business in 2025鈥擲immons exemplifies the impact of hands-on experience, academic commitment, and personal initiative.
From 2021 to 2023, Simmons interned as a Youth Sports Coordinator at the through support from the . During her internship, she led engaging youth sports programs, promoted teamwork and fitness, supported coaches, and built strong relationships with families in the community.
鈥淲itnessing the development of the youth and building bonds with families was incredibly rewarding,鈥 said Simmons. 鈥淚t strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my passion for community involvement and youth athletics.鈥
Currently serving as a Graduate Intern in NCWU鈥檚 athletic department, Simmons remains focused on preparing for a future career in athletics. She continues to actively explore professional opportunities and credits her proactive networking and the foundational support of the with helping position her for success.
鈥淢y time at NCWU has been truly exceptional,鈥 Simmons said. 鈥淭he diverse and welcoming environment here has expanded my skill set and connected me with inspiring individuals across campus. The relationships I鈥檝e built have created a vibrant and supportive academic community.鈥
A five-year member of the NC Wesleyan Women鈥檚 Basketball Team, Simmons chose the university for its unique blend of academic excellence and athletic competitiveness. 鈥淚 was drawn to NCWU鈥檚 family atmosphere and strong athletics program. Being able to pursue my degree while playing the sport I love made my college experience meaningful,鈥 she added.
Simmons also shares a personal connection to Wesleyan through her family 鈥 she is the proud older sister of twin sisters who are set to graduate from NCWU next year.
As she looks ahead to her graduation in 2025, Simmons remains a powerful example of how passion, purpose, and perseverance can create lasting impact both on and off the court.
NCWU Graduate to Ph.D. at Texas A&M University
Andy Rizzo, a standout graduate of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Class of 2025, has dual-earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Andy chose NCWU for its small, welcoming campus and strong support for international students.
鈥淚 felt it would make my transition as an international student easier,鈥 Andy said. 鈥淏ut what made me stay was the community 鈥 the friends, faculty, and staff who made my college journey truly amazing.鈥
Andy鈥檚 time at Wesleyan was marked by involvement and leadership. She served as RA and Head RA, led both the Student Entertainment & Activities Team (S.E.A.T.) and the International Bishop Association, and was active in multiple honor societies and student organizations. Her dedication was recognized with several awards, including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Environmental Science Award, Internship Award for her work at , and being crowned Homecoming Princess in 2023 and Homecoming Queen in 2024.
One of her biggest academic influences was Dr. Daniel Elias, under whom Andy conducted research on environmental pollutants. Dr. Elias reflected, 鈥淲atching Andy grow as a researcher has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Through her leadership on projects studying PFAS, salinity, microplastics, and predatory cues in Physa acuta, her presentations at multiple conferences, and her mentorship through the , Andy showed true academic growth, resilience, and responsibility. Beyond the lab, she also helped lead outreach efforts, native planting projects, and citizen science initiatives. I could not be prouder of her journey and everything still ahead.鈥
Now, Andy is heading to to pursue her Ph.D. in , backed by a teaching assistantship with Dr. Seemann. She鈥檒l be researching the effects of environmental pollutants on fish 鈥 continuing the meaningful work she started at Wesleyan.
鈥淚鈥檓 very grateful for my journey at Wesleyan,鈥 she said. 鈥淣one of my accomplishments would have been possible without the support of my parents, my friends from home and at Wesleyan, Mrs. Dawn Turner, and Dr. Daniel Elias.鈥
NCWU Announces Danijel Velicki as 2025 Commencement Speaker
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is gearing up for its 61st Spring Commencement, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This year, the university will celebrate the achievements of over 300 graduates, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
The keynote address will be delivered by Danijel Velicki, a successful entrepreneur, financial educator, and founder of Opus Wealth Strategies and Sqwire, LLC鈥攁 financial education platform that has already made an impact at NCWU. Velicki鈥檚 inspiring story is one of perseverance and determination.
Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, Velicki immigrated to the United States in 1995 with just $40 to his name. He worked tirelessly to fund his education, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing and finance from Fairmont State University. Today, Velicki is a thriving business owner and is pursuing a graduate degree in Innovation and Strategy at Oxford University鈥檚 Sa茂d Business School.
Through his financial education platform, Sqwire, Velicki aims to empower individuals and families with the tools they need to achieve financial stability and success. The platform offers online lessons and personalized support to help users develop smart spending habits and make informed financial decisions for the long term.
Velicki鈥檚 philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief that the 鈥淎merican Dream鈥 is attainable for everyone with the right support and determination. 鈥淚t takes the right support system, people you can trust to answer the tough questions, and a commitment to never giving up,鈥 Velicki said. 鈥淚 want to ensure that every person in this country has the same opportunities I did, along with a team of people truly invested in their success.鈥
Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, expressed his enthusiasm for Velicki鈥檚 participation in this year鈥檚 commencement ceremony. 鈥淒anijel represents what you can achieve through hard work and determination,鈥 said Dr. Duff. 鈥淣CWU is grateful for his 鈥榩ay it forward鈥 mantra, as we utilize the Sqwire platform on campus to enhance our students鈥 practical and life skills. I am looking forward to his inspirational message on May 3.鈥
With Velicki鈥檚 compelling story and dedication to empowering others, the 2025 Spring Commencement promises to be a day filled with celebration, reflection, and hope for the future. Graduates and their families can look forward to a memorable event as they honor the achievements of the Class of 2025 and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.
