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.

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