麻豆原创 (NCWU) proudly hosted the Annual Luncheon on March 13 at The Dunn Center, celebrating the strong partnership between the two institutions. The event honored both past scholarship graduates and new recipients, highlighting the impact of the Golden LEAF Foundation (GLF) on student success.
The luncheon opened with a warm welcome from Mark Hinson, NCWU鈥檚 Vice President of Advancement, who expressed gratitude for the Foundation鈥檚 continued support. He emphasized the significant role GLF plays in providing educational opportunities for NCWU students and strengthening the university鈥檚 mission.
Alumni Speaker and NCWU graduate, Nadia Simmons, reflected on her time at Wesleyan, sharing how her experience was profoundly shaped by the scholarship. During her time as a student, she interned with GLF鈥攁n opportunity that led to her current role post-graduation. She credited the Foundation not only for her academic success but also for the meaningful relationships and shared values it fostered among students from small towns who aspire to make a big impact.
Leah Hill, NCWU鈥檚 Director of Financial Aid, recognized and introduced the scholarship recipients, personally thanking GLF members for their generosity. As a token of appreciation, the university presented gifts to the Foundation鈥檚 representatives. Five scholarship recipients were in attendance to celebrate this milestone: Benjamin Sellers, Finnegan Allen, Joseph Cooper, Nyasia Jones, and Alexis Whitfield.
The event concluded with remarks from Arlena Dongilli, GLF Scholarship Program Manager, and NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff, who reaffirmed the university鈥檚 gratitude for this life-changing partnership.
Through this ongoing collaboration, NCWU and the Golden LEAF Foundation continue to empower students, foster academic achievement, and invest in the future of North Carolina鈥檚 workforce.
