ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, May 1, North Carolina Wesleyan University held Spring Commencement at the Rocky Mount Event Center celebrating 300 graduates. This commemorated the College’s 81st graduation, the first occurring in 1964.
Due to current state COVID regulations, the event was open to graduates, faculty, the platform party and four ticketed guests per graduate. The state’s mask mandate and social distancing safety precautions were observed. Of the 300 total graduates, there were 27 international graduates from 16 countries: Argentina, Columbia, Czech Republic, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom and Venezuela.
“While commencement is always a special time for graduates, this graduation shines a little brighter because it is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to celebrate our graduates with family and friends present. The Rocky Mount Event Center provides substantial space to allow up to four guests per graduate, while following current state guidelines, and we are extremely grateful for that,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Alumna, Ms. Latisha Scott ’06, performed the Star-Spangled Banner followed by a baccalaureate message from College Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Barry Drum. In his message, Dr. Drum encouraged students to give everyone a fair chance and “to look beyond the superficial, to hear beyond the sound bite, to think beyond the cynicism and sarcasm, and instead, consider all persons of sacred worth.”
The commencement address was given by Mr. Brandon P. Fleming, Assistant Coach of Debate at Harvard University, as well as Founder/CEO of the Harvard Diversity Project. At the age of 26, he was recruited to join the Harvard Debate Council faculty after coaching The Ron Clark Academy middle school debate team in a high school tournament to an unprecedented, undefeated record. As one of Ron Clark’s “Master Educators,” he also trained over 30,000 educators worldwide on best practices in education. Fleming has received numerous awards for his work in education and social entrepreneurship. Notably making history as an elected speaker for the inaugural International Day of Education at the United Nations General Assembly. He was also named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized by The Root Magazine as one of the top 100 influential African-Americans in the United States.
Fleming’s message to the graduates centered around overcoming failure, stating: “Failure is not only necessary and inevitable, but it is also one of our greatest gifts…it’s the gift with the most promise. No matter what field you go into…your responsibility is to be a servant leader. Failure promises us a gift that money can’t buy– that is the gift of empathy. Empathy changes people more than information ever will. God does not call those who are qualified, but he qualifies those whom he calls. When you fail, my earnest hope and my deepest desire is that you will fail forward.”
The College also honored Nicole Danielle Jackson with an Honorary Posthumous Degree. Nicole was a native of Rocky Mount and mother of four who started attending NC Wesleyan in 2016. She was pursuing two degrees, a B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Computer information Systems, and had already earned 96 semester hours at the time of her death on May 9, 2020. Her family members were present at the ceremony to receive her degree.
Alexandra Cucinotta received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, which honors a senior who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership and service to the community. Cucinotta obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Communication and Entertainment Arts.
The President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average, went to Elijah Blaise Gourley. He earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Tony Sawyer, Professor of Music Production, received the 2020 Exemplary Teacher Award and Dr. Meir Magal, Professor of Exercise Science, received the 2021 Exemplary Teacher Award. This award honors excellence in teaching, service to the College and scholarship.
In addition, NC Wesleyan’s ROTC program commissioned five graduates into the United States Army. These students took the oath of office from NC Wesleyan’s Director of Army ROTC, LTC (R) James Mercer. The newly commissioned Second Lieutenants include: Second Lieutenant Kate Avila commissioned into Adjutant General Corps/Active Duty, Second Lieutenant Tyree Butler commissioned into Infantry/Active Duty, Second Lieutenant Dion Cox commissioned into Finance Corps/US Army Reserves, Second Lieutenant DeShawn Finley commissioned into Medical Service Corps/Active Duty and Second Lieutenant Kori Shumate commissioned into Military Police/North Carolina National Guard.
The event was live streamed and recorded so family and friends who were not able to attend in person could celebrate with their students virtually. The recording can be viewed at ncwu.edu and the College’s Facebook page.
New Duff Endowed Scholarship at NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, and his family recently established the Ray and Dwight Duff Endowment to honor the lives and contributions of these two brothers. Both left a legacy that the most important thing in life is taking care of family, friends and neighbors. This endowment will benefit Wesleyan students for generations to come.
Dwight, a high school teacher who coached women’s basketball and softball for over 18 years and spent several years coaching JV and middle school football, cared deeply for his students. Many of them went on to compete at the collegiate level. Ray had a successful career as a claims leader with Allstate Insurance Company. After retirement, he moved to Sneads Ferry, where he was involved in the community and enjoyed volunteering at the local food bank.
“Both my uncle Ray and my father strongly supported education, high school sports, their church and the community. Establishing this scholarship was important for our family to not only honor them, but to contribute to the success of others,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Ray and Dwight both invested time and energy into the lives of the students who attended Dixon High School, as well as others in their community. This is a tribute to their kindness, generosity and willingness to serve those around them.”
The scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming freshman. Preference will be given to students from eastern North Carolina with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate a financial need, have a passion for community service and positive personal character.
EXTRAORDINARY NURSING STUDENTS TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH THE DAISY AWARD® AT NC Wesleyan University- RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University students in the RN to BSN program will soon be honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The awards are part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to Nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide patients and families.
The DAISY Foundation expanded its flagship brand The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Academic Institutions in order to recognize the faculty who inspire compassionate care in their students and the students who demonstrate it during their education. “We honor faculty who inspire nurses to care like Patrick’s nurses cared for him and for our family. Recognizing and celebrating nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion they show to patients and their families will be a strong reminder that nursing is not all about tasks and technology,” said Bonnie Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation.
Nursing students may be nominated by colleagues, peers, patients, families or alumni. Recipients are chosen by a committee at NC Wesleyan University to receive The DAISY Award. Each Honoree will receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture symbolizing excellence and a love for nursing that is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. To nominate a student, visit ncwu.edu/rntobsn between now and April 30, 2021.
“Our Bishop Nurses have exemplified the true meaning of resilience. It’s time to invest in our nursing community and express our gratitude,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of the RN to BSN Program.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from Nurses while he was ill inspired the creation of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an evidenced-based means of providing Nurse recognition and thanking Nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
In addition to The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty and The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Students, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,600 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing, and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.
NCWC Honors Forty Teacher Education Candidates
Pinning Ceremony Held March 22nd
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Teacher Education Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University held their Spring Symposium, featuring a pinning ceremony for program candidates, on March 22. Guest speaker was Corey Williams, an alumnus of Wesleyan and honoree of the 2021 Teacher of the Year for Northampton County Schools.
Williams, a sixth grade Mathematics and Science teacher at Gaston Middle School, just entered his eighth year in public education and third year teaching in the classroom. Over the course of his career, Williams has served in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Halifax County Schools and currently, Northampton County Schools. A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, his continued commitment to excellence celebrates students’ learning differences and diversity in a responsive classroom.
During the Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony, forty candidates received certificates and education pins. This rite of passage marks the initial journey into teacher education where students transition into a noble career and dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.
“The Teacher Education Program promotes a holistic approach to learning and embracing the whole child. I am extremely happy with the students’ commitment to engage, love, share, foster and embrace teaching and life practices within the context of the K-12 students’ experiences,” stated Dr. Patricia Brewer, Associate Professor of Education.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship— a $1,000 award given annually to a selected Wesleyan student majoring in special education. This opportunity was created by NC Wesleyan alumna, Glinda Williams of Kinston, North Carolina, in honor of her 34-year-old daughter, Taunja Cox, who was diagnosed with developmental disabilities at 18 months.
Since graduating from Kinston High School in the special education curriculum, Taunja has participated in work programs, volunteered with children at local daycares and is currently attending Lenoir Community College in the compensatory education class. This scholarship seeks to give back to students in the special education program who aspire to make a difference in the lives of those like Taunja. This year, the scholarship was awarded to two students— Emily Bissette and Paige Gardner, who are both double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.
NCWC Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Efforts to Create Culture of Wellness
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 153 colleges and universities around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Programs and promotions such as the physically active, virtual scavenger hunt, the Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) Mascot Challenge and other campus wellness initiatives helped NCWC earn Silver level from the EIM-OC program for the second year in a row. NC Wesleyan also obtained EIM’s COVID Conqueror badge, a new honor given to campuses that demonstrated creative adaptations to physical activity programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the second year in a row, and to be recognized with a ‘COVID Conqueror’ badge for adapting our physical activity promotion and programming to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This distinction illustrates the resolve of our students, faculty, staff and administration to continue to prioritize a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, EIM-OC advisor.
Of the 153 campuses recognized this year, 73 received Gold, 59 Silver and 21 Bronze. All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized in June as part of the 2021 virtual Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and equip students with tools to cultivate lifelong physical activity habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess students’ physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture, while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.
About Exercise Is Medicine®
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.
NC Wesleyan University to Offer New Professional Development Certificates
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Those looking to advance their career and improve their skillset will now have the opportunity to pursue three new professional development certificate programs at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The College faculty recently voted to approve certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Management.
The purpose of these certificates is to assist business professionals, who may or may not have a degree, develop specific skills to improve their resume, increase their income, transition to a new industry or obtain a promotion. Some may also pursue the courses for personal growth, licensing requirements, or to modernize an older degree with content directly relatable to the job market. The certificate courses are 100% online with multiple start dates, students can finish in as little as four to six months and they can count toward a degree.
“We are excited to offer these certificate programs to those seeking industry or skill-specific credentials in executive leadership, healthcare or human resources. These programs hone in on practical skills that can yield expanded opportunities for those looking to advance in their current industry or gain knowledge in a new industry. With responsive faculty, these programs are highly interactive and are suited for any type of student,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost.
Courses begin this summer and consist of 8-week accelerated sessions – a total of 16-credit hours. There is an easy application process and no application fee. To learn more and apply, visit ncwu.edu/academics/certificate-programs.
NCWC Junior Receives CIC/UPS Scholarship
NC Wesleyan junior, Thomas Clark of Cape Carteret, NC, was recently awarded a CIC/UPS Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. The scholarship was made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment. Thirty-six students at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) each received CIC/UPS Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. For more information, please see the attached release.
Blue Cross NC Scholarship Recipients Announced
RALEIGH, NC – Twenty-five students at independent colleges and universities across North Carolina have been announced as the 2020-2021 academic year recipients of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Scholarship. The scholarships, in the amount of $3,333.34, were distributed by the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) and are part of a three-year, $250,000 pledge from Blue Cross NC.
“Blue Cross NC recognizes that our state’s economic, social and cultural health outcomes are tied to our students’ education,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We are proud to partner with ICFNC and strengthen our workforce by supporting North Carolina’s brightest students.”
“We are so grateful to Blue Cross NC for their generous commitment to North Carolina’s independent colleges and universities – providing much needed financial resources for so many deserving students,” said Colleen Kinser, director of the ICFNC.
Scholarship recipients are students from North Carolina who are first generation, underrepresented or from families who demonstrate financial need. They must be a junior or senior and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
This year’s recipients are:
Mercedes Wynn-Walker of Angier, University of Mount Olive, majoring in Psychology
Kayla Trotter of Apex, Montreat College, majoring in Cybersecurity
Alicia Minnihan of Cashiers, Warren Wilson College, majoring in Sociology/Anthropology
Gabriel Covington of Charlotte, Brevard College, majoring in Exercise Science
Mariapaz Gomez of Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, majoring in International Studies
Kenyon Askew of Colerain, Barton College, majoring in Mass Communication
Cristel Baltazar of Concord, Belmont Abbey College, majoring in Theology & Philosophy
Nijia Lewis of Fayetteville, Methodist University, majoring in Forensic Science
Bless Bull of Gastonia, Gardner-Webb University, majoring in Journalism
Nikayla Ross of Greensboro, Guilford College, majoring in Health Science
Maria Soto-Moraga of Hiddenite, Lenoir-Rhyne University, majoring in Nursing
Mackenzie Ulibarri of Hope Mills, Meredith College, majoring in Theatre
Martin Solano Munoz of Kannapolis, Catawba College, majoring in Nursing
Briasia White of Kings Mountain, Wingate University, majoring in Athletic Training
Kendall Bines of Lincolnton, Mars Hill University, majoring in Art
Leilani Nguyen of Morrisville, William Peace University, majoring in Biology
Kyle Williams of Penrose, Brevard College, majoring in Health Science
Christopher Barlow of Raleigh, Greensboro College, majoring in Criminal Justice
Keyshawn Campbell of Vanceboro, Pfeiffer University, majoring in Exercise Science
David Smith of Wade, Campbell University, majoring in Trust & Wealth Management
Eboni Mayle of Williamston, N.C. Wesleyan University, majoring in Biology
JaLisa K. Lumpkin of Winston Salem, Salem College, majoring in Business Administration
Malikah Meyers of Winston-Salem, Lees-McRae College, majoring in Nursing
Dayana Gomez-Alvarado of Zebulon, Chowan University, majoring in Criminal Justice
The Independent College Fund of North Carolina is the division of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) that provides student scholarship aid and enrichment programs. NCICU is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation that represents North Carolina’s 36 private colleges and universities. The mission of NCICU is to support, represent, and advocate for North Carolina independent higher education. NCICU represents independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. For more information about NCICU, visit www.ncicu.org.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
NCWC Board Chair Provides Funding for RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a recently retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has generously donated a $100,000 gift to support the College’s RN to BSN program. This gift will provide funds for an additional nurse faculty member, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.
“I am privileged to work with the NCWC Board, administration, faculty and staff as this institution provides a complementary nursing program to augment the excellent nursing programs that exist in our area community colleges (Edgecombe, Nash, Wilson and Halifax – to name a few),” stated Dr. Crocker. The nursing program at NCWC is just one of many ways the College works to improve the lives of our area’s citizens while providing a first-rate education for its students.”
Six new scholarships will be provided, each including $5,000 for tuition. Scholarships will be awarded to new students who begin the program by fall 2021. Recipients must be accepted and registered for classes in order to receive an award. Applicants applying for the scholarship must:
- Be a resident of North Carolina
- Have an overall 3.0 GPA in prior nursing education
- Have been accepted into the RN to BSN Program at NCWC
- Provide a letter of recommendation from their employer or RN faculty member that highlights the student’s good character and potential for success in continuing their education
- Write a personal statement of 500 words about the contribution they will make in the nursing profession with their BSN
- Attend the College’s Annual Scholarship Award program
“The landscape of healthcare is transforming and challenging the nursing profession to advance the delivery of care provided to patients and populations, unlike ever before. Students seeking to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing are striving for advancement in care outcomes,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NC Wesleyan’s Director of RN to BSN Program. “This generous donation by Dr. Dan Crocker for our future RN to BSN students facilitates the ongoing community support for NCWC and the nursing profession.”
Additional details can be found at ncwu.edu/crocker-nursing-scholarship. Interested students should reach out to Fabiola Kinney, Assistant Director of Adult Studies Advising, at fkinney@ncwu.edu for more information.
Sixty-Two Inducted into NCWC’s National Society of Leadership & Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Now in its fourth year as an official chapter, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) recently inducted sixty-two student leaders into the organization. The National Society of Leadership & Success is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, with more than 700 chapters and over 1.2 million members.
NCWC’s chapter seeks to foster personal reflection, goal setting and leadership development amongst its members. The focus this fall was leading new students through completion of the national requirements to become fully inducted members. Although the chapter’s business and events evolved to mostly online, the club’s Chapter Advisor and Student Executive Board were pleased that members engaged in meaningful ways through live video and messaging. Students encouraged and challenged each other as they collectively sought to discover and define their purpose, set action plans on their goals and grow as leaders.
“With this fall semester being extremely different in many ways, one of the many successes sustained at NCWC was our chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success, Sigma Alpha Pi,” stated Jessie Langley, Chapter Advisor and Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership. “We have a history of success here at Wesleyan in regards to our NSLS members achieving all steps required to become fully inducted members, with 62 of our 87 new fall members achieving this status.”
With a 71% induction rate, NC Wesleyan’s NSLS chapter is exceeding the national chapter goal of 40%. While the College was not able to host their traditional induction celebration on campus, a ceremony was live streamed for members to attend in celebration of their accomplishments.
Through NSLS member nominations, Excellence in Teaching awards were given to faculty members Dr. Brent Dozier and Dr. Bill Yankosky. An Excellence in Service to Students award was presented to Atyah Spells. In order to achieve induction, members must attend Orientation, Leadership Training Day, three Speaker Broadcasts and three Success Networking Team meetings. Students are selected by their college for membership based on academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. Visit bit.ly/NCWCNSLS to view the induction ceremony and find out more about NC Wesleyan’s chapter of NSLS. Learn more about the National Society for Leadership & Success at nsls.org.
