ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On March 25, 2025, friends and alumni of NC Wesleyan will have an opportunity to show their Bishop Pride and support the University during its six annual, 24-hour day of giving campaign, A Day for Wesleyan
WHAT IS A DAY FOR WESLEYAN?
This is a day when all NC Wesleyan University supporters, particularly alumni, celebrate the University through donations to support its vision and its students. In a short period of time, donors to the campaign can help advance the educational experiences for all students, help invest in new technologies for learning, create more scholarship opportunities, allow students to grow into their purpose, and help build Wesleyan’s future in the region.
“The A Day for Wesleyan campaign this year is focusing on the emerging needs for the University. Supporting the Annual Fund, also known as the Wesleyan Fund, gives the university the flexibility to grant more scholarships and financial aid to students in need, create more internships within our business community, invest in relevant technologies for the library and classrooms, and provide more co-curricular activities for all students,” said Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement. “All gifts during A Day for Wesleyan Giving Day, regardless of size, add up to make a huge impact!”
When asked about the importance of A Day for Wesleyan , NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan Duff, stated; “We hope that our alumni and the community will join us in showing their Bishop Pride and support this campaign on Tuesday, March 25. When alumni and friends of the University unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen for this entire community.”
Help Wesleyan continue impacting this community while also providing its students with a personal, practical and purpose-driven education. Donors can learn more and participate in A Day for Wesleyan by visiting the secure giving website, A Day for Wesleyan , or by calling 252.985.5581.
Wesleyan Hosts GLF Scholarship Luncheon
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly hosted the Annual Golden LEAF Foundation 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’s Vice President of Advancement, who expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued support. He emphasized the significant role GLF plays in providing educational opportunities for NCWU students and strengthening the university’s mission.
Golden LEAF 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—an 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s workforce.
Bishops Bond with Donors
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) welcomed their generous donors for a time to fellowship, dine and meet face-to-face the students whose lives they are making a difference in. The Battling Bishop Brunch Scholarship Appreciation event was held on Thursday, February 27in the Dunn Center on campus.
In attendance were several sponsors, including Gold Sponsor North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. The brunch began with a warm welcome from Seth Badders, NCWU Junior majoring in Biology. With a passion for serving others, Seth is involved in multiple clubs and organizations including Student Government Association (SGA), Disc Golf Club, Psychology Club, Nu Gamma Phi, and is also a Resident Assistant (RA). Eddie McKoy III ’85, Former NCWU Basketball Player and Don Scalf Scholarship Recipient, introduced the Key Note Guest Speaker.
Jeff Hood ’84, NCWU Sports Hall of Fame Inductee and CEO for Hoodies House of Hope for Youth Charitable Organization, was the guest speaker. Hood has been involved with several youth related causes for more than 35 years. A native of Queens, NY and a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College where he received a BA Degree. In September 2007, Jeff was inducted into the N.C. Wesleyan Sports Hall of Fame after having completed a stellar basketball career. In 2018, Jeff was recognized by the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets as their Tissot Gift of Time Community Service Person of the Year. He was also Honored and Recognized as a “Made Man” of Charlotte, NC. In 2019 NOBLE recognized Jeff as their Civil Rights Justice by Action for Youth of the Year Award. Jeff is married to Gloria Sledge Hood and together have a wonderful daughter named Maya.
In his speech, Hood shares his journey of overcoming financial challenges to attend college, emphasizing the importance of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. He recounts memorable experiences, such as guarding diplomas the night before graduation, highlighting the lengths he went to achieve his goals. He urged scholarship recipients to appreciate the support they receive and to be grateful to donors. He underscored the role of faith in his life, drawing parallels to the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Reflecting on his upbringing in a tough neighborhood, he discussed his determination to succeed and his initial struggles with racism, unfamiliar environments, and the pressure of being the first in his family to attend college. Despite these challenges, he found support and mentorship from Coach McCarthy and others, which helped him persevere. Hood emphasized the importance of resilience, the impact of receiving love and care from people different from himself, and the significance of giving back to support the next generation. He shared his commitment to youth programs and mentoring, encouraging young people to keep their faith and reminding donors of the impact of their contributions.
Vice President of Advancement, Mark Hinson, expressed his gratitude by saying, “To our scholarship recipients, know that those who invest in your education believe in your potential. Honor this opportunity with dedication and, when the time comes, we encourage you to pay it forward to help others.”
Acknowledgement of the Scholarship Donors and Recipients was conducted by NC Wesleyan Senior, Lovely Thornton. She is majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. Preceding the presentation was a beautiful singing of the Alma Mater by Latisha Scott ’06 who is currently working on her debut album. Senior Matthew Tiller, who is double majoring in English and Psychology, presented ways to give. Tiller is actively involved in leadership and service on campus through his membership of Omicron Delta Kappa, Student Government Association (SGA), and the University Honor Board.
The brunch was concluded by NCWU President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, reinforcing the university’s commitment to student success and the power of philanthropy in shaping their futures.
Station 4 Embraces Bishop Branding
In a powerful celebration of community and school spirit, Rocky Mount Fire Department’s Station 4 has partnered with North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) to proudly brand their firetrucks with a unifying theme: “Guardians of the Bishops.” When challenged to choose a theme reflecting something meaningful in their area, the station found its inspiration in the heart of Wesleyan.
The partnership is more than a creative design. Station 4 has fully embraced its role as protectors of the campus and community. Firetrucks now display the “Guardians of the Bishops” motto on their windshields, while axes and tools are painted in Wesleyan’s signature navy and gold. The latest touch—a custom mud flap at the rear of the truck—completes the transformation, turning essential equipment into a living symbol of pride and unity.
For Fire Chief Darvin Moore, this connection is deeply personal. A proud NCWU Class of 2016 alumnus, Moore’s Wesleyan roots run deep, making this partnership a true reflection of his journey.
The students couldn’t be more excited to see their local heroes embrace the Battling Bishop spirit. What began as a branding project has grown into something far greater—a visible bond of support, community, and shared pride that strengthens both the campus and the city it calls home.
NCWU Announces Danijel Velicki as 2025 Commencement Speaker
North Carolina Wesleyan University (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—a financial education platform that has already made an impact at NCWU. Velicki’s 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’s 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’s Saïd 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’s philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief that the “American Dream” is attainable for everyone with the right support and determination. “It takes the right support system, people you can trust to answer the tough questions, and a commitment to never giving up,” Velicki said. “I 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.”
Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, expressed his enthusiasm for Velicki’s participation in this year’s commencement ceremony. “Danijel represents what you can achieve through hard work and determination,” said Dr. Duff. “NCWU is grateful for his ‘pay it forward’ mantra, as we utilize the Sqwire platform on campus to enhance our students’ practical and life skills. I am looking forward to his inspirational message on May 3.”
With Velicki’s 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.
Youngest Bishop Alumni Est. Scholarship
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Gregor Baum Annual Scholarship, created by Gregor Baum, Class of 2024, the youngest alumnus in the university’s history to launch an annual scholarship. Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, Baum graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Leadership. His vision for this scholarship is to attract more international students to NCWU while supporting their academic and personal growth.
The Gregor Baum Annual Scholarship will benefit traditional international students who are active members of a sports team, campus club, or Greek life. Recipients must exhibit good character, maintain good academic standing, and achieve a minimum 3.70 GPA. Two scholarships will be awarded each semester, providing essential financial support for high-achieving students.
Baum’s journey to NCWU began on a tennis scholarship. However, a career-ending back injury brought him into a period of personal hardship and depression. With the guidance of a compassionate school counselor, Baum discovered new passions and founded a Rotaract Club at Wesleyan with a focus on mental health. Together with his team and counselor, he co-created a wellness journal to support student mental health, which has since been adopted by schools nationwide. This pivotal experience inspired Baum to establish GH Inner Performance, a company dedicated to promoting mental health and inner well-being.
“I want this scholarship to support international students who face challenges similar to what I experienced when I first came to the U.S. and Wesleyan,” shared Baum. “It’s meant to help high-achieving students by providing them with the financial support they deserve.”
Baum also expressed his deep gratitude to NCWU, saying, “Wesleyan helped me grow and supported me on my journey. The experiences I gained at Wesleyan were invaluable and played a significant role in the success of GH Inner Performance. It’s only because of this success that I am now able to give back to the university that has given me so much.”
A quote by John Wesley has been a guiding principle in Baum’s life: ‘Work as much as possible, earn as much as possible, give as much as possible.’ This mindset is reflected in his commitment to giving back to the Wesleyan community.
We are incredibly proud of Gregor’s story and the legacy he is building at Wesleyan. This scholarship is a testament to his resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping others. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of future Bishops.
NCWU Donates Joy to RMA Students
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement with a creative and heartfelt gesture. This morning, Dr. Evan D. Duff, NCWU President and Sheila Martin, the Executive Director of the Dunn Center, donated a collection of Bob Ross plushies to students at Rocky Mount Academy.
The donation, inspired by the beloved artist’s legacy of creativity and positivity, brought smiles to the faces of the students, fostering a spirit of joy and connection. The Bob Ross plushies serve as a fun and meaningful reminder of the importance of embracing creativity and sharing kindness within the community.
“At NCWU, we value opportunities to give back and inspire others, especially the younger generation,” said NCWU President. “This small act is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a supportive and vibrant community in Rocky Mount.”
The university’s ongoing outreach efforts aim to strengthen ties with local organizations and bring about positive change. The partnership with Rocky Mount Academy is just one of many ways NCWU strives to make a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about NCWU’s community initiatives, visit ncwu.edu.
NCWU Alumnus Heads to Duke University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly congratulates alumna Isabel “Izzi” Neall on her acceptance to Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, where she will begin her studies in Fall 2025. Izzi graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2023, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology.
During her time at Wesleyan, Izzi was a standout both in and out of the classroom. As a key player on the Women’s Soccer Team, she earned the MVP Award, Moe Bauer Sportsmanship Award, and Scholar-Athlete Award. Beyond athletics, she excelled academically as a member of the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program and took on leadership roles as the Social Media and SGA Representative for the Health and Science Movement Club and President of the Student League of Academic Prestige.
Respected by her peers and professors alike, Izzi’s academic journey was marked by excellence and dedication. Dr. Meir Magal, Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science and Math, Chair and Program Director, shared his admiration:
“Interacting with Izzi was always a pleasure. She was an exceptional exercise science student, excelling both academically and athletically. During her time at Wesleyan, she successfully earned the rigorous American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist certification and completed an honors project she presented at both regional and national conferences.”
Reflecting on her Wesleyan experience, Izzi said, “The connections! I was able to build relationships with my professors and classmates that provided me with so many opportunities to learn and grow. Wesleyan and the Exercise Science Program challenged me, but also created a supportive environment where I could thrive.”
This August, Izzi will move to Durham, NC, to begin her next chapter at Duke University. NCWU is incredibly proud of Izzi and looks forward to cheering her on as she continues to achieve greatness!
Wesleyan Record Label Announces New Releases
301 North Records, the record label of North Carolina Wesleyan University, is proud to announce two exciting new releases from its talented artists.
Raleigh-based Indie Rock band, Soul Chatter, unveiled their latest single, “October Blue”, on December 27, 2024. This marks the group’s second release with the label. The single, characterized by its captivating melodies and introspective lyrics, is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
“October Blue” was shaped by the expertise of Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production at North Carolina Wesleyan University. As the mixing and mastering engineer for this release, Sawyer played an integral role in bringing the artists’ creative visions to life. Additionally, he played the drums, keys, and bass for the song.
NCWU alumnus Will Plyler ’21 followed with his highly anticipated album, “Hymns for Jane”, released on January 12, 2025. This 12-song collection is Plyler’s second full-length album with 301 North Records and showcases his unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and innovative soundscapes. The album is also available on all major streaming platforms.
“These projects reflect the incredible talent and dedication of our artists and highlight the unique opportunities provided by 301 North Records,” says Sawyer. “It’s an honor to work with such passionate musicians and support their creative journeys.”
Fans of Soul Chatter, and Will Plyler can explore these releases—and more—by visiting the 301 North Records playlist on Spotify and YouTube Music. 301 North Records is part of the B.A. in Music Production Degree Program. The liberal arts degree is intended to introduce students to the essential elements of areas in the entertainment industry.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NCWU No. 45
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has once again earned a spot in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings, reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional value and a personalized private education experience. This year, NCWU was ranked No. 45 among Regional Colleges South, standing out from 131 colleges in the region.
The U.S. News & World Report is widely recognized as a global leader in quality rankings, offering insights that help consumers, business leaders, and policymakers make well-informed decisions. With a reputation built on independent reporting, data journalism, and consumer advice across various sectors—including education, health, money, and real estate—U.S. News reaches over 40 million visitors each month, making it a trusted resource for millions of people worldwide.
Beyond its overall ranking, NC Wesleyan earned several additional distinctions. It was ranked No. 17 in the Best Value Schools category, an accolade that highlights the University’s focus on delivering high-quality education at an affordable price. In recognition of its support for military veterans, NCWU was ranked No. 11 among Best Colleges for Veterans. The University also placed No. 60 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, reflecting its efforts to ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
NC Wesleyan’s continuous presence among the top 50 Regional Colleges South is a testament to its dedication to fostering academic excellence, social mobility, and a vibrant campus community. As the University moves forward, these rankings serve as a proud reminder of its growing impact and leadership in higher education.
