ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, April 25, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a virtual spring commencement celebration to honor the Class of 2020. The College announced on March 23 that the spring commencement ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. In lieu of a physical ceremony, the College wanted to do something special to honor its 222 seniors who graduated.
The virtual celebration included a welcome message from President Duff, baccalaureate address by Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and photos that the graduates submitted, along with their hometowns and majors. In addition, the graduates were treated to a surprise video from award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, who was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy and the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I.”
In her video, Lawrence addressed the graduates, stating “I’d like to talk to you today about sacrifice — something that we’ve heard of, but I think we all know a little more about now.” She went on to mention all of the sacrifices that are made in order to obtain a college degree, many of which she experienced herself. She specifically addressed the challenges and sacrifices that are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “But I never had to sacrifice my graduation service…the Class of 2020 did something unique.” She left the graduates with the hope that maybe they would all be able to celebrate together at the December ceremony.
This was the College’s 79th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 10 international graduates from six countries: Argentina, Cambodia, Venezuela, England, Nepal and Italy. This commencement also included the third cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
NC Wesleyan to Celebrate Graduating Seniors with Virtual Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s spring commencement ceremony was originally scheduled for April 25. With ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College announced on March 23 that the ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. Graduate candidates for April, August, and December will be able to participate in the December 2020 ceremony. In lieu of a ceremony on April 25, Wesleyan has created a virtual celebration which will be published on the College’s website and social media that day.
Award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Wesleyan is excited to announce that she will still be addressing the Class of 2020 at the December commencement ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy and the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I.” A native of North Carolina, she was born in Charlotte and later moved to Raleigh where she graduated from Broughton High School. Lawrence attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is also the daughter of Tom Lawrence, former news reporter for WRAL News in Raleigh.
“As our graduating seniors entered their final semester, the world changed before their eyes. However, in this moment, they became fearless, bold, and emerged stronger as productive and informed citizens. The education they attained at North Carolina Wesleyan University has prepared them for this very moment,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
The virtual celebration on April 25 will include a welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, baccalaureate address by College Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and recognize each graduate. The virtual celebration can be viewed on April 25 at ncwu.edu, as well as the College’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
SAT/ACT WAIVED FOR FALL 2020
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to our community by offering educational opportunities despite the challenges influencing our nation and world. Our core values of Kindness and Empathy require NCWC to be a good faith partner to our service area. In furtherance of these values and in order to afford an opportunity to make an investment in our community, NCWC has amended the admissions policy to waive the ACT/SAT for students who have not had an opportunity to take these national tests. This test optional admissions waiver will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Fall 2020 admissions cycle is complete.
Over the past several months NCWC has started new degrees, expanded online learning, and have plans to open other campus locations. All of these academic and operational enhancements were designed with our community in-mind as we continue to provide options for working adults, transfer students, commuters, as well as maintaining a full residential life college experience.
Wesleyan is proud of the service we provide to our students and in the decision to waive the SAT/ACT admissions requirements. This is one small way we continue our commitment to serve the educational needs of our community.
Contact our Admissions staff at 252.985.5200 or admissions@ncwu.edu for more information.
NC Wesleyan Offers Care Packages for Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – In an effort to assist students and support those on campus, Wesleyan provided care packages Friday, March 20 with help from local churches and organizations. Packages included snacks, drinks and other food items for students to take back to their residence halls.
NC Wesleyan currently has approximately 200 students remaining on campus to finish the semester via remote instruction. Many of these students do not have transportation or the financial means to return home. These care packages were distributed in hopes of boosting students’ spirits, while showing them love and care during this national pandemic.
Organizations who signed up to donate items, dropped them off this week in The Dunn Center’s Garner Lobby. Wesleyan staff were sure to practice social distancing and wore gloves while putting the care packages together. Students were strongly encouraged to also maintain social distancing while picking up their packages, as well as not congregating in groups of 10 or more.
The initiative was led by Director of YTI & Church Relations Mikah Brondyke. Nearly ten local organizations pitched in to help with the effort.
“I’ve really been amazed with how many and how quickly churches pitched into show support and love to our students. It’s really been a testament to our community partnerships, specifically with local churches and other Christian organizations,” stated Brondyke. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out showing support for our NCWC students and campus during this national crisis.”
For those interested in donating additional items, please contact Mikah Brondyke at mbrondyke@ncwu.edu or 252.904.4678.
Wesleyan Collects Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19
With the dwindling supplies of protective masks nationwide, NC Wesleyan is mobilizing an effort to make homemade face masks to help local providers protect against COVID-19. The College is calling on the public to help with this effort!
North Carolina Wesleyan University will be collecting masks at a drive through drop-off at the Gateway Technology Center at the front of campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – noon. The College will then distribute to local providers in need.
For more information, contact NCWC’s RN to BSN Director of Dr. Brittany Bass at bbass@ncwu.edu. For DIY mask and pattern ideas, watch the video below:
A Day for Wesleyan
One Day. A Lifelong Impact.
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Day for Wesleyan event has been a tradition at North Carolina Wesleyan University for 38 years, typically taking place over several weeks in the fall of the year. As Wesleyan implements safety and operational plans related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the College is still working hard to fulfill its educational mission and help its students complete the semester. This year, “A Day for Wesleyan” will be a 24-hour online giving opportunity for alumni and friends to show their Bishop Pride on Thursday, March 26.
“It’s important that we are meeting the needs of our students, both academically and financially. In an effort to uphold our mission and press on to provide this support for our students, we will move forward with our Day for Wesleyan campaign. Now more than ever, our students, families, communities and state need to rally around one another,” announced Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
The goal of the campaign is to attract 650 donors to help raise $45,000 in a single day. Among the matching gift incentives, once the campaign reaches its 300th donor, a gift of $10,000 from an anonymous alumni will be unlocked.
“We hope that the entire community will show their Bishop Pride on Thursday, March 26th. When alumni and friends of the College unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen,” said Vice President of Advancement and Wesleyan alumnus, Eddie Coats. “All gifts, regardless of the amount, add up to make a huge impact on the College’s efforts to educate these bright and talented students.”
NC Wesleyan hopes everyone in the community will embrace March 26th as a day to celebrate Wesleyan. It can be as simple as wearing blue and gold or Wesleyan gear, posting Wesleyan memories on social media using #DFW2020, spreading the news to others to follow Wesleyan, or making a gift in support online. Gifts to the Wesleyan Fund will give the College the ability to respond to the greatest needs and concerns as they arise.
“Their growth has brought more young people to this area,” states Chamber of Commerce President David Farris. “The educational experiences they offer, and the opportunities they create to improve our quality of life culturally, has an impact on everyone in this region.”
Donors can learn more and participate in the Day for Wesleyan by going to the secured giving website dayforwesleyan.com or by calling 252.985.5266. Gifts are tax-deductible.
Wesleyan to Host 14th Annual “Lighting of Wesleyan”
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will host its 14th annual Lighting of Wesleyan event on Thursday, December 5 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts.
This event is open to the community and will cover many festive activities including a live nativity performed by Englewood United Methodist Church, free hayrides by the Battling Bishops baseball team and a meet and greet with Santa. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Snowman and Wesleyan Puppy will all be on hand for hugs and photos. In addition, the NC Wesleyan women’s soccer and volleyball teams will be selling hot beverages and other concessions to benefit their programs. Guests can stroll through the College commons while enjoying a large collection of inflatables and Christmas lights.
Everyone is invited inside The Dunn Center to sing along with the Wesleyan Singers as they perform carols and other Christmas favorites on stage in the Garner Lobby. Then stick around for a free concert by the Northern Nash High School Band, followed by free photos with Santa after the show in the Garner Lobby.
Santa and Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff, will arrive near the end of the evening aboard a Rocky Mount Fire Department fire truck. Come out and experience NC Wesleyan’s beautiful campus while kicking off the Christmas season!
Wesleyan Sets New Annual Senior Tradition
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan College has launched a new, yearly tradition that allows graduating seniors to leave a mark on campus that will continue to grow for years to come. The tradition involves the planting of tulip and daffodil bulbs on an area of campus chosen by the seniors.
This past Monday, NC Wesleyan seniors who will be graduating in December 2019 or May 2020 gathered on campus in front of Pearsall Library to kick off the new tradition. The graduates had the opportunity to plant these bulbs as a symbol of their legacy at NC Wesleyan University. This annual event provides a burst of color, revitalizing natural spaces and offering years of beauty throughout campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Dr. Duff surveyed the senior class in order to gauge location interest and confirm best available times to plant. In the future, the College plans to allow each senior class an opportunity to choose a different location unique to their gift.
“This is a creative and lasting way for our seniors to leave their mark on campus. As tours are conducted on campus, we can show visitors one way seniors are making their impact on the beautification of Wesleyan,” stated Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This new tradition nicely coordinates with Wesleyan’s continued efforts to expand its beautification of campus and positively impact the environment. Since 2017, Wesleyan has received Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
Sony Music Entertainment Executive, December 2019 Commencement Speaker
Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan College is proud to announce Ms. Constance D. Williams as their December 2019 commencement speaker. A seasoned executive with over 26 years of human resource and business experience as well as previous adjunct professor at the College, Ms. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to impart upon the upcoming graduating class. Her legacy of delivering trusted, forward thinking, creative and impactful insight within her field will inspire graduates as they transition into the next chapter of their lives, promotion opportunities and future careers.
“Constance is a positive force of nature in the world of human resources and organizational development. During her time as an adjunct professor, she instilled the highest level of knowledge, character and personal development with our students. I am so excited for our December class of 2019 to hear the wisdom she has to offer,” stated Wesleyan’s Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Ms. Williams currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment located in New York, NY. She leads Sony Music’s talent acquisition and talent management functions.
Prior to her employment at Sony Music Entertainment, Ms. Williams was an adjunct professor at North Carolina Wesleyan College, credentialed to teach courses in Psychology, Business and Organizational Administration at all levels. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her master’s degree from Columbia University. She also earned distinction having received Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Women in Music Award.
“Professor Williams was very attentive and you can tell that she genuinely cared about the success of her students. What I enjoyed most about this class was the authenticity in our class discussions and being able to apply real life situations to the information we were learning. She created unity in the class that allowed us all to participate and learn,” stated one of her former NCWC students.
In support of Wesleyan students’ future career exploration, Ms. Williams has created a Sony Music Entertainment job shadowing opportunity for students in Wesleyan’s Music Production and Human Resources programs. This year’s selected students, Will Plyler and Joshua Strausser, had the opportunity to visit the Sony Music Entertainment Headquarters in New York City over fall break. As part of their experiential learning, the students visited The Orchard, the renowned Sony recording studio, and shadowed some of Sony Music Entertainment’s top music production engineers. Wesleyan is grateful for this partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and hopes to continue building this relationship for future opportunities.
Community Partners Work to Strengthen Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Wells Fargo has awarded a $15,000 grant to support a new Launch Rocky Mount Biz program to spur local business creation.
Offered by the Small Business Center at Nash Community College, Eastern NC Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce and Station Square, the program will prepare local entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. READ MORE
Author: NCC Public Relations Department
