North Carolina Wesleyan University’s President’s Honor List and President’s List are issued at the end of the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for inclusion, a student must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours on the “A-F” grading system, with no grades of “INC.” A student must attain a 3.75 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s Honor List and a 3.25 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s List for the semester. Congratulations to these students for an outstanding academic year!
President's Honor List
Jhonny Arnaldo Acosta
Tonya Denise Adams
Gad Ntwari Aimable
Jacob A Aldridge
Chris S Alexander
Ignacio Alia
Lakesha Renee Alston
Orangel Daniel Alviarez Aguilar
Erinn Mikelia Anstead
Francisco Ramon Arana de Estrada
Tammi R Archer
Jerrian Marie Arnold
Alessio Arturia
Alissa G Avery
Kate Adonia Avila
Helena Corinth Babb
Jessica Willis Baird
Abigail J Balasoto
James Randal Barbee
Garrett Wesley Barger
Patrice Jerrell Barnes
Sydney Christine Barnwell
Gabriella Nicole Barrera
Victor Andres Barrera Delgado
Jennifer Basler
Patricio Basta
Kristen Smith Batchelor
Milton Tavarez Battle
Nicholaus Morgan Beaver
Brandy D. Begley
Agustin Nicolás Belgiorno
Yutaka S Bell JR
Gabriela Valentina Bellosi Gutierrez
Briana Benkin
La’Quanta Benthall
Margaret Jean Bentley
Mariah l Berkovich
Angela Nicole Bird
Emily G Bissette
Karlee M Bjurstrom
Elizebeth R Blair
David Enrique Bolivar
Robin Bond
Tobias Borzel
Anthony W Boykin
Reginald E Bradshaw
John-Colby P Branham
Keshauna Braswell
Trina C Bridges
Sira Briggs
Courtney Hill Bright
Kevin Terez Brinkley
Valentina Broggi
Alyssa N Brookhart
Chris Michael Brown
Ryan David Brunetti
Vicky Ann Buster
Samantha Hope Butensky
Tomas Cabrera
Jasmine Trenae Canady
Keishonna Carter
Robert Sandford Casey
Brandy Nichole Caton
Danielle Sheree Cavender
Tre’Nace A. Chamblee
Enrique Matias Chang
Sindy Chavez-Pullman
Heather Chavis
Savannah Ann Chenault
Belinda D Cherry
Maureen R Ching
Greyson J Clark
Katelyn Rochelle Clark
Rebecca Clark
Matthew T Clemmons
Chante Monique Clifton
Callie N Cline
Lorenzo Cocchia
Megan Webb Coggin
Sharreda Laverne Coleman
Jowayne Coley
Andre Cooper
David Charles Cooper
Kenneth Coppedge
Tomás Coradazzi
Tineshia Yvette Cox
Chelsey Renee Crawford
Isaiah K Creech
Tracy Woods Crenshaw
Jon David Crowe
Alexandra R Cucinotta
Amanda Lekeisha Cutchin
Aazah Zayne Daniel
Mary C Davis
Bobby Lee Davis
Earl LaMaur Davis
Jacqueline Nicole Davis
Jenna Nikkole Davis
Emily Raye DeAngelis
Justin Darryn Debraska
Grace C deMontesquiou
Donna Elizabeth Dewhurst
Jehnnisa Diaz
Lucas Leandro Diez Lugo
Michael Joseph Dillion
Teiuna Dixon
John D Dixon
Brayden A Dixon
Kimberly Nicole Dixon
Ashton Blake Dixon
Vendela Maria Dolsenius
Karla D Donaldson
Joseph Derek Druzak
Tyson A Duff
Jeffrey D Duncan JR
Bethany J Dunham
Elena Duran
Joseph Andrew Edgerton
Anitra Knight Edmonds
Jasmine C Edwards
Savannah Isabella Ekland
Sarah Elizabeth Elks
Elisabeth G Evans
Curtis DeLeon Faison
Andrea Fanzaga
Juan Franco Farinella
Allie Farmer
Towanda Daniel Farmer
Fabio Felli
María Claudina Fernández Laurita
Miranda N Ferrell
Elizabeth Adelle Finley
Rafael Ignacio Flores
Thiago Flores
Cody Russell Fogleman
Preona LaMonique Ford
Zachary Ryan Foster
Jordan E Fransee
Andrea Fringuelli
Dylan R Gard
Paige N Gardner
Christian E Gardner
Ian Garnero
Sergio Andres Gil Herrera
Madison A Gill
Tiago Goette
Elijah B Gourley
Madeline J Graham
Nicholas Samuel Green
Tristan Alexander Griffin
Dedra Denise Griggs
Stacey Leann Grimsley
Angela W. Groeneveld
Abigail Perez Guzman
Ricky Alan Hamilton
Appiffany Hansley
Bridget Harmon
Robert Lee Hart III
Amanda Grace Hartfelder
Shereal Harvey
Sylvia Nagi Hauter
Kate E Hawkins
Connor Patrick Hayes
Jena L Hebbard
Macy L Hebbard
Eliane Hernandez Acosta
Maria Alejandra Hernandez Lopez
Nathanael David Hibbs
Laine Ryan Hicks
Tamika E. Hilliard
Tracy W Hodges
Thato Kopano Phillip Holmes
Skylar G Hopper
Joshua E Hughes
Brandy Lea Hunter
Hunter Lee Ingram
Nadeem Jaber
Mirranda Yvonne Jackson
Lashunda Renee Jackson
Emily Nicole Jackson-Rouse
Alicia Faye Jacobs
Aundrea Alston Johnson
Kayotta Johnson
Eugene Michael Jones
Patterson Joyce
Han Jumashov
Emily A Ketchum
Juri Kim
Bryona L Knight
Lavarus DonShea Kornegay
Jennifer Krex
Jacob Skylar Kuykendall
Andrea Lacche
Chlorinda Durham Lafranque
Terri Lynn Lane
Ashley Lane
Caitlin I Leggett
Latrisha Linette Lennon
Briana Renee Little
Shonda Rae Lockett
Colin Chase Long
Chynna Lynee’ Lucas
Tony D Lucas
Isabella Rose Lynn
Diego Macedo Rodriguez
Austin R Manley
Onshawntic Monique Manning
Jeffrey Andrew Marcum
Sherrie Ann Marlow
Sarah Elizabeth Marlowe
Naomi Monifah Martin
Ethan S Martin
Karissa Renee Martinez
Caitlyn Audrea May
Victoria Mayer
Latrell T McDougald
Lisa Clancy Meadows
Nikolas Asher Megrichian
Jesus Alejandro Mendez Martinez
Misty Metz
Joaquin Micheloni
Franco Javier Milivinti
Rebecca R Mitchell
Kayla M Molivas
Nichole T Mooney
David A Mooney
Turbat Munkhjargal
Jackson L Murray
Lesley Navarro Juarez
Isabel M Neall
Allison L Newman
Ron Christopher Newsome JR
Cydney Brianna Nichols
Hunter David Nichols
Camillae’ Tawnyanetta Nicholson
Rafael Niederleytner Ripoll
DeRonde Dalas Nixon-Turnage
Shelby McClure Oliver
Maria Angelica Padron Loaiza
Rebekah Pearce
Rian C Pecci-Young
Bradley Wayne Pennington
Ignacio Perco
Stephen A Perry
Summer G Phillips
Naomi Shane Ochea Pilapil
Carolyn Daphne Pittman
Jessica Powell
Solomon Emil Pownall
Jacqueline Denice Price
Sharon Pugh Price
Elizabeth D Pridgen
Amanda Bernice Prince
Stephanie Michelle Promish
Gridgess Laneicer Pryor
Halzyd Pupuleku
Aseel S Qasem
Yineisha Dysha Quick
Crystal Renee Quinn
Mary K Raynor
Alexis M Reinert
Tomeca Natice Richardson
Nicolas Ritondale
Gail Smith Rivera
Donna Kay Roberson
Taylor E Roberson
Dimon Roberson
Logan Allie Roberson
Jadejah Jory Robinson
Max Nicholas Robinson
Francisco Rodriguez
Agustín Rodriguez Rende
Natalie Rogers
Talitha Rowan
Gabrielle Ann Saal
Michelle Lois Sackey-Ansah
Josuet A Santiago
Antonio Sas
Francisco Schmitt
Chasadie Simone Searcy
Daniela Sebastian
Rajan Shah
Abigail Ruth Shah
Haley Lynne Sheehan
Teffany Sheree’ Shepard
Kelley Ann Catherine Siboun
Chris Lee Sielkowski
Evan L Silver
Jasmine Alanna Silver
Takisha High Silver
Nadia J Simmons
Juan Ignacio Simoniello
Brianna Skipwith
Meredith L Smith
Sabrina Smith
Emmett Tyrone Smith
Aja Savonni Smith
Rebecca Elizabeth Solis-Wanous
Rodrigo Soto Gongora
William T Speight
Nakia Glenda Squire
Jordan Christopher Stephens
Kristin Lynn Stilley
Noah Jacob Strange
Key Aura Strickland
Christia Tawona Strickland
Emily R Sullivan
Justin R Sullivan
Jodie L Summerlin
Katheryn Nicole Sutton
Sophia E Sweeney
Charlene Ann Tabron
Ashley Karwick Talley
Sidney Tant
Keorra R Taylor
Kevin L Teague
Omkarnath Thakur
Hannah Faye Thomas
Aylicia Mae Thomas
Victoria G Thompson
Britney D Tippett
Nyetifah D Todman
Christopher William Townsend
Sir Frederick Earl Townsend II
Julia Anne Trimmer
Kneciya Tripp
Kelvin C Turnage
Tatanisha Turner
Janet Lynn Turner
Billie Keith Ulrich
Daniella Umubyeyi
Samantha Gatchalian Valeros
Tristan Romain Vansteene
Tiffany Atlanta Vasquez
Angel G Vaughan
Jovana Hernandez Vazquez
Juan Ignacio Vilches Paez
Roberta N Vulcano
Sara-Grace A Wall
Taylor A Webb
Jackie Neal Webb
Rylee R Wheeler
Tammie Terese Whitaker
Allison M Wichrowski
Tierra M Wiggins
Brandon T Wilkes
Antwan Montea Wilkins
Christie Ebron Williams
Stefanie Wilske
Brandon Tayron Wilson
Mackenzie Nicole Wood
Billy Junior Woodard
Miriah L Wyers
Amanda Marie Yates
Cameron North Young
Luca Zallo
Giulia Zanetti
President's List
Nicholas C Achilles
Hannah Claire Adams
Ana Maria Aguilar
Bander Sameer Alrahimi
Matan Amitay
Shanda LaKeshia Armstrong
Zachariah Briggs Arnold
Shaquanna Monnay Austin
Kamree Alexis Barker
Cynthia Barnes
John Brandon Battle
Tylisha Hunter Battle
Jamar Jermaine Battle
Jacqueline Smith Battle
Megan Jordan Batton
Riley Jackson Baysden
Teanna Chanelle Bellamy
Ashley Carol Belt
Luis Fernando Berber Valadez
Shenita Dickens Bethea
Jené M Black
Harley Joy Blackwell
Geneil Elizabeth Blount-Moore
Ever Geovani Bonilla
Meredith A Booth
Justice Jerue Boyette
Zoe R Branstetter
Ashlynn B Braswell
Noelle C Brien
Lakita Ezzell Brodie
Gonzalo Brodsky
Brandon Brooks
Darvell Brown
Maxime Brunner
Angela Michelle Bryant
Cynthia Ann Buffaloe
Mary Alice Butler
Pedro Caratini
Brittany R Carriker
Michelle M Chalmers
Aundrea Junae Chavis
Chatondra Sheareta Cherry
Regina Medford Cherry
Jayon Marquise China
Vakaba Cisse
Thomas Alven Clark
Alex Sherard Clinkscales
Megan A Cobb
Patrick O’Brien Coffey
Dexter Jermaine Cofield
Sharon Liann Colwell
Adam Salvatore Conte
Alexis Tamara Cook
Nakita Cooper
ChristopherE. Corbett
Dion O’neal Cox
Ronoda Keshon Cox
Shanika Daniels
Alexis Maria Davis
Alicia Simone Davis
Teresa Ann Davis
Jaydon Tre’von Denmark
Joshua C Denton
Jaylen ChristopherDewberry
Candela María Díaz Babilani
Amya N Dickens
Geovanni Shantell Dixon
Denah Charlotte Douglas
Yamiaya Alnique Dunn
Hunter Kevin Duprey
Bridget Denise Eason
Chasity Gabriela Ebron
Tamara Graham Faison
Augusto Fajardo Roca
Matteo Falcinelli
John Lars Arvid Falke
Nikiesha Fields
Deshawn Tynique Finley
Kristy Renee Flow
Abubacarr Fofana
Devin X Gardiner
Amber Kaitlyn Gardner
Brianna Nicole Gaylord
Dominique Giovannini
Hannah L Golden
Robert A Greenfield
Sahar Guermah
Gabriel Andres Guzman Guaicamacuto
KimberleighLowery Hall
Tracy Lynn Hamilton
Brooke Hanson-Salfelder
Blaire Madison Harley
Caleb Gates Harrell
Grant Levon Harrell
Michael Lawrence Harrell
Jimmie Lamont Harris
Briana Hawkins
Kayla Morgan Hawley
Vanisha LaTree Haynes
Hayleigh Nicole Heckman
Ashley N Henderson
Catalina Maria Hermoso
Brant Kennedy Herndon JR
Jack Holden
Christian Vann Holloway
Kelsey R Hutchison
Gonzalo Irazusta Tenazinha
Jeremy Y Johnson
Precious Taunkerri Johnson
Shayjunna Jones
Makayla Jordan
Chandler I Jordan
Sierra A Joyner
Janasia Tatiana Joyner
Jakub Jurasek
Alayna L Kavanaugh
Esther Kebi Kebi
Makayla Kopanski
Ivo Krpina
Georgephine Lahai
Kimberly L Lamm
Ignacio Enrique Lander Ramirez
Cathy Larkins
Natalie R Larson
Santiago Larumbe
Kendra Michele Lee
Ashley Nicole Lewis
Courtney Alston Lewis
Teresa Chestnut Lucas
Ayatta Reneka Lucas
Amanda M Lucci
Deante M Lucenti
Nicolas German Lucero
Haleigh Cheyenne Lugg
Kristie Ann Lynch
Otho Costello Lyon
Megan Allison Mackey
Samantha Lynn Manning
Timothy Alexander Marinos
Elisa Mariotti
Jacob I Marshall
Hannah Lee Martin
Michelle Anais Martinez-Franco
Phyllis Denise Mayo
Keii Natakie Mayo
Becky Lynn McChesney
April Nicole Mcclain
Keandra Tanai McDaniel
Taliah Meadows
Hugo Mendes
Keaton T Merck
Madelaine Jean Meyers
Evan M Meza-Romero
Taras Andrey Mills
Ambralyn K Minchew
Elisa Mondono-Silverio
Brittney Michelle Moore
Madison L Moore
Mckinley Eli Moore
Luke A Moorhead
Cristian David Morales Mosquera
Jacob Richard Moreno
Tshepo Mosarwa
Alex Michael Moskal
Jonathan Motato
Queen Moye
Nazareno Murall
Valentin Mussi
Brianna Paige Myers
Jackson Russell Nethercutt
Shwanda Renee Newton-Silver
Justin Michael Nickle
Thomas S Nixon IV
Kenneth Scott Nowell
Jordan n O’Leary
Madison Lloyd O’Neill
Nagisa Ogahara
Herbert Ogwang
Wendy Otero Guicho
Elijah Glenn Owenby
Grace Oluwatosin Owonifari
Quincey L Packer II
Drifton S Padgett
Chandler S Padgett
Maria Laura Padron Loaiza
Caitlin E Page
Chanel LaVerne Patterson
Michelle Lavern Patterson
Alexander Paul Paulson
Melissa Lynn Pearce
Terry Devon Pearsall Jr
Gonzalo Jose Pedraza
Ty Thomas Peele
Adriana Perez
Lluvia Perez
Jaylen T Perry
Garrett P Phillips
Mary Ann Pippen
Trey Anthony Posilero
Grace Elizabeth Preston
Autumn Paige Ragan
Serene Angelique Randall
Stephon Rasberry
Jy’maca Nyava Revis
Angelica Raquelle Richardson
Caytlin Alyssa Richardson
Becky Miranda Richardson
ChristopherDurell Richardson
Katijia M Riddick
Crystal Sade Robbins
Khalil E Robertson
Isabel Rodriguez
Jason Matthew Rollman
Melissa Hannah Rosado
Luis Francisco Ross
Doneshia Markeia Rowe
Kara B Rowell
Yazline C Santiago
Neldra Aliza Satterthwaite
Julie Maria Schoormans
Zachary B Scott
Michaela Eden Seawell
Felicia Kay Sessoms
Mellodie Searia Shaik
Tyler Jackson Sherrod
Demetris D Shields-Young
Noah Roger Shrock
James Tavaras Simmons
Richard Alan JeromeSmalls
Empris T Smith
Gerald E Smith
LeShe Michelle Smith
Matthew Smith
Agustin Guillermo Spangenberg
Kierra Simmone Speaker
David Lee Speight JR
Kiara Michelle Spooner
Madison Lynn Stace
Angelica F Staggers
Jonathan P. Stallings
Phillip Hal Stephens
Kelby Rourk Stewart
Anita Louise Stith
Christina G Strickland
Juan Andres Suarez Flores
Koree L Summerville
Alejandro Javier Swanton
Michael Darnell Taylor
Morgan Lynn Taylor
Drake Francis Thompson
Shanice R Tillery
Rachelle Dashawn Timpson
Alec Michael Titmus
Abby Nicole Todd
Matteo Torchio
Stephen J Tucker
Annick Umuliza
Linda H Underdue
Aydriyan NazarethKeUmpectyhaurch
Rolando Antonio Valladarez Cuestas
Angel Vazquez Rojas
Chang Vega
Andrea Stefania Vendrame
Jessica W Vinson
Tomas Ochoa Vizcaino
Brenden K Vogel
Desiree Walker
Kataryna Michelle Wallace
Dawn E Wallace
Lakisha Delane Wardrett
Morgan L Waters
William H Waters
Tyler R Watson
Derek Andrew Weems
Nolan Weloff
Heather May Whitaker
Ashley Carroll Wiggins
Ashley Cowan Wiggins
Ryan Anthony Wile
David Greyson Williams
Benyon Jalin Williams
Jamonie D Williams
Justin Dejuan Williams
Laura Jean Williams
Brenna Nicole Williamson
Keyona Monnique Willliams
Kristina M Wilson
DeOnna D Wilson
Lucas Wittstatt
Autumn Joy Worley
Sherita Lyvette Worthington
Savion Alexander Young
Bethany MacKenzie Young
Samantha Yah Zengbean
Luis Esteban Zurita Jalil
Part-Time Student Honors List
Jennifer M. Anderson
Amy Elizabeth Ashmus
Makenzie Renee’ Avery
Allison Bargoil
Desiree Anna Blackley
Shataura Kiette Blount
Ashley Lauren Bostic
Ashlee Marie Brackett
Stephanie Antionette Brown
Shelley Cooke Bryant
Mayumi Anzo Bryson
YaVon Burgess
Eric Alejandro Chavez
Kevin Ray Cole
Lauren Cathryn Collins
Chakita C Cooper
Laura Chelsea Cottle
Theresa Crenshaw
Antoinette Starr Daniel
Latonia Daniels
Savannah Kristin Equils
Erica Marie Figgins
Sean Michael Finsel
Sheila Faith Foltz
Daniel Aaron Grisham
Kaley Diane Hackworth
Brent Nolan Harrell
Daphnie Goodman Hartman
Anthony Marquette Henderson
Tracy Dawn Holmes
Augustine Chinedu Ibuaka
Ransford D’Angelo Johnson
Billie Carol Kalmowitz
Jonathan Keeler
Eronger Norman Kornegay III
Kemberley Dawn Manning
Lequita Jessimarie Mayfield
Christa Michelle McClain
Charlene McDaniel
Brandon Michael McIntosh
Samatha Nicole Moore-Stevenson
Robert James Norton JR
Brian Timothy Pate
Anthony J Patterson
Heather Nicole Perry
Willard Jerry Plyler
Keith Ray Poole
Sha’Taiza Dezanae Pugh
Candice Silver Richardson
Dara Bashan Richardson
Salitta Shonta Roberson
Roberto Ruiz JR
Annah Nicole Sawyer
Sandeepa Shahi
Megan Cathleen Smith
Michael Edward Smith
Consuela DeCor Staton
Chasity Mabe Stubbings
Dini Cox Taylor
Patrice Shannell Thompson
Mary Aldridge Vanidestine
Micah Lee Varnell
Ashley Jamille Whitaker
Timothy Edward Whitaker SR
Harriet Denise Whitehead
Tanicqua Bianca Williams
Jeffrey Ross Woody
Elona Zyka
NC Wesleyan Celebrates New Class of Graduates
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.
Wesleyan Celebrates a Successful Annual Day of Giving
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s annual day of giving, A Day for Wesleyan, was a successful day of fundraising to support Bishop students. This event, held on Wednesday, March 31, invited donations from alumni, friends of the College, faculty and staff to participate in the College-wide efforts. Overall, the College raised $85,367 from 410 donors, more than double last year’s event total and a 32% increase in donors.
Every gift goes towards advancing the educational experiences of all students, investing in new technologies for learning, allowing students to grow into their passions and helping build Wesleyan’s future. Donations went to support funds such as the greatest needs of the College, general scholarships, a newly established student emergency aid fund and athletics. All gifts received will directly benefit NC Wesleyan students and ensure the College’s mission of preparing students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities.
“Having a response over twice as much as we raised last year validates the work Wesleyan is putting forth to educate our students. Alumni support for this event was huge and having their participation and engagement makes a statement to the current student body that they are not in this alone. We are very grateful for the support,” stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement.
There are still ways the community can continue to support NC Wesleyan! Donations are still being accepted securely online at dayforwesleyan.com. Gifts are tax-deductible and a Gift Acknowledgement Receipt will be provided for the donor’s records.
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.
2021 Honor Students Receive Awards
NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2021 Honors Convocation Award Ceremony. These Awardees and Honor Society Members have displayed outstanding contributions inside and outside of the classroom. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
Recipients of the 2021 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards
| BUSINESS | |
| Accounting Outstanding Student Award | Jodie L Summerlin |
| Business Administration Outstanding Student Award | David Enrique Bolivar Alvarado |
| Marketing Outstanding Student Award | Elijah Blaise Gourley |
| Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student Award | Nichole Mooney |
| Organizational Administration Outstanding Student Award | Natalie Larson |
| SCIENCE AND MATH | |
| Biology Award (1) | Enrique Chang |
| Biology Award (2) | Maria Padron |
| Environmental Science Award | Alyssa Brookhart |
| Exercise Science Award | Emily A. Ketchum |
| Mathematics Award (1) | Julia Trimmer |
| Mathematics Award (2) | Summer Phillips |
| Chemistry Award | Julia Trimmer |
| EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
| Communications Outstanding Student Award | Mary Cat Davis |
| John Paul Jones History Award | Abigail Shah |
| History Major Outstanding Student Award | Marisa Corcoran |
| Political Science Award | Bijaya Lamichhane |
| Psychology Outstanding Student Award | Garrett Wesley Barger |
| Criminal Justice Outstanding Student Award | Grace deMontesquiou |
| HUMANITIES | |
| Senior English Award | Chasadie Searcy |
| Religious Studies | Kevin L. Teague |
| ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AWARDS | |
| Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year Award | Alyssa Brookhart |
| Peer Tutor of the Year | Maria Padron |
| Internship Award (1) | David Bolivar |
| Internship Award (2) | Leonardo Guzman |
| Internship Award (3) | Alissa Avery |
| ROTC | |
| ROTC Highest GPA Award | Cadet Kate Avila |
| ROTC Golden Joe Award | Cadet Deshawn Finley |
| ROTC Golden Jane Award | Cadet Kate Avila |
| ROTC “Hooah” Award | Cadet Savion Young |
| OUTSTANDING ADULT STUDENT AWARD | |
| Outstanding Adult Student Award | Eronger (Roger) Norman Kornegay III |
Honor society members who were recognized at the 2021 Honors Convocation Ceremony. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
PHI ETA SIMGA
John-Colby P. Branham
Zoe R. Branstetter
Joshua C. Denton
Tyson A. Duff
Quincey L. Packer
Aseel S. Qasem
Mary K. Raynor
Alexis M. Reinert
Zachary B. Scott
Noah Jacob Strange
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)
Jacob Aldridge
Kate Avila
Alyssa Brookhart
Angela Groeneveld
Grant Harrell
Sierra Joyner
Michael Parker
Stephanie Reid
Dimon Robeson
Allison Wichrowski
Jessie Langley
Sigma Tau Delta
Colin Long
Eboni Mayle
Chasity Ebron
Doneshia Rowe
Kappa Mu Epsilon
Latrell McDougald
Eugene Okoko
Summer Phillips
Psi Chi / Pi Gamma Mu
Hannah Thomas
Victoria Thompson
Maria Padron
Angela Groeneveld
Siphra Briggs
Robert Hart
Rebecca Mitchell
Christa McClain
Alpha Phi Sigma
Cassandrena Gabrellia Balloon
Sharon Lynn Bright
Tracey Nicole Brown
Daniel Grisham
Gregory Joseph Groff
Jacob Scott Winstead
Jerry Thomas Wood
Jessica Willis Baird
Jennifer Cornelia Basler
Siphra Briggs
Cynthia Ann Buffaloe
Robert Allen Greenfield
Appiffany Hansley
Madelaine Jean Meyers
Jy’maca Nyava Nneeka Revis
Angelica Raquelle Richardson
Dimon Roberson
Kelley Ann Catherine Siboun
Rolanda Marie Richardson
Taylor Elizabeth Roberson
Tiana Kameel Squire
Timothy Marinos
Sigma Beta Delta
Makenzie Renee’ Avery
Desiree Blackley
Shenita D. Bethea
Consuela décor Staton
Jodie L. Summerlin
Rebecca Monaco Demeritte
Keorra Rynazah Taylor
Shelby McClure Oliver
Elijah Blaise Gourley
Elisabeth G. Evans
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.
ActOne Group Provides Career Development Services for NCWC Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has developed an agreement with the ActOne Group (ActOne), a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Janice Bryant Howroyd (Howroyd), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, is a native of Tarboro, NC and a NC Wesleyan Board Member.
At no cost to the College, ActOne’s team of professionals will work alongside NC Wesleyan’s career services department to enhance internships, career development, and job placement for Wesleyan students and graduates. The College will allocate office space to the ActOne team so they can fully connect with staff and provide students with hands-on career guidance and advice. This partnership will provide students with access to a fully-dedicated team of staffing professionals, career counselors, talent advisors and trainers on campus. In addition, ActOne will work with area organizations to meet their talent acquisition goals. Implementation of this initiative is expected by summer 2021.
“Service with impact is a blessing…to the giver as much as to the receiver. The executives of ActOne Group are honored to make an impact on the lives of NCWU students and the Nash/Edgecombe community. We are committed to developing talent at the student level and preparing graduating seniors for professional lives beyond learning institutions. We know that the work we do across the globe is instrumental in helping people to reach their full potential and realize their dreams. It is a privilege to be able to provide this valuable service to the students of NCWU, especially under the leadership of President Evan Duff and his team,” said Howroyd. “With NCWU being the first college campus I ever stepped foot on, which happened during my first year as a Project Upward Bound student, I am truly blessed to give back to an institution from where I received some of the first foundational tools that helped to shape the person I am today.”
To help enhance personal and professional development, ActOne will provide NC Wesleyan students with college-to-career transition classes, career preparation, career building workshops and global awareness opportunities. In addition, ActOne will provide access to an online library of training courses, skill assessments, and tutorials that will benefit all students, regardless of their career path. Students will work with the ActOne team of talent advisors and counselors to develop leadership skills and gain insight into a variety of professions. As an added benefit to NCWU students, ActOne will provide two to four internships per year, allowing students to gain experience in customer service, recruiting, front office systems and database management.
About Janice Bryant Howroyd
As a tireless advocate for education, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ActOne Group, has dedicated her resources to funding scholarships and serving on several boards, including the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government, her alma mater North Carolina A&T State University, University of Southern California, and many others. Her passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is rooted in her belief that STEM will be one of the great equalizers in 21st-century employment and has led her to work with Girls in Tech, a non-profit that works to create STEM opportunities for underserved communities. She attended NCA&T State University and holds honorary doctorates from California State University Channel Islands, NCA&T State University, and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
About ActOne Group
ActOne Group is a global enterprise that provides employment, workforce management and procurement solutions to a wide range of industries, Fortune 500 organizations, local and mid-market companies, and government agencies. Started in 1978 by Founder and CEO, Janice Bryant Howroyd (JBH). ActOne operates in 19 countries with over 17,000 clients and 2,600 employees worldwide. It is the largest privately-held, woman and minority owned workforce management company in the U.S.
NCWC Hosting Barefoot Mile to Combat Human Trafficking
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has partnered with JOY International and their mission to rescue, restore and reintegrate children, teens and women affected by human trafficking around the world. On Saturday, April 10, the College will host its first NC Wesleyan Barefoot Mile fundraiser where faculty, staff and students will walk to raise awareness of the effects of human trafficking.
JOY International is a nonprofit organization based in Conifer, Colorado that has helped over 2,000 children, teens and women. JOY works closely with law enforcement to find, persecute and prevent sex traffickers around the world. After a rescue, those affected are placed in carefully selected and equipped homes to help promote healing and a positive future.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest crime internationally. Globally, two million children are targeted and exploited each year in this $150 billion-dollar industry. While this is a worldwide issue, it occurs locally as well. The U.S. Department of State estimates that 14,500- 17,500 children, teens and women are trafficked into the United States each year.
The NC Wesleyan Barefoot Mile is hosted by Refuge Campus Ministries, in partnership with JOY International, BraceChange and PATCH, Inc. Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year’s on-campus event is limited solely to NC Wesleyan students, faculty and staff; however, community members are invited to sign up to walk virtually between April 4 and April 10. To help promote the event, two self-defense classes for women are being held on Friday, April 9 at Rise Church in Rocky Mount. Community members can participate from 5:15 p.m.– 7:15 p.m. and Wesleyan students can join from 7:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. Event organizers are also hosting a virtual silent auction for businesses to donate items if they’re unable to partner financially.
“The call from those with no voice needs to be answered and JOY is doing just that. I hope you will join me and these other ministries and organizations to fight for those being trafficked and exploited,” stated Natalie Larson, NC Wesleyan student and event organizer. I pray our goal will be met and through this initiative God will receive all the glory!”
North Carolina Wesleyan University hopes to be a catalyst in the fight against human trafficking by raising $15,000. Various levels of sponsorship are available for any business or individual wanting to help contribute to this goal. Your contribution can help at least one person escape from the bondage of human trafficking. For more details and to register, visit joy.org/barefoot-mile-events.
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.
