Graduates Inaugural Masters Class
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University held its Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 4 at the Rocky Mount Event Center. This year’s commencement speaker was Tony Stroud, alumnus of Wesleyan and founder and CEO of Stroud & Company, a Wilmington, NC accounting firm.
Stroud, spoke about graduates staying true to themselves, filtering through the noise and listening to their inner voice. “Integrity is who you are when no one is looking. That whisper is who you are when everyone is looking. And if you listen to that whisper, you win,” stated Stroud. After his speech, an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities was bestowed upon Stroud.
Spring 2019 graduation was especially moving as Wesleyan honored Brad Melton, who passed away in December 2018, with a Posthumous Degree. Brad was a member of the Class of 2019 in the Master of Criminal Justice program. Brad’s mother was in attendance to receive the degree in his memory.
There were 233 undergraduate students in the Class of 2019 Saturday, with over 2,650 guests in attendance. In addition, 11 students graduated in the first cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
“We are very excited to graduate our first master’s class,” stated Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark. “These students, both undergraduate and graduate, have gained a wealth of knowledge here at Wesleyan and they are ready to go out and take on the world. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Beverly Anaele received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award which honors a senior who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership and service to the community. Anaele obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science. She will pursue a Master of Public Health at Thomas Jefferson University in the fall.
The President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance, went to Jessica Brabble. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and will pursue a Master of History at Virginia Tech in fall 2019.
Dr. Erica Kosal, Professor of Biology, received the Exemplary Teacher Award which honors excellence in teaching, service to the college and scholarship.
This year’s graduates hail from 10 states around the country, calling home Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia. There were sixteen international graduates from Argentina, Egypt, El Salvador, Greece, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Sweden, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Wesleyan Receives Employer Excellence Award from Donate Life NC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Recently, North Carolina Wesleyan University received an Award of Employer Excellence from Donate Life North Carolina. April is National Donate Life Month, an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.
Wesleyan received this award because of their dedication to going above and beyond the legal requirements in supporting employees who are living organ donors and recipients, as well as, employees who are on the transplant waiting list.
“For many living donors and patients, the worry of missed work or expenses is incredibly stressful and prevents them from focusing on their health. We are so proud of the work that Wesleyan does to support their employees,” stated Deanna Mitchell, Executive Director of Donate Life NC.
North Carolina Wesleyan Visiting Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Mike Brantley, received his liver over three years ago. Courtney Moss, a May 2018 Wesleyan grad and employee at the Dunn Center Box Office, received her heart four years ago. There are over 3,000 North Carolinians waiting for an organ and 84 percent of those are waiting for kidneys. Living kidney donor and Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts at Wesleyan, Sheila Martin, has actively volunteered for many years to increase public awareness of the great need for registered organ donors.
“NC Wesleyan hired me fourteen years ago knowing I was a living kidney donor. The recipient was my son, Jim Pittman, who graduated from Wesleyan in 1992,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. “I’m grateful for the College’s support and that they allow me to take administrative leave in order to attend the state’s License to Give Trust Fund Commission meetings.” Wesleyan also hosts a yearly dodge ball tournament, organized by the women’s soccer team, which benefits Carolina Donor Services.“The involvement of the women’s soccer team has been so incredible because it puts the issue of organ donation in front of a young audience,” stated Martin.
Donate Life NC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all North Carolinians to give the gift of life. The organization recognizes those employers who go above and beyond the law to support employees who are on the transplant waiting list as well as those who are living donors.
Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Awarded to Dr. Lee Templeton
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –North Carolina Wesleyan Professor, Dr. Lee Templeton, has been awarded with the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship. This award is the highest and most singular honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty memberand is given in recognition of scholarship, teaching and community service.
The Jefferson-Pilot Professorship is an endowed award that was established in 1981 through the generosity of the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company. The honoree is nominated by a committee of faculty and appointed by the president of the college. To be eligible for consideration, the faculty member must have tenure and have clearly distinguished themselves with high standards of excellence. As teachers, they demonstrate a whole-hearted dedication and rigorous professionalism in forwarding their students’ learning and personal development for life and work. As scholars, they have to possess a mastery of their discipline, contribute to new understanding and knowledge, and demonstrate a lively commitment to life-long learning for themselves, as well as their students. Additionally, as a member of the Wesleyan community, they give generously to the aims and programs of the College, both with their time and means.
“When the nominating committee met to discuss our consolidated list of potential faculty nominees, it quickly became apparent to the committee that one single faculty member stood head and shoulders above the rest as the clear choice for the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Award,” stated Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President at Wesleyan. “Overall, Dr. Templeton has a strong record of teaching, scholarly activity and service.”
Dr. Templeton, now in his eleventh year at Wesleyan, delivered his Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Lecture, entitled: “Until the Dragon Comes: Ragnarok and the Liberal Arts,” on Thursday, March 28. His talk explored two topics– dragons and higher education – and attempts to connect the two in a meaningful way. Beginning with an examination of the figure of the dragon and its various metaphorical meanings, in Old Norse/Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon myth and literature, Dr. Templeton considers current trends in higher education through the metaphorical lens of the dragon.
During the lecture presentation, the 2019-2020 recipient of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship was announced. Next year’s awardee is Dr. Jeffrey Kuglitsch, Associate Professor of Earth Science.
Honor Students Receive Awards
NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2019 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 2019 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards
| STUDENT SUPPORT | |
| Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year Award | Trevor Harris |
| Peer Tutor of the Year | Beverly Anaele |
| Internship Award | Gordon ( Mitch ) Layton |
| ROTC Highest GPA Award | Elena Duran |
| ROTC “Hooah” Award | Savion Young |
| ROTC Golden Joe Award | Dion Cox |
| ROTC Golden Jane Award | Kate Avila |
| SCIENCE AND MATH | |
| Biology Award | Beverly Anaele |
| Environmental Science Award | Ericca Lenhardt |
| Exercise Science Award | Mehli Carolyn Erbaugh Marcellus |
| Chemistry Award | Kayla Lavan |
| American Institute of Chemists/North Carolina Institute of Chemists Foundation Award | Ivan Cockman |
| Mathematics Award | Ivan Cockman |
| Mathematics Award | Joseph Lloyd |
| HUMANITIES | |
| Religious Studies | Sean Michael Dancy |
| Senior English Award | Libby Edwards |
| EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
| Communications Outstanding Student Award | Ali Cucinotta |
| John Paul Jones History Award | Beverly Anaele |
| History Major Outstanding Student Award | Jessica Brabble |
| Political Science Award | Anderson “Andie” Batt |
| SNCAE Award | Tristan Marshall |
| Susan B. Taylor Excellence in Educational Practice Award | Karolina Winstead |
| Psychology Outstanding Student Award | Joseph Lloyd |
| Excellence in Sociological Studies Award | Keaira McMiller |
| Criminal Justice Outstanding Student Award | Courtney Paige Garofolo |
| BUSINESS | |
| Accounting Outstanding Student Award | Hannah Huls |
| Business Administration Outstanding Student Award | Shreya Suman Thakuri |
| Marketing Outstanding Student Award | Stephany Barbera |
| Organizational Administration Outstanding Student Award | Gene “Trey” Croom |
| Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student Award | Nabin Singh |
| ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM AWARDS | |
| Outstanding Adult Student Award | Latishea Faison |
Below you will find a list of honor society members who were recognized at the 2019 Honors Convocation Ceremony. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
| PSI ETA SIMGA |
| Bethany Bergman |
| Elizebeth Blair |
| Olga K. Bloh |
| Karlee Bjurstrom |
| Alyssa Nichole Brookhart |
| Bethany J. Dunham |
| Angela W. Groeneveld |
| Hayleigh Heckman |
| Hunter L. Ingram |
| Dan R. Locey III |
| Victoria Mayer |
| Eboni’ Sapphire Mayle |
| Hugo Mendes |
| Rebecca Renee Mitchell |
| Brittany Petticolas |
| Odalis Enmanuel Peralta Paulino |
| Mariana Rey Xavier |
| Taylor E. Roberson |
| Brianna D. Skipwith |
| Rodrigo Soto Gongora |
| Dawn E. Wallace |
| Ashley Carroll Wiggins |
| Sigma Tau Delta |
| Libby Edwards |
| Dalton Smiley |
| Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) |
| Hannah Ivester |
| Jawuanna McAllister |
| Dakota Casey |
| Savannah Flanagan |
| Psi Chi / Pi Gamma Mu |
| Thomas Keilty Hand |
| Justin DeBraska |
| Cecilia Patino |
| Sarah Griffiths |
| Thomas Keilty |
| Justin DeBraska |
| Cecilia Patino |
| Sarah Griffiths |
| Alpha Phi Sigma |
| Shelby Godwin |
| Jordan Forbess |
| Timothy Caulder |
| Anna Stribling |
| Faith Overton |
| Courtney Garofolo |
| Victoria Simmons |
| Jerry Cameron |
| Keith Garner |
| Gary Davis |
| Timothy Hathaway |
| William T. Smith |
| Patricia Sessoms |
| Jerry Shoemaker |
| Sigma Beta Delta |
| Rashonda Bradley |
| Willie Ray Flowers |
| Cheryl D. Garner |
| Lathen Earl Hyman, Jr. |
| Abigail Leather |
| Valerie Newton |
| Kendra S. Patterson |
| Sydney B. Taylor |
| Kelvin L. Wiggins |
| Sigma Tau Delta |
| Libby Edwards |
| Dalton Smiley |
| Kappa Mu Epsilon |
| Angela Nicole Bird |
| Payton Coleman |
| David Austin Mooney |
| Chinwe Cynthia Obi |
| Julia Anne Trimmer |
| Samantha G. Valeros |
| Jackie N. Webb |
| Abigail Wooten |
The Heart of Dr. Hartness- Renovation Ceremony at The Hartness Center
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA– Over 110 students, staff, supporters and family recently gathered at the Hartness Student Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new renovations. The event recognized Dr. John Hartness for his generous contributions and tireless support of the College.
Just before the event began, the room buzzed with conversation as individuals from various backgrounds greeted one another and shared stories of how Dr. Hartness has impacted their lives. Elliott Smith, Director of Student Activities, opened the event by expressing his thanks and mentioning all of the recent changes to the building as part of this renovation.
The improvements took place over the past several months. They include: redesigning the ground level to encompass dynamic meeting areas, building a second floor which houses offices and creating a multi-purpose student lounge to accommodate both academic and entertainment needs. Annick Umuliza, a student-worker at the Hartness Center spoke on her pride of working for the center and its mission.
After sharing a story of their friendship, Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark voiced his appreciation saying, “Dr. Hartness had this vision… he wanted to be a part of Rocky Mount because of North Carolina Wesleyan University. How fortunate we are to have Dr. Hartness come and befriend us.”
As Dr. Hartness came forward to say a few words and cut the ribbon, the entire room rose in a standing ovation for a man whose efforts serve as a prime example of a community supporter and leader.
What was originally a building used to supply heat to the College has now transformed into a thriving students center all because of Dr. Hartness and his family’s generosity and vision. He does not take credit for the success, however, humbly saying, “I did not do this, my family did this. I just happened to be there. My family is most generous, and I am most grateful.”
Students & Faculty Attend American College of Sports Medicine Conference
On February 14th and 15th, Drs. Crowley, Henderson and Magal, and four students attended the regional conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in Greenville, SC.
At the conference and under the direction of Dr. Crowley, Mehli Marcellus and Tyler Ricks presented a research project titled: “Factors Influencing Attitude Towards, and Participation in, Physical Activity in Eastern North Carolina”.
Also at the conference, Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science together with Mr. Francis Neric, Director of Certifications at the American College of Sports Medicine, has co-presented a tutorial titled: “Graduated Now What? Succeeding in the Exercise Profession”
2018 Distinguished Staff Award
Tammy Robinson Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship
Dr. Dewey Clark (left) awards Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at NC Wesleyan University the 2018 Distinguished Staff Award on Monday, December 3rd at the annual staff Christmas celebration. Tammy has been at Wesleyan for 7 years. This award honors staff members who have exhibited outstanding work performance, service and dedication to the College or community.
Wesleyan Staff Named to 2018 Twin County Hall of Fame
Lt. Col. James Mercer US Army (Ret.)
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Lt. Col. James Mercer, US Army (Ret.) was recently named as one of twelve to be inducted into the 2018 Twin County Hall of Fame. He will be honored during the 15th Annual Induction Banquet at the Rocky Mount Event Center on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Mercer is currently the Director of Military Studies at NC Wesleyan University and also coordinates the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for the college. Lt. Col. James Mercer was born in Edgecombe County and raised in Nash County. He joined the US Army after graduating from North Edgecombe High School. He retired with 30 years of military service in the US Army, US Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. During his distinguished civilian career, he served in multiple roles including: police officer and firefighter for the City of Rocky Mount, Deputy Fire Marshal for Nash County Emergency Services, Public Safety Instructor at Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges, Director of Public Safety Training for Nash Community College, Director of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal for Edgecombe County, Director of Emergency Management for Fayetteville State University and later for the City of Raleigh, where he retired in 2012.
“This is a big deal for me and pretty cool, I must say. What an incredible honor it is to be recognized by my community. I want to thank all those who mentored me, impacted me and helped me along the way. It was a village that got Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer from Battleboro, North Carolina, to where I am today,” stated Mercer.
The Twin County Museum and Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate the history, culture, people and accomplishments of Edgecombe and Nash counties in eastern North Carolina. For more information about the Twin County Hall of Fame and for tickets to the 15th Annual Induction Banquet, visit www.tchof.org.
