North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly announces a generous $7,000 gift presented to President Dr. Evan Duff by alumnus Bobby Thompson on behalf of Alpha Delta Chi Fraternity. The donation supports the Charles Livingston Rogers II Endowed Scholarship, a fund created to honor the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of beloved alumnus and fraternity brother, Charles “Charlie” Livingston Rogers II.
The gift represents the proceeds from “The Big Chill,” an annual alumni reunion rooted in the deep camaraderie of the former Alpha Delta Chi (ΑΔΧ) Fraternity, Beta Chapter, founded at NCWU in 1965. What began decades ago as a small gathering of brothers has transformed into a spirited tradition celebrating fellowship, memories, and the powerful bonds formed on NC Wesleyan’s campus.
Known for his enthusiasm, humor, and dedication to bringing people together, Charlie organized the fraternity’s “Big Chill” reunions for more than 40 years. What was intended to be the final “Bill Chill,” hosted October 23–26, evolved instead into an extended celebration of his life and his unparalleled commitment to keeping the Brotherhood connected.
The ΑΔΧ alumni group, known for legendary stories that include rerouting Hwy 301 traffic through campus and frequenting local favorites like The Rainbow Club and Mack’s, continues to channel its energy into giving back to today’s students. Their support of the Rogers Scholarship ensures that incoming freshmen from North Carolina, especially those pursuing theatre or with strong civic engagement, receive meaningful financial support as they begin their own Wesleyan journey.
This year’s contribution reflects both pride in the Brotherhood’s enduring legacy and a friendly, unspoken challenge: the alumni of Alpha Delta Chi hope their commitment to giving inspires others to match their dedication to the next generation of Bishops.
“In my lifetime, I have watched a ton of movies and a ton of football, and after a while, you can’t hardly list any that stick out, but what I can tell you is the list of people that have made a huge impact in my life,” said Thompson. “One of the greatest hard lessons I have learned is to understand what is premeditated and understand what is and what isn’t.”
NC Wesleyan University extends heartfelt appreciation to the Alpha Delta Chi alumni for their ongoing generosity, loyalty, and example of what it means to uplift the Bishop community.
