North Carolina Wesleyan University celebrated 70 years of history, community and Bishop pride on Wednesday, October 21, as students, faculty and staff came together for Founders Day during the University’s latest Community Day.
Under the theme “70 Years, One Wesleyan Community: Honor the Past. Serve the Present. Shape the Future,” the celebration recognized the people, experiences and shared purpose that have shaped NC Wesleyan since its founding in 1956.
With more than 20 events and activities throughout the day, campus was filled with opportunities to connect, serve, learn and celebrate what it means to be part of the Bishop community. From Brunch in the Blue & Gold Cafe and a campus clothing swap to academic advising, career preparation, club meetings and guest speakers, the day’s activities showcased the many ways students can engage with campus life beyond the classroom.
Service was at the heart of this year’s Founders Day celebration.
Through the University’s 70 Acts of Service initiative, students and campus community members participated in projects designed to support local organizations and bring encouragement to others.
Donation items were collected for My Sister’s House and the Bassett Center, while volunteers created tug toys for the Rocky Mount Animal Shelter. Participants also wrote Cards of Encouragement for residents of The Lodge, the Boys and Girls Club, and individuals served by Meals on Wheels. These projects offered meaningful ways for the Wesleyan community to put the University’s commitment to service into action.
Leah Hill, Director of Financial Aid and Special Assistant to the President, served as chair of the Founders Day Committee, and helped coordinate the University’s 70th anniversary celebration. Hill shared, “Founders Day is about more than celebrating 70 years of Wesleyan’s history. It’s about bringing our campus community together, recognizing how far we have come, and finding ways to give back. Whether it’s through a small act of kindness or serving others in our community, we all have an opportunity to make a difference. That’s what makes this day so meaningful.”
The celebration continued into the afternoon and evening with recreational activities and Bishop athletics. The men’s soccer team faced the University of Mary Washington at Scalf Field, followed by women’s volleyball against Methodist in Everett Gymnasium, bringing students and fans together to support their Bishops.
More than a celebration of the University’s history, Founders Day offered an opportunity to recognize the people who have helped shape Wesleyan over the past seven decades and the community continuing that legacy today.
Since 1956, NC Wesleyan has grown and evolved while remaining committed to education, meaningful connections and preparing students for successful futures. As the University celebrates its 70th anniversary, its story continues to be written by the students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who bring the Bishop community to life.
The Next Chapter Starts Here: Attend Open House
As NC Wesleyan celebrates 70 years of impact, the University is looking ahead to the next generation of Bishops. Prospective students and their families are invited to experience the Wesleyan community firsthand at Open House on Saturday, October 24.
Open House offers an opportunity to explore campus, learn more about academic programs, connect with the NC Wesleyan community and discover what makes the Bishop experience unique.
Ready to see your future at Wesleyan? Join us for Open House on October 24 and take the next step toward becoming a Bishop.
NCWU Welcomes Students for First Day of Classes During 70th Anniversary Year
A new academic year is underway at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) as students return to campus today for the first day of classes and the beginning of a milestone year for the University.
As NC Wesleyan celebrates its 70th anniversary, the university is welcoming new students, new cohorts and new academic opportunities while celebrating recent accolades and the continued growth of the Wesleyan community.
The 2026-27 academic year marks seven decades of preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership and impact. This year, that tradition continues with expanded programs, new students joining the Battling Bishop community and exciting momentum across the university.
A Celebration to Kick Off the Semester
The University officially kicked off the semester Monday with Rock the Mount, NC Wesleyan’s annual campus welcome event sponsored by First Carolina Bank.
More than 80 vendors and campus and community partners gathered on campus to welcome students and help launch the new academic year. The event gave students an opportunity to connect with local organizations, campus resources and one another while celebrating the start of a new semester.
The day also included Welcoming Convocation for the Class of 2030, officially welcoming the University’s newest traditional undergraduate students to the Wesleyan community.
The keynote address was delivered by Jessica D. Harrison, mayor of Zebulon, who challenged the incoming class to think differently about success and the impact they can make during their college years.
“Success isn’t having the perfect GPA. Success isn’t having the perfect résumé. Success isn’t becoming famous,” Harrison told the Class of 2030. “Success is becoming faithful to the person God created you to be. Success is leaving people better than you found them. Success is using your gifts to make someone else’s life a little brighter.”
Harrison encouraged students to focus less on impressing others and more on making a meaningful difference.
“Don’t spend your college years trying to become impressive. Spend them becoming impactful,” she said. “The world already has enough people chasing applause. What it needs are people willing to make a difference.”
She closed her message by reminding students that their Wesleyan experience will ultimately be defined by more than their academic accomplishments.
“Don’t just earn a degree here. Build relationships here. Build memories here. Build character here,” Harrison said. “Because one day, years from now, when someone asks you about North Carolina Wesleyan, I hope you won’t just talk about classes. I hope you’ll talk about the people who believed in you, the moments that changed you and the version of yourself you discovered here.”
A Year of Growth and Momentum
The new academic year arrives as NC Wesleyan celebrates new accolades, continued academic growth and the expansion of programs designed to meet the needs of today’s students and workforce.
The University is welcoming new cohorts across its academic programs, including students beginning their journeys in growing fields and professional programs. These students join a campus community that continues to expand its academic offerings while maintaining its commitment to personalized learning and student success.
NC Wesleyan is also entering its 70th anniversary year with a growing list of accomplishments and recognitions that reflect the University’s commitment to serving students and the broader community.
From new academic programs and partnerships to recognition for excellence across the University, the 2026-27 academic year represents both a celebration of Wesleyan’s history and a look toward its future.
For today’s students, however, the beginning of the semester is about something much more immediate: a new chapter.
For the Class of 2030, it is the beginning of their Wesleyan story. For returning students, it is another opportunity to learn, grow and create memories with the people who make the University home.
And for NC Wesleyan, it is the beginning of the next chapter in a 70-year story of pride, purpose and progress.
Welcome back, Battling Bishops. Here’s to 70 years and everything still to come.
The Dunn Center and Twin County Media Announce Community Partnership
The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to announce a new partnership with Twin County Media, bringing together two organizations committed to celebrating and strengthening the Twin Counties through arts, entertainment, and community engagement.
Now celebrating its 30th year, The Dunn Center has become one of eastern North Carolina’s premier destinations for live entertainment, cultural programming, educational events, and community gatherings. Located on the NC Wesleyan campus, the venue welcomes thousands of visitors each year for nationally touring performances, local productions, art exhibitions, conferences, and special events.
About the Partnership
Twin County Media has quickly become a trusted source for positive local news, events, and storytelling throughout Nash and Edgecombe counties. Through its website, podcasts, newsletters, and community calendar, Twin County Media shines a spotlight on the people, organizations, and events that make the Twin Counties a great place to live, work, and visit.
“We’re excited to partner with Twin County Media because both of our organizations are dedicated to enriching the Twin Counties,” said Mark Hinson, Vice President of Advancement at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “As The Dunn Center celebrates its 30th anniversary, this collaboration will help us reach even more people with the exceptional performances, cultural experiences, and community events that make our region so special.”
As part of the partnership, Twin County Media will help showcase The Dunn Center’s performances, exhibitions, and special events, making it even easier for residents across the region to discover world-class entertainment close to home.
The Dunn Center’s 30th anniversary season is already underway with tickets on sale now for several exciting performances, including:
- Tell Me Lies – Fleetwood Mac Experience on September 18
- The President’s Own United States Marine Band in concert on October 5 (free admission)
- The Ultimate ELVIS Tribute! on October 15
- Additional concerts, performances, and art exhibitions throughout the 2026-2027 season.
Community members are encouraged to explore the full lineup and purchase tickets for upcoming shows by visiting the Dunn Center website. Together, The Dunn Center and Twin County Media look forward to connecting even more people with the arts, entertainment, and stories that continue to make the Twin Counties thrive.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
As The Dunn Center celebrates 30 years of serving eastern North Carolina, local businesses and organizations are invited to become part of the excitement through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship packages provide valuable visibility before thousands of patrons who attend performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. Sponsors receive recognition through event marketing, digital promotions, on-site signage, and other community engagement initiatives designed to connect their brand with one of the region’s premier cultural destinations.
Whether supporting a specific performance, an entire series, or the Dunn Center’s annual programming, sponsorship investments help make high-quality arts and entertainment experiences accessible to communities across the Twin Counties. Organizations interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Office of Advancement or visit The Dunn Center website for additional information.
Rental Space Available
In addition to sponsorship opportunities, The Dunn Center offers versatile rental spaces for corporate meetings, conferences, private events, receptions, and community gatherings, providing organizations with a premier venue in the heart of eastern North Carolina.
