North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) will proudly celebrate its 62nd Spring Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, honoring the academic achievements of more than 330 graduates as they complete their Wesleyan journeys and prepare for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.
The ceremony will bring together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for one of the University’s most meaningful traditions. Commencement serves as both a celebration of student accomplishment and a reflection of NCWU’s commitment to personalized education, mentorship, and community engagement.
“This moment represents years of perseverance, growth, and hard work by our students,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “Commencement is not only a milestone for our graduates, but also a celebration for the families, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and professions.”
Meet the Speaker
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Jessica Daniels Harrison ‘10, a dedicated public servant, civic leader, and proud NCWU alumna. Harrison currently serves as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon, North Carolina, making history as the first woman elected to the role. She was initially appointed to the Town’s Board of Commissioners in February 2022 and later elected by the community in November 2023 as commissioner before being elected mayor in November 2025.
As mayor, Harrison is recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and advocacy for initiatives that strengthen families, promote economic development, and engage youth. Her leadership extends beyond local government through her service as Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Assistant Secretary for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials. In 2024, she was honored with the 40 Under Impact Award by the National League of Cities.
Harrison is also the Founder and CEO of She Is ME, LLC, an organization focused on empowering women to recognize their potential, overcome stereotypes, and actively engage in their communities. Alongside her husband, she owns and operates The Harrison Institution, Inc., a nonprofit leadership development firm. Together, they also serve as Care Pastors at Life Worship Center in Raleigh.
A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Harrison earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology before completing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Concordia University. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., and considers her greatest roles to be wife to Tory and mother to TJ, Tyler, and Jordyn. Guided by her faith and the scripture Matthew 7:12, Harrison approaches leadership with integrity, compassion, and commitment to building strong, resilient communities.
The 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony promises to be a meaningful celebration of achievement, reflection, and new beginnings, honoring the Class of 2026 as they step forward to shape the future.
NCWU Announces Danijel Velicki as 2025 Commencement Speaker
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is gearing up for its 61st Spring Commencement, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This year, the university will celebrate the achievements of over 300 graduates, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
The keynote address will be delivered by Danijel Velicki, a successful entrepreneur, financial educator, and founder of Opus Wealth Strategies and Sqwire, LLC—a financial education platform that has already made an impact at NCWU. Velicki’s inspiring story is one of perseverance and determination.
Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, Velicki immigrated to the United States in 1995 with just $40 to his name. He worked tirelessly to fund his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Fairmont State University. Today, Velicki is a thriving business owner and is pursuing a graduate degree in Innovation and Strategy at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School.
Through his financial education platform, Sqwire, Velicki aims to empower individuals and families with the tools they need to achieve financial stability and success. The platform offers online lessons and personalized support to help users develop smart spending habits and make informed financial decisions for the long term.
Velicki’s philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief that the “American Dream” is attainable for everyone with the right support and determination. “It takes the right support system, people you can trust to answer the tough questions, and a commitment to never giving up,” Velicki said. “I want to ensure that every person in this country has the same opportunities I did, along with a team of people truly invested in their success.”
Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, expressed his enthusiasm for Velicki’s participation in this year’s commencement ceremony. “Danijel represents what you can achieve through hard work and determination,” said Dr. Duff. “NCWU is grateful for his ‘pay it forward’ mantra, as we utilize the Sqwire platform on campus to enhance our students’ practical and life skills. I am looking forward to his inspirational message on May 3.”
With Velicki’s compelling story and dedication to empowering others, the 2025 Spring Commencement promises to be a day filled with celebration, reflection, and hope for the future. Graduates and their families can look forward to a memorable event as they honor the achievements of the Class of 2025 and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Emmy Award-Winning WRAL Anchor Slated as NCWU Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Renee Chou, news anchor and reporter for WRAL-TV, will be the spring Commencement speaker at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Chou will address NCWU’s Class of 2023 during their ceremony at the Rocky Mount Event Center on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Chou is a three-time, Emmy Award-winning anchor/reporter for WRAL-TV News. You can wake up with her every weekday morning on WRAL from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m. and from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. on Fox 50. She also appears on WRAL’s Noon Newscast, anchoring a total of 4.5 hours of live TV every day in addition to special assignments. She joined WRAL in October 2004 as a general assignment reporter. Over the years, she served as the weekend morning anchor and weekend evening anchor. Chou was promoted to weekday morning anchor in March of 2014.
“I look forward to having Mrs. Chou address our Class of 2023. As a distinguished news anchor with a wealth of experience, I’m confident that she will bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to our graduates,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
In 2015, Chou won a Regional Emmy for General Assignment Reporting. Her coverage of Hurricane Sandy also earned her Regional Emmy in 2014, as well as the distinction of “Best Weather Reporting” from the NC Associated Press Broadcast Awards. She won her first Emmy in 2013 for her work on the Kathy Taft murder trial. Her reports have also garnered awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas; Iowa Associated Press Broadcasters Association; and Missouri Broadcasters Association.
“I’m honored and humbled to speak to North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Class of 2023 on their momentous day to celebrate their amazing achievements. As a journalist covering North Carolina communities for nearly two decades, I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights about change, challenges and new chapters,” stated Chou. “Commencement is one of life’s biggest chapters and I’m excited to help the graduates mark the milestone.”
Prior to WRAL, she worked as an anchor/reporter for KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri. Chou earned her broadcast journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She’s a founding member and past President of the North Carolina chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association. Chou enjoys making community appearances throughout the year, from emceeing fundraisers and special events to talking with, and helping, students aspiring to be journalists.
Originally from Michigan, Renee is happy to call North Carolina home with her husband, Mike, and daughter Elsa, who is 8.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
