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.
Wesleyan Bids Farewell to Class of 2019
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.
