Bishop Beat, October 2016

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

North Carolina Wesleyan College invites the community to join its students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the college at its annual Founders' Day ceremony on Thursday, October 20, at 10:00 a.m. in Minges Auditorium of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts.

Guest speaker for the event will be Bishop Paul L Leeland, Resident Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church in Charlotte and a 1971 graduate of NC Wesleyan.

During the event, the college will present its Distinguished Staff Award, which honors a staff member who has exhibited outstanding work performance and/or service and dedication to the college or the community. In addition, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award will be presented to a member of the local community whose life illustrates the admirable qualities exhibited by Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a lawyer, scholar, and orator prominent in New York City social and civic activities from 1857 until his death in 1888.

Music will be provided by Kayla Wygal, NCWC head cheer coach, the Wesleyan Singers, and the Voices of Triumph.

2016-2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards Presented

North Carolina Wesleyan College recognized an elite group of alumni during the Celebration of Excellence dinner held Saturday evening, October 15. Tammy Harrell, Director of Alumni Relations, recognized several distinguished alumni based on their personal accomplishments, achievements in business, continued financial support of the College, as well as their outstanding loyalty and service to their alma mater.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni with more than 10 years of alumni status who meet one or more of the following criteria: outstanding service to the College over a period of years; personal accomplishments that enhance the prestige of the College; and/or distinguished service or accomplishment in their field.

This year's recipient, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr., Class of 1980, has been described as generous, passionate and committed to the College. His namesake can be seen in the lobby of Everett Gymnasium, on the fieldhouse, a new residence hall, the football practice field and the sport's complex. During his time as a Wesleyan student, Vernon was one of the most decorated athletes in the tennis program where he earned All-Conference honors playing at #1 singles and was a three-time MVP from 1978 to 1980. His dedication and commitment to the College are evident in his accomplishments during his time at NC Wesleyan as a student and now as a successful entrepreneur. Vernon proudly represents his alma mater and is a member of the prestigious Wesleyan Society.

Congratulations to our 2016-2017 Distinguished Alumni Award winner Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. '80.

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to a recent graduate of not more than 10 years of alumni status who has already made a significant achievement in society.

This year's recipient, Chief Jay Fortenbery, graduated from Wesleyan's ASPIRE program in 2007. While attending school in the evening, he maintained his job as a Sergeant with the Rocky Mount Police Department. Since his graduation, Jay has completed his Masters degree in Criminal Justice and is now the Chief of Police in Edenton, NC. Although he lives in Edenton, he continues to give back to Wesleyan. He works closely with the criminal justice department creating materials and providing quotes used on marketing materials for the College. He also serves as a Wesleyan adjunct professor in the criminal justice department. Chief Fortenbery has created videos relating to gun safety for children, as well as recruiting videos for the Edenton Police Department.

Congratulations to our 2016-2017 Alumni Achievement Award winner Chief Jay Fortenbery '07.

The Wesleyan Family Award will honor one family each year that has demonstrated special loyalty to the College over more than one generation. Examples of such loyalty might include: mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, or other family members attending Wesleyan; families who have been excellent financial supporters of the College over more than one generation; or a combination of the above.

This year's recipients, Elliott Stevenson Nelson, Class of 1966 and Lloyd Edward Nelson, Class of 1967, have been supporting Wesleyan for over forty-five years. Both HUGE Battling Bishop supporters, they can always be found cheering on their Battling Bishops! They have established a Battling Bishop Club Endowment while also supporting the Annual Fund and The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. Elliott and Lloyd are both part of the prestigious Wesleyan Society and The Bellemonte Society. Lloyd has served as a faithful member of the Wesleyan Board of Trustees for many years. Elliott was the lead organizer for the recognition of the Wesleyan Vietnam Veterans during the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center dedication. Their daughters, Michelle and Kelly, joined their parents Saturday evening in accepting this prestigious alumni award.

Congratulations to our 2016-2017 Wesleyan Family Award winners, Elliott Stevenson Nelson '66 and Lloyd Edward Nelson '67.

The Alumni Association Board along with North Carolina Wesleyan College also recognized Christopher S. Davis, Class of 1983, at the Celebration of Excellence event. Chris has selflessly served Wesleyan as a vital member of the Alumni Board, as well as served as the Alumni President for several years. He and his wife, Sharon can often be found on and off campus cheering on his alma mater. He has served his fellow Alumni Board members, fellow alumni, staff and current students for many years. Chris was presented a drawing of the Braswell Administration Building in appreciation for his service to the College and the Alumni Board.

Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Christopher S. Davis '83.

Congratulations To The 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

The 1999 National Championship Baseball Team, along with head coach Charlie Long and assistant coach Ernie Jones were all inducted into the North Carolina Wesleyan College Athletics Hall of Fame at the Celebration of Excellence Dinner Saturday, October 15.

Our Alumni And Community Give Back To Wesleyan!

Click on photo to see how! Video produced by NCWC students.

Sheetz Sponsors Telefund

A huge thank you to Sheetz for sponsoring our Day for Wesleyan Telefund recently. Nine NC Wesleyan College students reached out to alumni and friends September 25th-29th and October 2nd-6th. The students' mission was to let alumni and parents know about the new and exciting things happening at Wesleyan, get updated contact information and ask for financial support for the Day for Wesleyan Campaign.

The students made a total of 5,298 dials during the Telefund, actually making contact with 573 total alumni and parents. With a total of 149 donors, the Day for Wesleyan Telefund raised $15,053.33 to date. Thank you to those of you who talked with our students and learned how your support makes a difference.

Sheetz provided the students with coupons for free food to enjoy each day of the Telefund. Students enjoyed a variety of Sheetz breakfast sandwiches, coffee and donuts, Sheetz Bros. Coffeez specialty drinks, fountain drinks and Sheetz Made-to-Order items.

Student callers from left to right: Alysa Moss, Tiara Dixon, Jamiya Tuten, Beverly Anaele, Diamond Allen and Delon Wicks. Callers not pictured: Bryaneisha Baines, Damante Williams and Kenneth Flowers.

NC Wesleyan Presented USA South Men's Presidents Cup

ROCKY MOUNT, NC - The USA South Athletic Conference presented its 2016 Men's Presidents Cup to N.C. Wesleyan College at the Bishops' football game versus Huntingdon on Saturday, October 1. USA South Commissioner Tom Hart was on-hand to present the award to N.C. Wesleyan Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Carl Lewis, Director of Athletics John Thompson and student-athlete Adrian Moore.

The USA South Athletic Conference Men's Presidents Cup symbolizes the league's top men's athletic program each year. The Presidents Cup is awarded by a points system where the first place team in each sport will be awarded the number of points that corresponds to the number of schools that sponsor teams in that sport. The second place team receives one point less than the first place team and so on, down to one point for the last place team that competes. Additionally, for all sports with the exception of football which has no post-season play, bonus points are up for grabs. The team winning the USA South Tournament Championship receives two bonus points for that sport while the runner-up receives one bonus point. In the sports of golf and cross country, the athlete placing first earns two bonus points for his/her institution while the runner-up earns one bonus point. If athletes from the same institution place first and second, that institution earns the two bonus points for the first place finish only.

N.C. Wesleyan captured the Men's Presidents Cup for the second time in program history. The Bishops were regular season champions in men's basketball and men's tennis while finishing in the top-three in football and baseball. Additionally, N.C. Wesleyan's men's tennis tournament title gained much needed bonus points.

Alumni Volunteers Needed

Thursday, October 27, 11:00 am-2:00 pm Student-Alumni Networking Event (SANE)

This event is an opportunity for alumni to meet and dialogue with students and answer questions about their career. Open to all alumni regardless of major. Location NC Wesleyan Cafeteria.

Thursday, November 3, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm Informational Interviewing-Criminal Justice Majors

If you are in the criminal justice field (law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, etc.) you are encouraged to participate in this event and be interviewed by criminal justice majors about your

career. I f you live outside the Rocky Mount area, you may participate by phone or virtually. Location Carlton Board Room, The Dunn Center for Performing Arts

Please contact Jeff Shelton '69 at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.

Master Of Science In Criminal Justice Planned

North Carolina Wesleyan College is planning to offer the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The degree will prepare students to assume advanced positions in criminal justice and related agencies. The curriculum consists of 33 semester hours with two specialized tracks of study. The administration/ management specialization will focus on community leadership, grant writing, and human resource management. The practice specialization prepares students to address the issues of human trafficking, terrorism and addiction.

The first cohort of no more than 15 students will be admitted in May 2017. Admission to the MSCJ is highly competitive and not guaranteed, but based on undergraduate performance and work experience. Additional cohorts will be admitted in August 2017 and January 2018 to accommodate those who were not admitted in the first cohort.

Courses will be offered online in an 8 week term with 3 cohorts starting each year. Those students that enroll full time could complete the degree in 12 - 18 months. Part time enrollment is also available. For additional information contact Dr. Elizabeth Marsal, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator at [email protected]. Applications can be obtained from Mr. Michael Drew, ASPIRE Director at [email protected] once the degree has been approved by SACSCOC (expected January 2017).

NCWC Skeleton 5K Walk/Run For Bones To Benefit Bone Cancer Research

Don't miss the early registration deadline for this year's SKELETON RUN!
Follow the link to fill out the registration form.
http://ncwc.edu/event/ncwc-skeleton-run-5k-runwalk-costume-contest/

Trees Planted In Memory Of Wesleyan Angels

Family members of the our angels were on hand for the ceremony.

NC Wesleyan recently planted four forest pansy redbud trees on campus in memory of the four young women who lost their lives in the tragic accident in front of campus March 21, 2016. The ceremony marked the six month anniversary of the tragedy. All of the families were on hand for the ceremony presided over by Emanuel Williams, Wesleyan Student Government President and Dr. Dewey Clark, Wesleyan President.

Click Above Or Go To ncwc.edu

Reserve Your Wesleyan Memorial Brick

Students,organizations, parents, alumni, and community supporters now have the opportunity to inscribe their names at North Carolina Wesleyan College. The Office of Alumni Relations is selling bricks to be placed at the new entrance located at the south end of the Pearsall Library addition, or at the Leon Russell Chapel entrance.

Your brick will be a permanent tribute on the NCWC campus. In years to come, your family members, students, alumni, faculty, and visitors will see your name and recognize your loyalty to the College. Your gift is a special way to support NCWC.

A brick is a wonderful opportunity to honor a mentor, memorialize a loved one, commemorate an occasion or event, or simply make public your support to NCWC. Click here for complete ordering information.

Alumni Spotlight

Paul L. Leeland '71 Bishop of the Western NC Conference of The United Methodist Church

Paul L. Leeland '71 was assigned as the Resident Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church in July, 2016. He began his duties on September 1, 2016.

A native of Washington, D.C., Bishop Leeland, 67, received four degrees from schools in North Carolina. He received his bachelor's degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College, and a M.Div. and Th.M. from Duke Divinity School, and a Doctorate of Education from North Carolina State University.

Before being elected a bishop in 2008, he served churches in the North Carolina Conference (Raleigh area) for 33 years following a stint as Director of Family Counseling in Atlanta after completing seminary. Just prior to his election to the episcopacy, Leeland was the superintendent for the Goldsboro District in the North Carolina Conference. After his election in 2008, he was assigned to the Alabama-West Florida Conference.

Bishop Leeland is married to Janet Elaine Dowell, also from Washington, D.C. They have three married children, Rebekah, Nora and Paul Andrew. They have six grandchildren. He and his wife, Janet, now reside in Charlotte, NC.

Faculty/Staff Spotlight

Dawn Turner, Coordinator for International Student Services

North Carolina Wesleyan College recently named Dawn H. Turner as Coordinator for International Student Services. In her new role, Turner will work with international students to make their transitions to Wesleyan as smooth as possible and serve as a resource and mentor throughout their four years. She will also serve as liaison to the Rocky Mount community, working with volunteers who provide transportation and other support to international students.

"We have a diverse and growing international student population at Wesleyan. Currently we have students from 25 different countries," noted J. Edward Naylor, Vice President of Student Affairs and Legal Services. "We are committed to meeting the unique needs of these students and ensure they have a quality American college experience."

Turner most recently served as administrative assistant at Barton College where she encountered and supported many international students. She taught school in the Nash-Rocky Mount and Edgecombe County public school systems. She was named Nash-Rocky Mount Teacher of the Year while at Benvenue Elementary and Edgecombe County Teacher of the Year during her time at G.W. Bulluck.

"We are excited to have Dawn in this role as we increase the number of international students on campus and expand our programs to promote and foster student success," stated Donna Patterson, Director of International Programs. "She has served as a mentor for young adults in the community for many years and this experience will prove invaluable in this position."

Student Spotlight

Meet Senior Paige Price

Third time's the charm for this NCWC student, Paige Price! After trying out two other colleges, Paige found her home at Wesleyan in the fall of 2015.

A senior from Rocky Mount, Paige graduated from Northern Nash High School and had no plans to come to Wesleyan. "It's very close to home and I didn't want that experience. I went to a school in Raleigh and that wasn't a good fit for me." Based on a friend's recommendation, Paige applied to Wesleyan and was accepted that same week. She fell in love with Wesleyan.

She is a student employee in the campus bookstore and was a member of the Ethics Bowl team. You may have also seen her in the Christmas Pageant and the Good Doctor performances at the Dunn Center.

In addition to working in the bookstore over the summer, Paige also served as a counselor at the first Youth Theology Institute (YTI).

She graduates in December of 2016 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Paige plans to get her master's degree in Social Work.

October 2016