A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College


This year.... YOU can make a difference that will impact a student's educational experience at North Carolina Wesleyan College!

Watch the video below to see why the Day for Wesleyan Campaign 2018 is so important, then click the DONATE NOW button and make your donation!.  Thank you for your consideration and support.  






Seventh Annual Rock The Mount A Huge Success


The 7th annual Rock the Mount, held August 21, was once again a success for the community of Rocky Mount and the Bishop family.  Seventy-five vendors including businesses, churches and non-profit organizations registered for the event that welcomed over 475 freshmen and over 150 returning students, staff and faculty to the Southern Bank Green on the NC Wesleyan campus. The City of Rocky Mount along with Sheetz helped to sponsor this year's event.  Free to vendors, Rock the Mount is a "thank you" to the community for partnering with the College to welcome the incoming freshman class to Wesleyan and the city of Rocky Mount.  THANKS to all the vendors and sponsors who participated in helping us welcome the Class of 2022.

Following freshman convocation, members of the Class of 2022 were greeted in the Bishop Tunnel by Dr. Dewey Clark, President and convocation speaker U. S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Allen B. West before crossing over to a sea of tents and vendors at Rock the Mount.  All attending enjoyed a dunking booth, scavenger hunt, music, games, giveaways, and lunch on the Green.  Special thanks to Ayra Sundborn, Instructional Technologist, Academic Affairs for helping implement the scavenger hunt as a way to introduce students to participating vendors using the HP Reveal app.  Student winners were Trey Russell who won an IPad and Jadejah Robinson who won Wireless Beats.

A new addition this year was the Rock The Mount After Party which included afternoon scrimmage games by the volleyball and soccer teams followed by evening activities hosted by Student Activities.  Evening activities included a mechanical bull ride, ferris wheel and a live band. 

Special thank you to the Rocky Mount Telegram, WHIG-TV and First Media Radio for the media coverage provided. University Business Magazine also included a feature article on the Rock the Mount event. 

Planning and preparations are already underway for sponsorships and vendors for next year's event.   If you have a business, church or non-profit organization, and you're wondering what the event is like, click on the following link for a short clip of this year's event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Piw-fn1aqm4.   

It's not too early to get on the E-Vite list for next year!  Simply send your contact information to donorrelations@ncwc.edu. 
Wesleyan Shatters New Enrollment Record

As national college enrollment numbers decline, North Carolina Wesleyan welcomed the largest class in its 62-year history. Over 460 freshman and 650 returners converged on the campus to kick off the 2018-2019 academic year.  Last August, Wesleyan surpassed the 1,000th student enrollment mark and the trajectory continued with total enrollment expected to top 1,130 this fall, an 8% increase over last year.  

The Class of 2022 hails from 230 schools in 16 states and 25 countries.  Sixty-five percent of the class is from North Carolina.  In addition to new freshmen, there are 50 transfer students enrolled this year.  

While many are undecided about a major, many freshmen have indicated an interest in science, including biology, biomedical science and exercise science. 

According to Judy Rollins, Vice President of Enrollment, the largest growth came from a 64% increase in local student enrollment with nearly 75 students coming from Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson counties.  

Another strategic target for enrollment growth is international students.  Approximately ten percent of Wesleyan's students are from other countries with a goal to increase this percentage to 15% over the next five years.  

Wesleyan's persistence rate, or the percentage of eligible students returning, is estimated to be up from 2017 with approximately 84% of students returning this fall.  To help handle the larger student population, the college cafeteria was completely remodeled over the summer with faux wood flooring, quartz countertops, modern colors and fixtures, new tables and seating, LED lighting, charging stations and a large central open kitchen concept with bar-style seating where students can watch their food be prepared.  Other summer enhancements include new computers in the library, science lab renovations, classroom technology upgrades, additional LED lighting and more office space created for faculty, staff and coaches.  

While President Dewey Clark has made it clear that growing the number of students on campus is key to reaching the vision of a vibrant, active campus, he is quick to note that he wants quality growth.  According to Rollins, the average GPA has increased by .75 basis points and SAT scores by 100 points since 2013.  "Our goal is to enroll students who can be academically successful here.  We have the quality programs, highly-qualified faculty and support programs that allow us to attract the top students."  
 
Click here for complete article.

Gravely Foundation Supports Area Students And NC Wesleyan

In 1945 as World War II was ending, the children of pioneering Rocky Mount businessman J.O.W. Gravely and Lula Keen Gravely decided to honor their parents in a special way.  They created the Gravely Foundation to put financial resources behind their parents' philosophy that all boys and girls should have the opportunity to advance themselves through education.  In the ensuing years, the Gravely Foundation helped hundreds of young people with financial need achieve their dreams of higher education, and over the last four decades it provided approximately $803,000 in non-inflation adjusted dollars to support student aid programs at North Carolina Wesleyan College.  The Foundation also supported student aid programs at Nash and Edgecombe County Community Colleges and East Carolina University.  

The link between the Gravely Foundation and NC Wesleyan was rooted in the role that P. K. Gravely played in bringing Wesleyan to Rocky Mount.  As Mayor of Rocky Mount in the late 1950's he led the effort by a number of the city's civic and business leaders to generate the financial and political backing to persuade the Methodist Church in North Carolina to locate their new college here.  

J.O.W. and Lula K. Gravely's great grandson Winston Lea, who currently serves as an officer, noted, "Simply stated, in the 1940's relatively few girls and boys could afford higher education.  My great grandparents believed that our community would be a better place if as many young men and women as possible could advance their lives through education.  And that's still true today.  North Carolina Wesleyan has long been a great partner as the Gravely Foundation has sought to fulfill its mission."  He went on to say, "It's humbling to think that my grandfather and his brothers and sister started a fund that has ultimately provided either loans to individuals or grants to area colleges totaling nearly $2 million, not adjusting for inflation over all those years.  It would be difficult to calculate for the current purchasing power of the loans and grants for every year from its inception to now, but it would be many times that sum.  They had extraordinary vision."   Read More...
14th Annual Reindeer Dash For Cash Scheduled 

The 14th annual Reindeer Dash for Cash 10 Miler & 5K run is scheduled for 1 PM December 2, 2018 in Greenville, NC.  The ten mile course runs along the beautiful Greenville greenway and through the campus of East Carolina University. A ruck division has been added to the event this ye ar.

This patriotic, Christmas-themed run is a fundraising event to benefit the Captain Christopher Cash Memorial Foundation of NC, Inc. All proceeds are awarded as college scholarships at NC Wesleyan College, East Carolina University, ECU Army ROTC, ECU Air Force ROTC, and NCNG Association Educational Foundation.  Each year, the foundation offers deserving students the financial assistance needed to pursue a higher education and the accompanying rewards of learning and character development achieved through hard work and dedication of earning a professional degree.

Captain Christopher Cash graduated cum laude from North Carolina Wesleyan College with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Educat i on in 1993. In October 2003, he was mobilized  in support of  Operation Iraqi Fre edom as the Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Enhanced Separate Infantry Brigade. As a Company Commander, he led three platoons, and his soldiers provided support and protec tion to Iraqi citizens. On June 24, 2004, Iraqi insurgents ambushed Captain Cash's 3rd platoon. Focused on the safety of his m en before his own, he ordered them to take cover. Captain Cash was mortally wounded by a machine gunner on top of a nearby building.On June 24, 2004, Christopher S. Cash, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in Iraq.

During his lifetime, Chris was committed to helping others: his family, his friends, his co-workers, his community, and his country. His memory remains ever present in the hearts and minds of those he touched and inspired with his care and generosity.                   

For more information and to register to participate in the 2018 Reindeer Dash for Cash, please visit 
Improve Your Grant Writing Skills Online

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Our courses are available anytime, anywhere from any mobile device, as long as you have access to the internet. The courses are self-paced and incorporate a variety of learning methods to support you on your educational journey. 
Two Great Shows Coming Up At The Dunn Center


Thomas Pandolfi - October 12, 2018, 7:30 PM

Plan on at least four standing ovations in this tribute to the great George Gershwin, including an amazing solo version of
Rhapsody in Blue.  Here's a guy with real talent who enjoys a comfortable connection with his audience.  Please extend a rousing welcome to an exceptional virtuoso pianist as he returns for this third electrifying engagement at The Dunn Center.  

Show Sponsor: Allegra







Mike Super - October 26, 2018, 7:30 PM
An emotional roller coaster of laughter, intrigue, danger, fear, wonder, anticipation, tears, and sentimentality--all brought to you by one of the most sought after mystifiers in the world.  Meet magic's newest celebrity, winner of NBC's hit TV show Phenomenon.  With a loyal group of followers known as the  Super Freaks, there's little doubt-this guy is The Real Thing!
  
Show Sponsor:  Nash County Tourism Development Authority










Two great shows you don't want to miss!  Be sure to call the Dunn Center box office today at (252) 985-5197 or  click here to purchase tickets online.
NC Wesleyan Named A 2018 State Of NC Top Degree Program For Adult Undergraduates 
 
N orth Carolina Wesleyan has been recognized by Abound College as a 2018 State of North Carolina Top Degree Program for Adult Undergraduate students.  We take pride in providing a high quality level of education to serve our adult students to best fit their unique needs.   https://abound.college/finishcollege/school/north-carolina-wesleyan-college/

 

 
Become A Member Of The Battling Bishops Club

Click above to access application form.

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

NC Wesleyan Collegiate Insignia License Plate Deadline Extended

Design Under Review
North Carolina Wesleyan College is in the process of applying for a collegiate insignia license plate.  This requires application to the NC Legislature with a minimum of 300 paid applications by January 15, 2019.

If you are interested in purchasing a NCWC  plate, click here for process details and application.  Email your completed form to alumni@ncwc.edu and pay online at   ncwc.edu/give.  When submitting your online payment you must designate  "Other Fund" and note "License Plate" or print and mail application and check or money order made payable to NCWC to:
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Attn:  Director of Alumni Relations
3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd
Rocky Mount, NC  27804
Upon receipt of 300 plus paid orders, Wesleyan will forward all forms to the NCDMV with a consolidated check.  If 300 plus paid orders are not received, Wesleyan will return or destroy the payments to all applicants according to each applicant's guidance.       
Faculty/Staff Spotlight

Dr. Meir Magal Keynote Speaker At International Symposium
  
Dr. Meir Magal, Professor of Exercise Science at NC Wesleyan, has been invited to the International Symposium on Sports Medicine to be held this October in Israel. The invitation was extended to Dr. Magal in late July by the Israel Society of Sports Medicine and the Organizing Committee of the symposium.

The conference aims to bring together leading professionals and researchers in the field of sports medicine and sport sciences. Attendees of the conference will discuss the latest innovations in sports medicine.

Dr. Magal was asked to give a keynote address and a scientific lecture. The keynote address title is: "From ACSM Scientific Roundtable to Guidelines: Updating the Preparticipation Exercise Screen Process" and the scientific lecture title is: "Physical Activity Impact on Postural Stability". He attained his Ph.D. in Human Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2002 and started at NCWC in August 2002 as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. Now a tenured professor at the college and a Fellow of American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM), Dr. Magal continues to grow in his field of expertise.

 "The President, Board of Trustees, as well as the Wesleyan faculty and staff are extremely proud of Dr. Magal for the hard work he has exercised in his profession. The international symposium is an incredible opportunity for NCWC to be recognized globally. Dr. Magal is a testament to the high-quality and teaching proficiency students receive at North Carolina Wesleyan College." comments Dr. Evan Duff, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The conference will take place at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, Israel from the 18 th through the 20 th of October 2018. Dr. Magal's expenses for the three-day event will be covered by the conference organizers. All keynote speakers are invited to participate in the Organizing Committee events, including a sightseeing tour to Israel's historical landmarks. "I am humbled and honored to be asked to attend and present." says Dr. Magal.

The Exercise Science Program at NC Wesleyan has received continued growth over recent years, being only one of two programs in the state accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The Program prepares Wesleyan students to enter various health-related careers.
Alumni Spotlight

Jason Boone '99 Named NCWC Library Circulation Supervisor
  

In his new role at Wesleyan, Boone will supervise library student assistants, maintain patron records, manage fines and fees and oversee library cash and deposits. He will also supervise shelving and help maintain the library's collections to ensure materials are well-organized and easily accessible.

"I'm excited to be back at Wesleyan and I look forward to serving the community that served me so well as a student," Boone said.
Boone double majored at N.C. Wesleyan College, receiving a bachelor's degree in history and English. He also graduated summa cum laude. Most recently, he served as a sales associate at Lifeway Christian Stores aiding customers in finding products and with purchasing decisions.

Prior to this role, Boone was a procurement analyst at MBM Corp., where he acquired products for various restaurant chains.

"We are excited to have someone with Jason's experience on board to ensure that the library runs smoothly and that we maintain an image of the library as a valuable service point to the community we serve," said Director of Library Dr. Esther Burgess.

A Rocky Mount native, he resides here with his wife, Lauren.
Fall 2018
In This Issue
        





Upcoming Events


A Symphony of Portraits
October 5-28

CheckMate!
October 6

Thomas Pandolfi
October 12

Day for Wesleyan
Breakfast
October 16

ReNew 18 Pastors Conference
October 18

Goldsboro Alumni Picnic
October 20

Founders Day
October 25

Homecoming
October 26-28

Mike Super
October 26

Veterans Day Salute
November 12














  










 










  



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