Bishop Beat, February 2018

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

Alumni, You've Got Mail!

Click the envelope to open your letter from our Alumni Board President, Dr. Samantha McAuliffe-Raynor '05. February's the perfect time of the year to Show Your Love!

The Bellemonte House Bed & Breakfast Now Open

The historic Bellemonte House located on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College is now open as a bed and breakfast. Once located at the front of the NCWC campus, the Bellemonte House was relocated in November 2016 to a beautiful wooded location on the back of the campus just north of the Dunn Center on Bishop Road .

The Bellemonte has und er gone extensive restoration and renovation and is now the home of a beautiful bed and breakfast filled with period charm and modern conveniences.

The Bellemonte House Bed & Breakfast has three guestrooms each with private baths and is open to the general public. Room rates are $150-$160 per night. Discount rates are available to NC Wesleyan alumni.

In addition to guest rooms, the Bellemonte House has space both inside and outside for meetings and events as well as small weddings and receptions.

For more information and for reservations visit the website www.thebellemontehouse.com or contact Denise WIlkie at [email protected] or by calling (252) 955-2054.

Arbor Day Foundation Honors NCWC With 2017 Tree Campus USA® Recognition

North Carolina Wesleyan College was honored with 2017 Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Tree Campus USA, an Arbor Day Foundation program, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Wesleyan achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA's five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project. Currently there are 344 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

Wesleyan Expands Partnership With Wilson Community College

North Carolina Wesleyan College and Wilson Community College signed three 2+2 articulation agreements to provide an easier transition for WCC Business Administration, Accounting, and Information Technology students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree. The colleges entered into an articulation agreement on Criminal Justice in June.

"These agreements establish a bridge program for WCC students to complete their bachelor's degrees at Wesleyan," said Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark. "We see this program as a win for WCC, Wesleyan, and most importantly, our local students."

These agreements focus on students who complete the required hours for the Associate in Applied Science degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, and Information Systems from WCC and transfer to Wesleyan and complete their four-year bachelor's degrees. Transfers who have not completed the associate degree will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Wesleyan and WCC have a long-standing transfer agreement that allows WCC students who have completed their associate degrees with a 2.0 GPA or higher to enter Wesleyan at the junior level and receive a special grant to offset the cost of attending a private college.

"Wilson Community College always strives to provide maximum opportunity for our students, whether they're aiming for an associate's or a bachelor's degree. Toward that end, we're very happy to work closely with all four-year colleges, but especially with nearby neighbors like North Carolina Wesleyan."

NC Wesleyan was one of 65 colleges and universities, and the only private college in NC, recognized by Phi Theta Kappa as members of the Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll, which identifies the top four-year colleges and universities for creating dynamic pathways to support community college transfer.

Wesleyan offers transfer merit scholarships and members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society will also receive an additional $2,000 per academic year through PTK membership.

Wesleyan Named To Phi Theta Kappa's 2018 Transfer Honor Roll For Second Year

For the second year in a row, North Carolina Wesleyan College has been named to the Phi

Theta Kappa's 2018 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes excellence in community college transfer pathways. Wesleyan is one of three North Carolina schools (Appalachian State University and UNC-Charlotte) and the only private college to receive this honor. Only 112 institutions were elected nationwide. Winners were selected based on engagement, collaboration, impact and achievements related to the transfer of community college students as well as partnerships, support, admissions outreach, scholarships/financial aid, student engagement opportunities and institutional priorities.

Ready To Complete Your Bachelor's Degree?

Are you a community college graduate? Ready to complete your bachelor's degree? We make it easy and cost effective for you. With 10 locations in central and eastern NC, you don't have to go far to earn that next credential. Our next term starts March 5.

https://ncwc.edu/BelieveNow/

First Annual 5K Campus Run Scheduled March 10, 2018

The NC Wesleyan Cross Country Team is hosting the first annual 5K Campus Run Saturday, March 10, 2018. The course will cover a large portion of the beautiful NCWC campus and runners will travel over grass and road surfaces. For race information and to sign up click here.

Coming To The Dunn April 8, 2018

CLICK ABOVE TO HEAR "I WILL BE HERE"

Steven Curtis Chapman is coming to the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of NC Wesleyan College for the SCC Solo Spring 2018 Tour on April 8, 2018 at 7pm. Tickets are available by calling the Dunn Center Box Office (252) 985-5197 or by visiting www.stevencurtischapman.com or www.ncwc.edu/dunn-center-performing-arts/.

In a career that has spanned 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with 58 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five GRAMMYs, an American Music Award, 48 No. 1 singles, selling over 11 million albums, with ten RIAA-certified gold and platinum albums to his credit.

Bishop Soccer And Volleyball Tour Italy

The NC Wesleyan women's soccer and volleyball teams traveled recently on a ten-day trip to Italy. The trip gave the women the opportunity to experience the culture of Italy. The group enjoyed sightseeing in Milan, San Marco Island, Florence, the Tuscan countryside and Rome. In addition to experiencing the culture of Italy, both the teams played in three matches while they were in Italy. The video below created by Vanessa Brooke Batchelor captures their trip.

Earn Your Master Of Science In Criminal Justice

Earn your fully accredited Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree 100% online, taking just two courses at a time. Finish your degree in 12 months. Email Michael Drew at [email protected] to learn more.

www.ncwc.edu/believenow

DeLeon Carter Foundation Supports Wesleyan

Pictured from left to right, Board members Lank Dunton and Joe Edwards, Wesleyan Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Ed Naylor, Eddie Coats, Gus Tulloss, Board Treasurer George Whitaker and Trustee Vince Durham.

The DeLeon Carter Foundation recently presented North Carolina Wesleyan College with a check for $7,500, which represents the second installment toward the foundation's commitment of $25,000 to name the student lounge in Wesleyan's 40 single-bed Bradley residence hall.

The funds were used to furnish the lobby with couches, chairs, tables, a television, microwave, stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. Gus Tulloss, Foundation Board Chairman, presented the check to Eddie Coats, Wesleyan College Vice President of Advancement. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the Board for their continued support of education and other key concerns in the local community. This gift greatly enhances the living and educational experience of NC Wesleyan students."

Upcoming Performances At The Dunn Center

February 16, 2018

7:30 PM

The Lonesome River Band

The Lonesome River Band has withstood numerous personnel changes to merge as one of the best respected bands in bluegrass. Although rooted in the traditional sounds of Flatt & Scruggs and Bill Monroe, the Lonesome River Band continues to set standards of their own.

March 9, 2018

7:30 PM

Tar River Swing Band

Take the "A" Train and boogie-woogie over to The Dunn for a special evening of local talent. Get ready for a nostalgic parade as Rocky Mount's very own band transforms you back to the 30's and 40's to play your favorite swing classics. And don't be too surprised if a little jazz gets thrown in the mix just to sweeten the Dunn deal!

For more information or to purchase tickets contact the Belk Box Office, the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts (252) 985-5197/1-800-303-5097 www.dunncenter.com

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 [email protected] 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.

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

Cathy Ipock '92 Wins Silver Beaver Award

Cathy Ipock, a 1992 graduate of NC Wesleyan was recently selected as a member of the 2017 Silver Beaver Class for the East Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Silver Beaver Award was introduced in 1931 and is a council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council and have performed community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it.

In addition to being an active alumna, Cathy currently serves on the NC Wesleyan Board of Visitors.

Faculty/Staff Spotlight

John Thompson To Turn Focus Solely To Basketball

Longtime Vice President and Director of Athletics John Thompson has announced he is stepping aside from those duties, effective May 1, to concentrate on his role as Head Men's Basketball Coach.

Named Director of Athletics in 1998, Thompson has guided the Department of Athletics for 20 years with tremendous success. Highlights of his tenure include the inception of Wesleyan's Athletic Hall of Fame, NCAA Tournament appearances by virtually every sport on campus, a National Championship in baseball, the addition of football, women's lacrosse, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's cross country as varsity sports, and record-setting academic recognition for our student-athletes. Additionally, Thompson has spearheaded significant staff and facility improvements, while overseeing leadership programming campus-wide, which includes the creation of the Wesleyan Academy for Athletic Leadership (WAAL).

"It has been my honor to serve in the role of Vice President and Director of Athletics here at Wesleyan. The table had been well-set by Moe Bauer, Don Scalf, John McCarthy and Mike Fox. I hope that I am leaving this position with the Department of Athletics in an even better state than when I came in," Thompson stated.

"As our programs continue to grow and our need for facilities increases, it is time for there to be a Director of Athletics devoted solely to our overall operation. I look forward to focusing my full attention and my passion on our basketball program and the outstanding young men we have here," he added.

In his role as Director of Athletics, Coach Thompson has also served as both President and Vice President of the USA South, aided numerous institutional and conference committees, and is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the league.

Thompson added, "I want to thank everyone who has helped me in my administrative role. All of our coaches, trainers, and other administrative personnel have been unbelievable to work alongside. The staff, faculty, and Board of Trustees of the college have, for 20 years, been great to work with and I am extremely appreciative of all who have played a part in what we do in athletics."

Said Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark, "John has done an outstanding job as our Athletics Director. Wesleyan will forever be indebted to him for his leadership and loyalty to the college and our student-athletes over the past two decades."

He continued, "John was born to coach. I look forward to seeing where his passion takes our program as he is able to focus his time and energy solely on basketball."

Student Spotlight

Elijah "Blaise" Gourley '21

Elijah, known to his friends as "Blaise", is from Walnut Cove, a small town near Winston-Salem, NC. He is currently majoring in Marketing and Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Blaise wanted to find a college with Christian ideals that provided a small, close-knit learning community while offering opportunities to grow academically and individually to succeed in life's journey. "I found all of these and more at NC Wesleyan and thanks to God and the financial support of donors, the college was able to assist me financially to be here. For that I am extremely thankful and excited to find opportunities to give back."

He has found many ways to engage himself in campus activities. He is active in the Taylor-Crocker honors program, participates weekly in the Refuge campus ministry, completes his work study in the college's marketing department and has applied to the Leadership Wesleyan program for next year. He also hopes to start a marketing club to help fellow students aid the college in marketing efforts.

When asked what he loves most about Wesleyan, Elijah replied: "I would have to say the staff and faculty! From the Deans to the teachers, Student Affairs to the cooks and chefs, everyone wants to better the students' Wesleyan experience and help where they can."

February 2018