Bishop Beat, January, 2020

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

NC Wesleyan, Forsyth Technical Community College Sign New Transfer Partnership Agreement

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (January 8, 2020) --During a formal signing event on Wednesday, January 8, North Carolina Wesleyan College announced a new agreement with Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) to facilitate degree completion and student success by improving access to undergraduate educational resources, college facilities and support systems. Read more

Dunn Center Receives Bequest

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts recently received a gift from the late John J. Ferebee, Sr. This gift will be held as an endowment fund to be used for the annual costs of maintenance and upkeep of The Dunn Center.

John J. Ferebee, Sr., who passed away on October 7, 2019, was the previous Board of Trustees Vice Chairman for North Carolina Wesleyan College and a recipient of the College's prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. His son, John "Jett" Ferebee is a current member of the College's Board of Trustees.

"The Dunn Center staff is so grateful for this generous gift," stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. "Mr. Ferebee and his family have been strong supporters of the performing arts on campus since the building opened 23 years ago. He had the same two seats for all of our season shows until his health declined a number of years ago. Mr. Ferebee's gift will be used to greatly enhance the quality of the lighting and audio on our proscenium stage in the Minges Auditorium."

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts is located on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College. The facility includes the 1,181 seat Minges Auditorium, the intimate Powers Recital Hall and several galleries including Mims Gallery. Other spaces include the Carlton Board Room, Garner Lobby, as well as an acting classroom. The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions and concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra.

Community Recruitment And Hiring Event To Be Held March 18

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety will be holding a community recruitment and hiring event Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Garner Lobby of the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College. NC Wesleyan has had a long standing partnership with NCDPS for educational programs. These agencies will be receiving resumes and discussing job openings with students as well as the larger Rocky Mount community.

NCDPS is composed of the following agencies: NC Highway Patrol; State Bureau of Investigation; Alcohol Law Enforcement; Emergency Management; Probation and Parole; Division of Prisons; Juvenile Justice; State Capital Police; Victim Assistance Programs; Re-entry and Recovery; and Sexual Offender Monitoring. In addition to criminal justice, these agencies have positions for psychologists, computer technicians, accountants, maintenance personnel, etc.

For more information, contact Elizabeth S. Marsal, PhD, Associate Professor and Criminal Justice Coordinator (252) 985-5362.

Introducing our brand new vision and values.

Upcoming Alumni Events

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Upcoming Shows At The Dunn Center

The Ultimate Eagles Tribute

Friday, January 24, 2020 7:30 PM

The Fillmore Charlotte says that "although the Eagles have encouraged the world to "Take It Easy" for more than four decades, taking on the roles of the genteel Classic Rockers from Southern California is a tough task." Well here's a group that does. Their destination is The Dunn and there's nobody like 'em to liven up the dead of winter. Oh, oh, soooo fun! Purchase tickets.

United States Air Force Heritage of America Band

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 7:00 PM

Featuring the world's finest active duty musicians performing inspiring patriotic compositions for all ages. Admission free.

Dailey & Vincent

Friday, February 28, 2020 7:30 PM

This contagious and riveting group returns to The Dunn with a concoction of bluegrass, traditional country and gospel. Tabbed by CMT.com as "the rockstars of bluegrass," their unique blend of American music is set apart by Dailey's tenor and Vincent's reedy harmonies. Maybe that's why they have their own TV show. To be sure, it's why they're soooo fun! Purchase tickets.

From The Vault

From The Dissenter 1990..

Stay Connected!

Keep Wesleyan and your fellow alumni informed of your news of marriages, births, job changes, awards, and other activities. Email your Class Note to [email protected]. Photos also will be considered.

Alumni Class Notes

Laurie B. Middleswarth '16 recently received her Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. The certificate is awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for Laurie's attainment of training and educational objectives. Laurie graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan in 2016 with a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology.

Willia F. Crew '16 completed her Masters in Business Administration at Western Governors University in November 2019. She is currently employed at Christian Care Ministry in Colorado Springs as the HR Business Partner. She is active in SHRM and has her Professional in Human Resources certification. Willia graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2016 with a BS in Business Administration.

Aaron Meade '18 has joined the Admissions Department at North Carolina Wesleyan College as an Admissions Counselor. He graduated from NC Wesleyan in December 2018 with a degree in Accounting and Organizational Administration. He is pursuing a Master's degree in School Counseling. Aaron has also worked with student activities and student affairs at Wesleyan and the Youth Theology Institute program.

Remembering Our Bishop Family

To notify us of the death of a classmate, faculty or staff member, please email the information and an obituary, if available, to [email protected].

Dr. James F. Traer, age 81, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2019. Jim's life was filled with music from the start. He excelled in both music and academics. Jim transitioned his desire to learn into a passion for teaching. Teaching led to academic administration, as Jim moved to various colleges across the country. His career in higher education culminated in serving as the President of Westminster College in Fulton, MO. Retirement brought to Jim the opportunity to continue his teaching career through interim positions at several colleges including North Carolina Wesleyan College. He is survived by his wife, brother, sister, three daughters and three grandchildren.

Stephen Frank Williams '73 passed away peacefully on Dec ember 14, 2019. Steve was a 1973 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College with a BA in Music. He spent his career of 35 years working in the New Hanover County School System. Steve was also a church musician for 50 years, most recently at Burgaw United Methodist Church. He taught many students a love of music through piano. He was a wonderful father, husband and educator. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, two brothers and one sister.

Danny Earl Whitley, Jr. '18, age 34, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at his home. Danny was a native of Pitt County. He was a 2018 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College with a BS in Business Management. He worked with his father in the family roofing business, Danny Whitley Roofing. Danny loved anything to do with sports and trading cards and was a die hard NC State fan. Most of all, he loved his daughter, Charlotte. In addition to his daughter, Danny is survived by his father, fiance, two step brothers, two step sisters and many extended familly.

Bessie Custis Savage '74, age 71 and a resident of Quinby, VA, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Bess was a native of Exmore, VA and was a graduate of Goldey-Beacom College. She graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1974 with a BS in Elementary Education. Bess was a teacher for Northampton County Public Schools, bookkeeper for Heritage Hall Healthcare, and a full-time mother and homemaker. She is survived by her husband, William K. Savage, one son and his companion, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Willard "Chappy" B. Wake, Jr. '72, age 70, of Urbanna, VA, passed away peacefully at home December 28, 2019, surrounded by his family and beloved dog, Lizzie. Chappy began his career in the petroleum business in 1974 at Thrift Oil Company, where he worked for 45 years alongside his wife and father-in-law. He graduated from NC Wesleyan College in 1972, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He was a gifted athlete and fierce competitor in basketball, tennis and golf. He lived by the philosophy of UCLA Coach John Wooden and his faith in God. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son-in-law, grandson, and two cousins.

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.

January
2020