Bishop Beat February 2021

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

February 2021

Residence Hall Improvements Coming to NC Wesleyan

Infrastructure improvements are coming to North Carolina Wesleyan College, thanks to a $50,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation, Inc. The funds will be utilized to replace flooring on all three levels of Petteway Hall, which primarily houses freshman male residents. Read more.

NCWC Board Chair Provides Funding for RN to BSN Program

Dr. Dan Crocker, a recently retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan's Board of Trustees, has generously donated a $100,000 gift to support the College's RN to BSN program. This gift will provide funds for an additional nurse faculty member, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.

"I am privileged to work with the NCWC Board, administration, faculty and staff as this institution provides a complementary nursing program to augment the excellent nursing programs that exist in our area community colleges (Edgecombe, Nash, Wilson and Halifax - to name a few)," stated Dr. Crocker. The nursing program at NCWC is just one of many ways the College works to improve the lives of our area's citizens while providing a first-rate education for its students." Read more .

Spectrum Ensemble Offers Virtual Performances

Spectrum, the performing ensemble in the Music Production program at NC Wesleyan, presented two virtual performances for the Wesleyan community recently. Membership in the ensemble provides students with experiences in live performance of popular commercial music. Instrumentation includes vocalists, guitars, bass, keyboards and drums. Members of the ensemble are music production students and perform concerts on campus at the end of each academic semester. The ensemble is currently working on a new music video series and live streamed concert events. For more information about Spectrum and the Music Production program, please visit the Entertainment Arts website here.

"Shallow" Cover/Arrangement Performed by Members of NC Wesleyan's Spectrum

"One" Cover/Arrangement Performed by Members of NC Wesleyan's Spectrum

Did you know the NC Department of Motor Vehicles has recently relocated its headquarters to Rocky Mount? We are excited to have them here locally as a great new neighbor and community partner!

There are a substantial number of employment opportunities with the NCDMV throughout the state and especially here at the new headquarters tower.

>> Opportunities are available for rising graduates and alumni from any major.

Check out the following resources to explore career opportunities!

NCDMV Drive-Thru Career Fair – Tues, Feb. 23^rd from 10am – 2pm. Click here for details and registration.
Which DMV HQ Unit is Right for Me? - Click here
The Insider’s Guide to Getting Hired by NCDOT - Click here
NCDMV Jobs Quick Reference Guide - Click here

Click for Important Tips

Alumni Class Notes

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] or complete the Alumni Update Form here . Photos are welcome.

Jessica Brabble '19 recently won the 2020-2021 Outstanding Graduate Student (Masters) in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech. Nominated by the History department, Jessica has authored or coauthored 11 articles in the past year, and has been active in creating workshops, virtual socials, and job talks as the president of the History Graduate Student Association. She is scheduled to graduate from Virginia Tech in May 2021 with a MA in history and certificate in public policy. Jessica is a 2019 summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College.

Lalo Ugalde '16 recently joined the Duke University men's tennis coaching staff as the volunteer assistant coach. Lalo was most recently the head coach for both the men's and women's tennis teams at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa Texas. He graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2016 with a degree in business administration and a minor in accounting. Lalo was a four-year letter winner at NCWC, helping the men's tennis team to four USA South Conference Championships and four NCAA Team National appearances.

Jacquelyn M. "Jackie" Lewis '07 has been hired as director of community affairs at CloudWyze, a Southeastern North Carolina IT and cloud services company. Jackie previously was the community engagement leader at Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant. She graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2007 with a degree in business administration and a minor in marketing.

Don Clark '84 is retiring March 31, 2021 after a 35 year career as a NC Farm Bureau Insurance agent in Tarboro, NC. Don graduated magna cum laude and with departmental honors from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1984 with a degree in Business and Political Science.

Remembering Our Bishop Nation

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].

Carolynn Ann Hill '95, age 76, passed away on January 17, 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1995 through the Adult Degree Program at North Carolina Wesleyan College. She retired from Lenoir Community College. Carolynn was a member of Faith Fellowship Church. She was preceded in death by her husband. Carolynn is survived by a son, daughter, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, two sisters, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Gary Thomas Medlin '83, age 60, beloved husband, father, coach, and triathlete passed away January 22, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. He took pride in coaching soccer for many years. Gary became an elite Ironman athlete later in life and completed eight full distance Ironman events across the US and Canada. He graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1983 with a BS in Criminal Justice. He is survived by his wife, four children, one brother, two sisters, stepmother, stepbrother, brother-in-law and in-laws.

Phyllis Edna "FeFe" Thompson '69, age 73, of Henrico, VA, went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2021. She enjoyed serving her family, friends and church. She graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She is survived by her brother, sister, niece, two nephews, two great nieces and five great nephews.

Joseph Bennett Hobbs '04, age 56, died Saturday, February 6, 2021 in Richmond, VA. He was a life-long businessman in Northampton and Halifax Counties in North Carolina. Bennett graduated with honors from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, one sister, several nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews.

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 Advancement is selling bricks to be placed at the 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 and 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 Spotlights Wanted

NCWC Alumni, if you would like to be spotlighted on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram), click here to complete your Alumni Spotlight Questionnaire. We love putting you in the spotlight!

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