NCWC News: Artist Daisy Thorp To Deliver Commencement Address At North Carolina Wesleyan College

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April 25, 2003

Artist Daisy Thorp To Deliver Commencement Address

At North Carolina Wesleyan College

Rocky Mount, N.C.—Daisy Thorp, well-known and respected artist, founder of the Rocky Mount Arts Center, and retired North Carolina Wesleyan College faculty member, will return to Wesleyan on May 10 as guest speaker at the College’s 40th Spring Commencement. During the ceremony, Wesleyan will recognize Thorp’s contributions to the College and the community with an honorary degree.

Wesleyan President Ian Newbould said, "I am delighted that the College will honor Daisy Thorp by awarding her an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. She has had a long and distinguished career at Wesleyan College and in Rocky Mount and also in North Carolina art circles. I look forward to conferring a well-deserved honor at our May commencement."

While at Wesleyan, Thorp was chosen as an Alumni Distinguished Professor, was named Professor of the Year twice, and was presented the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award. When she retired in 1992, Wesleyan’s board of trustees honored her with a formal resolution recognizing that she had "devoted her life to serving the young people of North Carolina Wesleyan College in every aspect of their lives."

Thorp, who now resides in Chapel Hill, has long been active as an artist and patron of the arts. After founding the Rocky Mount Arts Center in 1957, she directed its gallery for 10 years. She served as a consultant to the North Carolina Museum of Art, and her own work has been exhibited widely, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Prior to Wesleyan’s graduation ceremony, friends of Daisy Thorp may visit with her at a reception for graduating seniors and their guests, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Wesleyan president’s home on the College campus.

Commencement exercises will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Minges Auditorium of the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, where 224 students will receive their bachelors’ degrees. This number is in addition to the 277 students who graduated in December.

The public may attend the baccalaureate service on May 10 at 8:30 a.m. in the Leon Russell Chapel, as well as the Honors Convocation at 10 a.m. in Minges Auditorium of the Dunn Center. Attendance at the graduation ceremony is reserved for students and their guests.

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