NCWC News: N.C. Wesleyan College Founders’ Day Held October 21st

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October 21, 2004

N.C. Wesleyan College Founders’ Day Held October 21st

Rocky Mount, N.C.—North Carolina Wesleyan College celebrated 48 years since its establishment in 1956 with a Founders’ Day Convocation on Thursday, October 21, at 11 a.m. in Minges Auditorium of the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts.

Keynote speaker was Dr. Paul L. Leeland, a 1971 Wesleyan graduate, who is now assistant to the bishop and director of ministerial relations for the Raleigh area of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Speaking to faculty, staff, students, and guests, Leeland encouraged strong bonds with the church to ensure the success of young men and women and to model the way for them.

A highlight of the convocation was the College’s presentation of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award to Wesleyan trustee Vel H. Johnson. The award is the highest honor the College bestows upon a citizen of the community for service to the College and the region. In presenting the award, Thomas A. Betts, Jr., chairman of Wesleyan’s board of trustees, commended Johnson for her "commitment, conviction, courage, and courtesy."

Johnson began her professional career as a regional representative for the Easter Seal Foundation, then became a social worker and later was executive director of the Nash-Rocky Mount Mental Health Association. She is a partner in Johnson and Pittman, an event planning company. In addition, she has been a volunteer with many area organizations. She currently serves on Rocky Mount’s Historic Preservation Commission and is director of Preservation Rocky Mount, Inc. and an active member of Lakeside Baptist Church.

Also Wesleyan presented service awards to faculty and staff: 5 years—Gloria R. King, Quincy W. Dickens; 10 years: Gloria A. Keplar, Cecelia L. Summers, Darrell S. Whitley; 15 years: John R. Brackett, Jane T. Christensen, Patricia M. Smith, Katherine R. Winslow; 20 years: R. Steven Ferebee; 25 years: Rachel T. Dix, Dorothy D. Grant, C. Cliff Sullivan; 35 years: William O. Barrett, Dianne H. Taylor.

Nine students were invited to join Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honorary leadership and scholarship society: William H. Boyer III, Justin Cooper, Vanessa Gore, Kristin Hurd, Lettie Lawrence, Samantha McAuliffe, Brad Mitchell, Monet Somerville, and Nicolle Womack.

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