Rocky Mount, N.C.— North Carolina Wesleyan College honored leaders from the community and the College during its 51st Founders’ Day program on Thursday, October 25.

“We have many loyal and generous benefactors, and we have climbed mountains in our brief history,” Wesleyan President Ian Newbould told the audience in Minges Auditorium of the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. “We have a vision that points to growth and maturation.”

 

Wesleyan’s Jazz Band entertained the crowd at the reception following the Founders’ Day program.

President Newbould honored Rocky Mount Mayor Frederick Turnage with a certificate of appreciation, praising him as the College’s most vocal and outstanding cheerleader and recognizing his 34 consecutive years as mayor of the city. “We couldn’t have a more valuable ambassador, and we want to thank him,” Newbould said.

 

Mayor Turnage then introduced Thomas A. Betts, Jr., a Wesleyan trustee and former chairman of the board, and presented him with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. That tribute recognizes excellence in leadership and community service among other qualities and is the highest award that Wesleyan presents to a member of the community. Turnage praised Betts for his “commitment to the strong college and community partnership that Wesleyan has with Rocky Mount and Nash and Edgecombe counties.”

Betts called attention to the physical growth of the College, the progress Wesleyan has made during its relatively short history, and the positive outlook for the future. He noted that in the early years of the College it had only a few buildings, a budget of $320,000, and about 30 students in the first graduating class. The College today has many buildings on its 200-acre campus, a budget of $20 million, and a graduating class last year of 350.

“As you can see, N.C. Wesleyan College is not only expanding, but we are evolving to accommodate the needs of change in Eastern North Carolina,” Betts said. “However, in order for us to be true to our heritage and honor our obligation to provide our citizens with a better life, we must take ownership in our college.” He urged everyone to give to Wesleyan, attend Dunn Center performances and athletic events, purchase Wesleyan merchandise, take a course, employ a student, visit the College, and volunteer time. “Please help Wesleyan become all that its founders intended it to be,” said Betts.

Service Awards Presented
 

The Distinguished Staff Award was presented to two Dunn Center staff members who both have contributed greatly to the success and operation of the Dunn Center: Sheila Martin, executive director of the Dunn Center, and Susan B. Autrey, box office manager.

Wesleyan also presented service awards during the program: for 25 years—Melvin J. Oliver, Jr., assistant professor of business; for 20 years—Carol A. Carson, head athletic trainer; for 15 years—Everett M. Adelman, professor of art; for 10 years—Raziya I. Fatteh, advising coordinator; Dr. L. Carol Lawrence, associate professor of mathematics; Dr. Ronald T. Smith, associate professor of exercise science; Sandra A. Truelove, registration counselor; Grace F. Wallace, library associate; and for 5 years: Susan B. Autrey, Belk box office manager; Dr. Robert E. Everton, assistant professor of marketing; Sheila M. Johnson, Adult Degree Program librarian; Jason A. Kilby, men’s soccer coach; Dr. Heather A. Louch, assistant professor of biology; Dr. Meir Magal, assistant professor of exercise science; E. Scott Marsigli, pre-major advisor and Freshman Advantage coordinator; Dr. Curtis W. Roney, Jr., associate professor of management.

Omicron Delta Kappa Nominations

ODK is a national honorary leadership society, founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University and composed of outstanding men and women who have excelled academically and participated significantly in co-curricular activities. The following students were invited to join ODK: Joshua Allen, Joshua Cain, Julianne Cyr, Jenna Davis, Joshua Jenkins, and Travis Kivett. Three faculty members also were tapped for membership: Dr. Lisa A. Kirby, assistant professor of English; Mark Stevens, J.D., associate professor of justice studies; and Gail Stafford, associate professor of mathematics.