Rocky Mount, N.C.— Wesleyan held its May commencement on Saturday, May 3, with 200 students graduating. Of these, 95 completed their studies on the Rocky Mount campus, 77 finished through Wesleyan’s Adult Degree Program in the Triangle, and 28 completed degrees through the Adult Degree Program in Goldsboro. About 90 percent of the graduates were from North Carolina, with eight other states and the District of Columbia also represented.

Festivities began Friday with a senior brunch from 10:30 until noon in the Blue and Gold Cafeteria, sponsored by Wesleyan’s Alumni Association. After the brunch, graduates and their families toured the Bellemonte House, home of Wesleyan’s Alumni Association and other campus offices.

Friday evening at 6:30, a baccalaureate service led by Wesleyan Chaplain Barry P. Drum was held in Powers Recital Hall in the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. Following that, graduates enjoyed the senior dinner in the Garner Lobby of the Dunn Center. Student speakers were Joshua Cain, a justice studies major – summa cum laude, from Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Donna C. Combs, a business administration major – with transfer honors, from Lucama, N.C.; and Sandra Rifkin, a psychology major – summa cum laude, from Morrisville, N.C.

The commencement ceremony took place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the 1,200-seat Minges Auditorium of the Dunn Center, which was filled to capacity. Special graduation speaker was Dr. Steven Ferebee, professor of English at Wesleyan, who told the seniors: “You are in control of what you put into your mind…. The chance to learn doesn’t disappear when you graduate. You have a responsibility to continue to learn.”

Also during the ceremony, three awards were presented. Dr. Stanley Smedley, associate professor of business, received the Exemplary Teacher Award. Kimla K. Brandt of Spring Hope, N.C., received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. She graduated at Wesleyan’s December 2007 commencement, majoring in English and history – summa cum laude. Donna E. Scott, a business administration major – summa cum laude, from Kenly, N.C., received the President’s Cup.

In addition, Dr. Kenneth V. Finney, professor of history, was recognized upon his retirement after 35 years of service to Wesleyan.
 

Following are photos from various graduation weekend events.