Rocky Mount-Members of a new student group at North Carolina Wesleyan College are dedicated to serving as role models and helping their fellow students, their college, and their community.

The group is Men of Honor. Their motto: As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.

Seven students founded Men of Honor in mid-March: Marcas Jordan, president; Brandon Jay, vice president; Scott Cooper; Eddie Arrington, treasurer; Gregory Spence, secretary; Darrius Boyce; and Americus Williams. The organization grew to 15 members during its first month, and students have continued to express an interest in joining. The group hopes to increase their ranks so they can expand their impact, not only on the campus but in the community as well.

“We had a campus social, a kind of coming-out party, to let students know we exist,” said Marcas Jordan, the group’s president. “We had a good turnout for that event,” he said.

In the community

Working together, the group already is making a difference. “We’ve contributed to the American Red Cross by holding a car wash and donating the proceeds,” said Brandon Jay, vice president of Men of Honor. “We’ve also helped Habitat for Humanity build houses.”

Men of Honor also has begun a mentoring program at several local elementary, middle, and high schools. The reaction of teachers and students has been very positive. “They love it, and we feel at home and get to know the teachers,” said Eddie Arrington, another member of the group. “The kids trust us and they open up to us. The first day I was there, all the students wanted us to be their mentor. They all said, ‘Pick me! Pick me!’ The teachers selected the kids we worked with. We helped them with homework, with math, reading, and other activities.”

Arrington, like others in Men of Honor, wants to see the group grow to 30 or more members next year. “We want to send out five people to each community service activity the college supports,” he said. “We want to help out in the community we’re in.”

Gregory Spence, also a member of Men of Honor, said, “I feel like this organization is a great way to address a lot of the issues that Wesleyan students, especially male students, may be struggling with. I’ve never seen so many males willing and wanting to do community service and give back.”

On campus

Men of Honor members have spoken at Wesleyan’s Freshman Advantage programs to give entering students tips on being successful in college and in life. They’ve also gathered ideas from freshmen about how Wesleyan might help smooth their transition from high school to college.

Looking forward to next fall, the Men of Honor want to plan a field day event that will include sack races, some one-on-one games, music, and other activities that can help students get to know each other and also Wesleyan President James A. Gray III.

Future expansion of Men of Honor

            “Our vision is to get into other campuses and collaborate on some projects,” said Brandon Jay. “We want the Men of Honor to stay on campus for years to come. We hope to get some good followers. I’m not looking forward to graduating and leaving, but I look forward to seeing who’s next to step up and fill our shoes.”

            The Men of Honor’s current president and vice president both are on track to graduate next December. President Marcas Jordan is majoring in psychology with a minor in business administration. He is thinking of continuing his education with a master’s degree and is considering a career in social work. Vice President Brandon Jay is majoring in computer information systems. He, too, is considering earning a master’s degree and would like to work in computer security, perhaps with Homeland Security or some other national security agency.

The official advisor to Men of Honor is Jasmin Spain, a 2003 Wesleyan graduate.  Many students first knew him as resident director of the college’s Collins Hall. Now he works with students campus-wide in Wesleyan’s Student Success Center. Spain is impressed with the members of Men of Honor and the work they’ve done. He believes they will enhance the image of Black males on campus.

“All of these young men are the perfect examples to their peers, and in turn their peers greatly respect and admire their presence here on campus,” Spain said. “It is with great honor that I can say that I am a part of Men of Honor.”

Membership in the organization is based on character. “You have to be voted in,” Jordan said. He suggests that students interested in joining Men of Honor should talk with other members. The group meets weekly on Sunday evenings in the Dunn Center.