Bishop Beat March 2021

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

March 2021

Ivy League Educator & Author Slated for NCWC Commencement Speaker

Brandon P. Fleming will be North Carolina Wesleyan College's Spring 2021 Commencement speaker. Fleming is the Assistant Coach of Debate at Harvard University, as well as Founder/CEO of the Harvard Diversity Project.

Fleming has received numerous awards for his work in education and social entrepreneurship. Notably making history as an elected speaker for the Inaugural International Day of Education at the United Nations General Assembly. He was also named to the 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 list and recognized by The Root Magazine as one of the top 100 influential African-Americans in the United States.

The College's Spring Commencement is planned for Saturday, May 1, 2021. Time and location of commencement will be communicated to graduates in the near future as the College explores its options based on current state and federal guidelines. More.

NCWC Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has named North Carolina Wesleyan College to its 2021 Transfer Honor Roll. Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina, and one of 150 nationwide, to receive this award.

"Personally, having been a transfer student, I understand the importance of making every credit count and receiving a degree of value. NC Wesleyan provides and supports students with a seamless transfer process. We are honored to be recognized by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in our efforts of doing so," stated Jason Letchworth, Transfer Admissions Counselor.

Learn more about our Transfer Program at www.ncwc.edu/transfer

Alumni Class Notes

Keep Wesleyan and your fellow alumni informed of your news of marriages, births, job changes, awards, and other activities. Email your Class Note to [email protected] or complete the Alumni Update Form here . Photos are welcome.

Jabaris "J. Kelly" Walker '17 recently announced he is a candidate for the Ward 7 seat on the Rocky Mount City Council. He presently operates Tip Top Cleaning Service. Walker graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2017 with a degree in business administration.

Teikisha Williams Anderson '16 was recently promoted to Payroll Coordinator at North Carolina Wesleyan College. She now serves as Assistant Controller/Payroll Coordinator for the College. Teikisha received her Associate's Degree in Accounting from Nash Community College, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from North Carolina Wesleyan College.

Paul Gessner '88 recently received AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The Martindale-Hubbell AV® Rating is a peer review rating system designed to reflect an attorney's ethical standards and professional ability. Paul is Of Counsel at the Raleigh office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) representing individuals, businesses and governmental agencies in litigation. Gessner earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1988 through North Carolina Wesleyan's Triangle Adult Degree Program.

Jamie Whitley '12 was featured in February by the Town of Manteo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nUfNS7arKE). Jamie is the 1st African American Female to hold the office of Town Clerk for Manteo, NC. Jamie's father was the 1st African American Director for the Town of Manteo serving as the Director of Public Works. Jamie graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Charles Kemp '69 was recently featured on WRAL's the Tar Heel Traveler. After a tragic accident more than fifty years ago, Charles has spent his life repaying the town of Fairmont for its love. https://www.wral.com/fairmont-man-spends-life-repaying-town-for-its-love/19556771/. Charles graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Remembering Our Bishop Nation

To notify us of the death of a classmate, faculty or staff member, please email the information and an obituary, if available, to [email protected].

Danell Bartkia Hagans, age 43, died February 24, 2021 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Danell was enrolled in the Adult Degree Program at North Carolina Wesleyan College's Goldsboro campus. Remembered by the Goldsboro NCWC staff as fun, feisty and full of smiles, Danell had completed half of her degree. Her mother, Barbara A. Hagans, graduated from NC Wesleyan in 2010.

Reserve Your Wesleyan Memorial Brick

Students, organizations, parents, alumni, and community supporters now have the opportunity to inscribe their names at North Carolina Wesleyan College. The Office of Advancement is selling bricks to be placed at the entrance located at the south end of the Pearsall Library addition, or at the Leon Russell Chapel entrance. Your brick will be a permanent tribute on the NCWC campus and a special way to support NCWC. A brick is a wonderful opportunity to honor a mentor, memorialize a loved one, commemorate an occasion or event, or simply make public your support to NCWC. Click here for complete ordering information.

Alumni Spotlights Wanted

NCWC Alumni, if you would like to be spotlighted on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram), click here to complete your Alumni Spotlight Questionnaire. We love putting you in the spotlight!

Class Champions

Won't you join the list of Class Champions? As an alum you have a lot to offer your alma mater. Show your Bishop pride and enthusiasm for NCWC by signing up to be a Class Champion. Contact Charlie Long 252.985.5219 or [email protected] or sign up here.