anyOne can give A Chowan alumnus and former Alumni Director hopes to inspire others.

anyOne Can gIve

alumnus and first alumni director hopes to inspire others to give.

"iF We can give a scholarship, surely, anyone can," says Carlyle R. Wimbish, Jr. the 1958 grad and his wife, Jo, both made their careers as professional educators. As such, their gift was a personal financial sacrifice that they were happy to make. “My life has been about helping others, not about me,” he says. “We hope that our gift inspires others to give back to those causes they are passionate about.” to that end, the Carlyle R. Wimbish, Jr. Football Scholarship endowment Fund was established at Chowan University on March 17, 2017. the endowment was initiated by the couple in 2016 to benefit his alma mater and in grateful appreciation for the education and nurturing he received while attending. Carlyle is committed to Christian Higher education and the values held by Chowan University.

Carlyle became Chowan’s first Alumni Director in 1968, where he gained valuable experience raising funds for the University. “it is nice to be on the giving end,” he says as he considers why he chose to give to Chowan. After completing his time as Alumni Director at Chowan, Mr. Wimbish continued to be involved with the University. it was his recommendation that led to the creation of the Alumni Council in 2014.

Carlyle cherishes many stories and fond memories of his time on campus. While a student, he received an Athletic Scholarship for the 1956 and 1957 seasons. “Someone asked me why did i do this? i told them, ‘Why not?’ Chowan did a lot for me as a student and does a lot for a lot of students.” He continues, “Maybe what i do will help someone else who probably couldn’t have gone to school.” Without his football scholarship, he would not have been able to attend Chowan.

Carlyle is impressed with the growth and transformation of Chowan under President White’s leadership, stating, “Nothing but positive things have happened since Dr. White has been president. i am happy to give to something that is positive.”

“A person needs to retire to something not from something,” Carlyle says. indeed, retirement has only served to increase his involvement in numerous civic functions. Carlyle continues to serve Chowan as a member of the Board of Visitors and the Alumni Council. He is also extremely active in other volunteer positions to include President of Halifax County/South Boston Sports Hall of Fame, Virginia and National travelers Protective Association (tPA) Board of Directors, First Baptist Church Council and Chair of Finance Committee, President of Halifax County Chapter of the Virginia tech Alumni Association and the Hokie Club to name only a few.