Peace Magazine 2021

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Magazine SPRING 2021

Passion into

PURPOSE

A

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Greetings

FROM MAIN As I write for this issue of the Peace Magazine, my spirit is lifted by the sense of renewal that spring brings. There are many signs of renewal on the Peace campus. We faced some unprecedented times in 2020; however, I feel that resilient should be the buzzword for 2021. At least it should for the Peace community. Our students, faculty and staff demonstrated great resilience as they confronted the many challenges and uncertainties during the pandemic.

A little over a year ago, in March, COVID led us to switch to online learning almost overnight. In confronting the challenges of the pandemic, the Peace community has proven itself to be more and more resilient. Our COVID case count has stayed low throughout the pandemic, and we were able to convert to a hybrid learning environment for the fall and spring semesters with the significant majority of our courses being delivered fully in-person by our talented faculty.

Throughout the year, Peace has stuck to its mission of preparing students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. We continue to fulfill this mission by turning our students’ passions into purpose. In February, we announced three new degree programs: interactive design, esports and gaming administration, and human resources management. All programs will be offered beginning Fall of 2021 and are a great complement to our other majors. We have also created new strategic partnerships with Campbell Law School, YMCA of the Triangle, and Wake Technical Community College to give current and future students new academic pathways.

Members of our greater community have shown resilience as well. Our distinguished alumna of the year, Fortune Feimster ’02, produced her own Netflix special and has appeared in numerous movies and television shows throughout the year. Another alumna, Sharon Day '00, has biked over 5,000 miles since the pandemic hit, and faculty member Matthew Hodge published an award-winning book: “Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney.”

These are just some of the fantastic stories I am excited to share with you in our magazine. In short, the resilience abundantly demonstrated over the past year has served as the catalyst for renewal and excitement about our future. I can't wait for you to read this year's edition of Peace Magazine. I am so proud of all we have accomplished and look forward to sharing our success with you!

WITH PEACE,

Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D. President B

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Magazine PRESIDENT

Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Jodi Y. Stamey, MBA, CFRE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alexa Scattaregia Communications and Donor Relations Manager

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Sergio Analco | Branding + Design

Table of

CONTENTS 6

Honor Dialogues

18

Fortune Feimster

23

Updates from Peace

24

“Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse”

39

Class Notes

PRINTER

The National Group

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

15 East Peace Street Raleigh, NC 27604 919.508.2586 advancement@peace.edu

PHOTOGRAPHY

Monique Delage Shelby Lombardo Cory Nolan Ozzy Peralta ’17 Alexa Scattaregia Brian Suggs WPU Communications

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marketta Bennett ’21 Samara Demary ’21 Elizabeth Timberlake Edwards ’07 Marti Maquire Victoria Mims Adrian Megee ’23 Jenica Myers ’21 Davis Nolan ’21 Ozzy Peralta ’17 Blake Privette ’22 Alexa Scattaregia Jaylen Ward ’23 Founded in 1857, William Peace University is a nationally ranked institution in Raleigh, N.C. – one of U.S News’ Best Places to Live – serving almost 1,000 students in 30+ undergraduate and 10 professional programs in criminal justice, education, business administration, and more. Nestled in the heart of Raleigh’s downtown area, our University’s culture is as vibrant as the city that surrounds it; and our students benefit from all the connection and collaboration that our central location has to offer. With supportive professors, dedicated faculty advisors, and a friendly and active student body. William Peace University students enjoy the tight-knit community of a small school, and the opportunity of a growing, flourishing city.

William Peace University: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @WPeaceU William Peace University Office of Advancement: Facebook and Twitter: @peacealumni Instagram: @peacealumniofficial

1

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Whittenburg

FOUNDATION This year the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation awarded scholarships to eight WPU students, the most ever received in a single year at the University. The 2021 winners are Samara Demary ’21, Emily Freer ’22, Jamiya Hargraves ’21, Marerika Monroe ’22, Aminah Muhammad ’21, Jenica Myers ’21, Mariah-Chanel Partin ’21 and Edgar Arrieta Reyes ’22. These recipients underwent a highly competitive application and selection process, which highlighted their academic performance as well as their leadership, service and extracurricular activities.

2

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

DW Foundation Members and award recipients in front of Peace Fountain.

It has been an honor and privilege to work with the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation over the years and witness the impact of their generosity on so many students. The DW Foundation lives their passion and mission of Dream. Believe. Work. Now Finish.

President Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D.

3

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Josephine Beatty

CHADWICK

By Alexa Scattaregia

Josephine Beatty Chadwick ’43, or Jo, as her friends and family affectionately called her, was an active member of the Peace community and a champion for students. Josephine received an Associate of Arts degree from Peace in 1943. In 1945, she graduated from Longwood College with a bachelor's degree in history.

Following graduation, she taught school in Elizabethtown and Wilmington.

Josephine passed away in January.

Her three children survive her: George Harris Chadwick III and wife, Beth; Elizabeth Beatty Chadwick Cherry ’72 and husband, Bob; Mary Gibbs Chadwick Ives ’76 and husband, Bryan. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mommy Jo. Josephine created a lasting legacy at Peace– her daughters Beth and Gibbs, are also alumnae.

Jo Beatty Chadwick ’43 and Beth Chadwick Cherry ’72.

4

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Josephine was active as a community volunteer for the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Queen's Court Division of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. She was a charter member of the American Association of University Women and a director of the Friends of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She served as a member of the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Board and an honorary member of the Women of the Church of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder. She was a member of the Cape Fear Garden Club for over 40 years.

Josephine was a true woman of Peace. She served on the alumni board and was president from 1971 to 1973. From 1986 to 1995, she was a member of the board of trustees. She also served on the Peace Board of Visitors several times throughout her life. She received the Distinguished Alumna Award (1974), Distinguished Service Award (1992), and William Peace Medallion (2007), the University’s highest award. She was named an honorary trustee during Peace's sesquicentennial anniversary. Josephine is one of the most philanthropic alumna supporters of Peace to date, having held memberships in the President’s Society for annual donations and the William Peace and Heritage Societies for lifetime donations.

Martha James ’57; VP for Advancement Jodi Stamey; and Josephine Beatty Chadwick ’43

Passionate about Peace and passionate about education, Josephine established the George Chadwick Jr. Scholarship in 1978, in honor of her late husband. The scholarship was renamed in 2021 to the Chadwick Family Scholarship to honor the continued family commitment to Peace. The scholarship is awarded to students in need who contribute to their school, church, and community.

To commemorate Josephine’s contributions to Peace, the board of trustees granted her an honorary doctorate, presented to her by her daughter Beth at the 2012 commencement ceremony. In her remarks, Beth stated, “Josephine Beatty Chadwick has been a vital part of the Peace campus since her arrival for classes nearly 70 years ago... She has been a champion for education and providing opportunities for the students since graduating. Her broad thinking and vision for a better future for students of all ages have been the fire for her passion since her days spent on the Peace College campus.”

5

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Heidi Gailor

HONOR DIALOGUES Heidi Gailor, Ph.D., has been at Peace on and off for about 11 years. Dr. Gailor completed an undergraduate degree in public relations at North Carolina State University and then pursued a master's degree in communications at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During her time at UNCG she came across a pamphlet for the Center for Creative Leadership, and she knew immediately that she would one day work there.

After graduation, she did just that: became a copywriter for the Center of Creative Leadership.

By Jenica Myers ’21

Dr. Gailor loved every moment of her eightyear tenure at the Center for Creative Leadership. She pursued her passion for marketing and entrepreneurship but acquired a new love for leadership. “I fell in love with leadership, and after working for the Center for Creative Leadership nearly nine years, I decided it was time for me to move away from marketing and pursue leadership,” she said.

During her doctoral studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute, she studied liberation psychology.

In 2001, after her postgraduate studies, Dr. Gailor took a position at Peace College.

“I came into a culture where my preference of collaborative leadership matched the culture at the institution; Peace is a wonderful collaborative space that the students help lead on their own,” said Gailor.

For the next five years at Peace, Dr. Gailor grew to understand the intricacies of the leadership studies program and its students.

After five years, she moved to Washington, D.C.

6

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Dr. Gailor interacting with her class.

However, Peace was still on her mind and in 2005, Dr. Gailor returned as an associate professor of business administration and later became the Honors Program director at Peace.

Dr. Gailor teaches two Honors Program courses, one introductory and one advanced, both with a strong foundation in liberation psychology.

“HON-100 and HON-300 is all my doctoral work put into two courses, and it’s my sweet spot.

It’s my unusual passion,” she laughed.

This past year, Dr. Gailor began teaching the HON-100 course for all incoming honors students.

HON-100, Exploring Critical Issues, is taught in both fall and spring to students new to WPU’s Honors Program. The course focuses on critical thinking as it relates to social issues that impact the campus, the local community, and the world.

In this course, students learn methods for addressing social problems, including moderation, dialogue and restorative justice.

With 2020’s global pandemic and the continuing social injustice experienced by Black and Brown people, Dr. Gailor felt an appropriate theme for the course would be peace and social injustice.

During the summer of 2020, Dr. Gailor was awarded a mini-grant through the North Carolina Campus Compact funded by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The grant is a component of N.C. Collegiate Citizenship Project (NC-CCP) of N.C. Campus Compact. As part of the grant agreement, the students in HON-100 participated in Ask Big Questions. The Ask Big

Questions model was perfect for the vision Dr. Gailor had for the course because it provided precise methods to engage students in dialogue about challenging topics.

Jeni Myers ’21 communications major, was a project lead for the HON-100 course as part of her direct study for her honors capstone project. She found that after students complete the course, their perspective changes for the better. “In today’s society, we are so wired to be right all the time. We want to be right so much, to the point where we forget to learn from one another. We forget what it’s like to see things through someone else's eyes, but doing these dialogues and collaborating with Ask Big Questions, it has, for sure, changed the classroom culture. I’ve seen fellow students create a cultural shift on campus, and it’s for the better,” said Myers.

“Working with people in authentic ways is so important right now; dialogue and peace building are needed more than ever,” said Dr. Gailor. For Dr. Gailor, the best part about incorporating Ask Big Questions is seeing the students naturally come into their own and lead this massive change.

7

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

WPU PACER

FAMILY PROGRAM On March 29, students were invited to share postcard messages with anyone in their family community who has inspired and supported them on their WPU journey.

The Pacer Family Program is a strategic partnership between the Office of Advancement and the Office of Student Life, led by student support coordinator, Stephanie Tate, and director of donor relations, Elizabeth Edwards ’07.

Great turnout from our Peace community!

The purpose of the WPU Pacer Family Program is to encourage families of current students and alumni to engage with their students and the campus community.

8

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Through the PFP, we hope to provide WPU students and their families with the best Peace experience while keeping the family community informed of WPU news, events, engagement opportunities, and more.

Elizabeth Edwards ’07, Director of Donor Relations

9

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Isaiah’s

ANATOMY

By Marketta Bennett '21

Isaiah Davis '21, plans to go to medical school, but he will not be the only member in his family of the medical field.

His uncle is an orthodontist, and his one cousin is a pharmacist and another is a psychiatrist. Isaiah chose the human biology major because he believes there are too few people of color working in health care.

Isaiah is originally from Virginia and later moved to Zebulon, N.C. where he graduated from East Wake High School. Isaiah was introduced to many outstanding faculty members and staff during his first tour on campus, and the small class sizes and the teacher-to-student ratio formed part of many of the reasons he chose Peace. He admired the way teachers and students could build relationships with one another.

Coming to WPU four years ago, Isaiah was focused on basketball and not taking classes as seriously as he should have or engaging in campus events and activities. He played on the Men’s Basketball team during his first year but decided to take time off to refocus on his studies.

Now that he is about to leave WPU, he excels in his courses, is a campus leader, and is en route to attend medical school.

I want to make a change and to let young Black kids know that it is okay to be a doctor, physician, nurse or psychiatrist. To do this I plan to mentor young Black, African American, Latino, and other people of color to encourage them to consider a career in the science field.

Isaiah Davis ’21

10

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Isaiah hopes to begin medical school in August 2022. He has several schools in mind, including Meharry Medical College, a historically Black college in Nashville, Tenn. UNC-Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, and East Virginia Medical school are all on his list.

Isaiah Davis in the WPU biology lab.

Isaiah has a few favorite professors on campus who he feels contributes a lot to their students. One of them is Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, an English professor who, according to Isaiah, is easy to talk to and willing to mentor students. Another is his advisor, Dr. Patrick Meyer.

Davis believes COVID played a big part in his last year as an undergraduate. It was a switch that made a significant change, especially mentally. “Just trying to grasp everything, on top of the school work and your social life, was challenging,” said Davis, explaining the impact of the pandemic. “And then being that we had to be on campus sometimes or online, trying to make that transition and switch and get accustomed to all of the things going on around you, was a little rough at times.”

Isaiah believes that WPU is an excellent school to recommend to a family member or friend due to its resources and small community. This community allows students to get to know many people and build a professional network early.

He made meaningful connections at a recent WPU Alumni Mentor event, where he received career advice and pointers from alumni in his field.

“My tip for freshmen is to believe in yourself,” said Davis. “Any goal you have is achievable, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. College can be a challenge at times, but it's minor sacrifices that will get you to where you want to be.”

11

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Athletic

RECAP In 2020–21, WPU athletics experienced new challenges and obstacles due to the COVID pandemic. All athletic competition was paused in the spring of 2020, and competition for fall and winter sports was postponed until January 2021 by the USA South Athletic Conference.

The athletics department and student athletes met these challenges head on, and the athletics department could safely implement practices and intrasquad scrimmages in the fall and winter of 2020 to prepare for the return of competition.

Several COVID procedures and protocols were implemented to ensure a safer environment, such as a phased resocialization plan, testing policies, practice protocols, mask policies and procedures specific to athletic facilities such as the Pacer Performance Center and the Hermann Athletic Center.

In January 2021, the USA South Athletic Conference resumed athletic competition with a reduced schedule due to COVID restrictions, and the University began competition for their Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs, and initiated a staggered schedule for practice for all programs. The athletic department continued to follow safety protocols as defined by the USA South Conference and NCAA guidelines for athletic events.

Men’s Basketball began competition on Jan. 12, splitting a back-to-back series with Ferrum College to start the year 1—1.

The Pacers finished the year 2—10 overall and 1—9 in the conference.

12

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Women’s Basketball began competition with a back-to-back series against Averett University, starting the year with two wins to go 2—0.

The team had several notable wins, including close games against Greensboro College on Feb. 12 and 14, where they picked up two wins by scores of 78—61 and 77—68. The team finished the regular season in second place in the conference with a 9—5 record. In the playoffs, Peace defeated Meredith College 82—68 in the semi-finals. The Pacers stood united in a decision to forfeit the East Division title game.

The team celebrated the successful careers of three seniors: Jaymesha Sanders, Tatianna Occena, and Sydney Austin.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country competed in two meets in February 2021 – the Second Annual N.C. Wesleyan Classic and the USA South Championship. Both teams saw several student-athletes break their own personal records and look forward to future meets next season.

The Men’s and Women’s Swim teams began competition on Jan. 30, with both teams beating Greensboro College and Ferrum College to start the year out 2—0. Both teams also defeated Greensboro College on Feb. 7 in the Pacer Invitational. The teams finished the season with several successful meets, with both programs seeing several student athletes break personal and program records.

Women’s Soccer started their season on Feb. 10, with a 3—2 win over Division II Shaw University. The Pacers achieved two key victories during the season – one on Feb. 20 with a 4—0 win over Averett University, and one on March 13 with a 2—1 win over Pfeiffer University. The Pacers finished 3—5 overall and 2—4 in the conference, celebrating the successful career of senior Jacari Riggins and ending the year with a USA South East Division Second Team selection for sophomore Raine Greene.

Men’s soccer began competition on Feb. 9 with a 2—2 tie against Shaw University. The Pacers began conference play with a 1—0 win over North Carolina Wesleyan College. The team finished the regular season 4—1—2 overall and 4—1—1 in the conference, securing the second seed in the USA South Conference East Division.

The team hosted a tournament game for the first time in program history, defeating Averett University 2—1 in double overtime to secure a spot in the championship. This marked the first time in school history that a men’s athletic program made a championship appearance, and the first time that a men’s program hosted a championship game. The Pacers fell in a tough 1— 0 loss to Greensboro College in the championship.

The team celebrated the successful careers of seniors Jose Garcia, Roben Santiago, Jonathan Miller, Austin Hallstrand, Gabe Pinon and Shymik Bradshaw. The team picked up a record number of USA South All-Conference selections, with three East Division First Team selections– junior Jorge Aguilar, junior Archie Filliter and senior Jose Garcia– and as four East Division First Team selections– freshman Jorge Lemus, sophomore Jose Aguirre, sophomore Rush Campbell, and junior Jacob Smith.

Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, men’s lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Softball, Baseball, and Volleyball all began competition in February 2021 and completed their seasons in April and May 2021.

13

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Gabriel

PINON ’21

By Victoria Mims ’22

Graduating is one of many accomplishments a person strives for, especially after working hard and staying focused like Gabriel Pinon did. Graduating within three years, having a major that requires a lot of skill and being on the soccer team are just the highlights of Pinon’s juggling performance throughout his time at WPU.

From Rolesville, N.C., and having double majored in business administration and business analytics, Pinon aspires to work in the health care analytics field.

Pinon always knew he wanted to work in the business administration field. Through taking math courses and learning more about the business analytics major in college, he realized that analytics was a perfect fit for him. “I love numbers, and I like what they do,” he said.

“The analytics industry is growing, and it’s not going to go away.”

Dr. Carolyn Nye, WPU program director of business and assistant professor of business and analytics, believes that business is essential in any aspect of life. “The programs are designed to help students gauge data for any interdisciplinary projects,” said Nye. Nye has found it delightful to work with Pinon as his advisor throughout his time at WPU. “Gabe has been a delight to work with and is one of the most focused students. He has been focused on the health care field from day one,” said Nye.

Getting some experience within the analytics industry and moving to become a health care analyst would be great.

But my long term goal is to open a health clinic, or hospital or to work in the medical field Gabriel Pinon

14

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

My dad was a professional soccer player, and he played in college; my mom and brother also played in college.

I started playing soccer when I was nearly five years old, and I’ve been playing ever since.

Gabriel Pinon

Pinon plans to continue his graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in the fall. In July, he will officially start a one-year program focused on business administration with a health care administration concentration.

“I’m excited to attend graduate school, and my thought process is if I don’t get it now, I’m not going to go back and get it,” said Pinon.

Soccer was a massive part of Pinon’s high school and college life, but he plans to only play for recreational purposes after he graduates. With so much juggling, Pinon had to be sure he budgeted his time wisely to stay focused and have free time when he could on Fridays and Saturdays.

“It’s very schedule-oriented, so you have to make sure you budget your time wisely, or you will miss assignments or practices,” he says. Throughout his time at WPU, Pinon was a part of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and Sigma Beta Delta (business fraternity at WPU) Campus Crusade, and worked for the Soccer Team and Intramurals.

WPU has given Pinon opportunities that have allowed him to expand his knowledge in specific industries and has also taught him how important balance would be for him to be successful. “WPU helped me get certified in certain programs such as Google Analytics, Python, Health care Informatics, and SQL that I know will apply to my industry and will make me a better candidate while applying for jobs,” said Pinon.

Many people have influenced Pinon’s time at WPU, including his coaches and his advisor. His advisor helped him with his passion for numbers, and his coaches were always there for him no matter what.

As a senior, Pinon would tell his freshman self to enjoy the time while he has it because it goes by so quickly. Pinon is excited and looking forward to the next steps of his life, and WPU is continuing to encourage and support him within the short few months he has left at the University.

COVID has had a significant impact on Pinon’s last year in college. His season was postponed in the fall, and that created more stress for him during the spring semester. Although managing soccer, working at an internship, applying to jobs, and focusing on academics was a lot for Pinon this semester, he still managed to keep the juggling in sync. “I was prepared a bit for the online coursework as I did some of my high school courses online,” said Pinon.

15

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Making a Gift

TO PEACE On Feb. 14, students, faculty, and staff came together to show our love for WPU's generous donors. Socially distanced Day of Thanks tables were set up in Belk and Main, where Peace community members could write thank-you notes to Peace donors.

On March 11, the University raised more than $73,000 in support of Founder’s Day of Giving. Thanks to the generous support of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, we surpassed the original goal of $50,000!

16

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

To learn more about Making a Gift to Peace, visit

peace.edu/give

17

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

From Miss Peace to Netflix Star

FORTUNE FEIMSTER In April, I had the opportunity to sit down with Peace Alumna Emily “Fortune” Feimster ’02 to learn more about her exciting life as a comedian and her time at Peace. Meeting with the booming Netflix star was thrilling not only because she is hysterically funny but also because she is such a fantastic example of a successful Peace graduate. In the short time we talked, I was elated to hear that she holds Peace in high regard and astonished by how humble she remains in her accomplishments.

Plus, I happen to be a big fan.

I really loved my time at Peace, and I am so glad that it was the place I got to go to college. It ended up being one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

Fortune Feimster, ’02

18

By Alexa Scattaregia

The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed Fortune Feimster down. Over the past year, the comedian and actress has appeared in more than five movies and has produced her own Netflix comedy special: “Sweet & Salty.”

So how does a communication major from Belmont, N.C. go from Peace College to Netflix superstar?

Emily “Fortune” Feimster grew up in North Carolina. A self-proclaimed tomboy, she had the typical southern life growing up in Belmont: going to school and after-school activities during the week and going to church on Sundays. In her Netflix special, “Sweet & Salty,” Fortune hilariously recounts her time in the Girl Scouts, swim team, and as a debutante. She also throws in a mention or two of her alma mater, Peace College.

In 1998, she left home to study communications on an academic scholarship at Peace College. That decision changed everything for Feimster – although not in the way one might expect. After getting over the typical freshman jitters, Fortune crushed her college experience. By her senior year, she was president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and captain of the Division III tennis and soccer teams, and she had the highest GPA of any school athlete. She graduated summa cum laude and was the student speaker at the 2002 commencement ceremony.

Her commencement speech at Peace College ultimately projected her career. After receiving a standing ovation, she hit it off with the ceremony’s keynote speaker – actress Emily Procter, a Raleigh native, known for her roles in the "West Wing" and "CSI: Miami." That same

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

summer, she nannied for a local mom, who by com-plete coincidence turned out to be Procter’s best friend. She recognized Feimster from her speech because she was in the audience that day. Feimster ended up reconnecting with Procter, and after taking a year to live in Spain, she moved to Los Angeles to become the actress’ personal assistant.

When Fortune recounted her time as Procter’s assistant, she laughed and said, “I was such a terrible assistant, but it all worked out.” Her commencement speech continued to create quite the buzz. During her time as Procter’s assistant, Procter mentioned to her neighbor how well Fortune’s commencement speech was written.

After reading the speech, Fortune was offered a job as an entertainment reporter. For the next six years, Fortune would interview celebrities on the red carpet.

Those six years were a defining time in Fortune’s life. She officially adopted “Fortune,” her grandmother’s maiden name, as her stage name; she watched a Lifetime movie and came out, which she hilariously shares in her Netflix special; and she started working with an improv group called the Groundlings. Improv led her to her stand-up career, where she eventually worked with Chelsea Handler and Mindy Kaling.

Currently, Fortune’s name is everywhere. After “Sweet & Salty” premiered on Netflix in January 2020, Fortune has been featured in Lionsgate’s “Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar” and Netflix’s “Yes Day," and “Friendsgiving”. She is also a series regular on NBC’s “Kennan” and “The Netflix Afterparty” with David Spade. In addition, Fortune voices multiple characters on Fox’s “Bless the Harts”.

The pandemic has been good to her booming acting career and to her love life: Feimster married Jacquelyn Smith in a small ceremony in

October. The actress stated that she and her wife, Jax, had a “pandemic wedding,” where they eloped in a courthouse in Los Angeles and “Zoomed” their family members. Throughout the pandemic, she also has taken to social media with her various characters, most notably Brenda, southern housewife to husband, Tim. Fortune shared that she has received a lot of love and support from the Peace community. She sees Peace girls at almost all of her stand-up shows and stays connected with her college friends on Facebook. Although she hasn’t been able to return to N.C. or the WPU campus due to her busy schedule and the pandemic, Fortune virtually attended this year’s Alumni Weekend to accept the prestigious Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, which recognizes a graduate over 35 for significant accomplishments in career, community, and family. When asked about the award, she joked, “It is so nice to be recognized this way, but I can’t believe that I have gotten old enough to have accomplishments.”

Fortune is an incredibly accomplished actress, writer, and comedian. She most recently received a Critics Choice Award nomination for her Netflix special. Whenever she is on the screen, she steals the show with her hilarious one-liners and general comedic genius.

“It's incredible to try to make people laugh; there are not many jobs where you can try to make people laugh and feel happy. Hopefully, I get to do this for a bit.” she said.

19

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Partnership

CAMPBELL WPU and Campbell Law School have partnered to create an accelerated dual-degree option for students seeking to earn undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees. Under the 3+3 accelerated dual degree program, WPU students can earn an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor from Campbell Law in six years rather than seven, saving time and money.

We are so excited about this partnership with Campbell Law School to establish the 3 + 3 program.

We have numerous students interested in pursuing legal studies beyond William Peace University each year, and this new relationship provides an accelerated pathway to law school for our outstanding students - right here in Raleigh Dr. Brian C. Ralph

WPU President Dr. Brian C. Ralph and Campbell Law Dean J. Rich Leonard.

20

A student enrolled in the 3+3 program will spend three years at WPU, completing general education requirements and their major coursework. In their fourth year, the student will begin study at Campbell Law, and the credits earned during that year will complete their undergraduate degree while counting towards the law degree. Students can continue to live on campus at WPU during this fourth year.

WPU students majoring in criminal justice, political science and pre-law could enroll in the 3+3 program. “This is a unique pathway for the top William Peace University students to focus on law school early in their collegiate careers,” said Campbell Law Dean J. Rich Leonard.

WPU has a proven track record of preparing students for success in law school, according to Elizabeth Kusko, associate professor of political science and program director for criminal justice, political science, and WPU pre-law advisor. “We are thrilled with the William Peace University and Campbell University Law School articulation agreement.

Throughout my time here, I have seen many WPU students excitedly apply to Campbell Law, attracted to their outstanding and nationally recognized program and also to the familiar, downtown Raleigh location. To be able to complete both a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to navigating this journey with future WPU and Campbell graduates and lawyers.”

William Peace University and Campbell Law School share many characteristics that make this partnership attractive to students.

Both institutions offer small class sizes and supportive faculty, along with all the benefits of their location in the heart of North Carolina’s capital city.

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Partnership

WAKE TECH Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) and William Peace University are proud to announce a new academic partnership. The new initiative offers a simplified transfer process for graduates of Wake Tech’s Associate in Applied Science programs in business administration, business analytics, criminal justice technology, health and fitness science, and simulation and game development who wish to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in corresponding programs at William Peace University.

In addition to degree credit transfer, WTCC graduates entering WPU under this agreement may take additional general education courses at Wake Tech and transfer those to WPU. This will allow for a lower cost to complete the baccalaureate degree and, depending on the student’s schedule, could shorten the time to graduation.

Dr. Scott Ralls, President Wake Technical Community College

The Associate in Applied Science pathways, along with routes under the statewide compre-hensive articulation agreement, allow students to achieve their career aspirations and are part of a continued commitment by both institutions to foster supportive programs that enhance educational opportunities.

“We are proud to once again partner with Wake Technical Community College,” said Dr. Brian C. Ralph, president of WPU. “It is one of the finest community colleges in the country, and their graduates have proven to be excellent students here at William Peace University as they pursue their bachelor’s degree. This new collaborative agreement is on student success and helping talented Wake Tech Community College graduates take the next step on their educational journey.”

Under this initiative, WPU will seamlessly transfer a graduate’s credits from their A.A.S. and from additional general education. “We’re thrilled about this newly revised articulation agreement with William Peace University,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “In addition to degree credit transfer, WTCC graduates entering WPU under this agreement may take additional general education courses at Wake Tech and transfer those to WPU. This will allow for a lower cost to complete the baccalaureate degree and, depending on the student’s schedule, could shorten the time to graduation.”

As part of its commitment to WTCC students, WPU has also established the William Peace Pathways scholarship to encourage and reward Wake Tech graduates who intend to pursue their bachelor’s degree at the University. This scholarship enhances the transfer process for these students and enables them to receive up to $19,000 in funding based on academic achievements. “We are excited to welcome as well as support them with our William Peace Pathways scholarship, which is exclusively for Wake Tech graduates,” emphasized Dr. Ralph.

21

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Partnership

TRIANGLE YMCA WPU has created the Y Leadership and Community Service Award scholarship available to YMCA youth development staff. This annual $2,000 scholarship renewable for up to four years, in addition to any academic merit-based awards and is open to first-year and transfer students.

WPU has a proven track record of providing outstanding immersive learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds and investing in students who have big dreams and want a university to help them achieve those dreams. The University's Believe in Peace Strategic Plan highlights four key areas of focus: Immersive learning Innovative partnerships Strategic growth Distinctive identity

William Peace University and the YMCA of the Triangle have developed a collaborative partnership to support our local community’s youth to foster better awareness and support of higher educational outcomes. Together these organizations will provide workshops and projects that provide guidance and education on: Financial Aid Applying for college Navigating the research process of electing the best fit Scholarship opportunities “We are excited to partner with the YMCA of the Triangle through the creation of the Y Leadership and Community Service Award, as well as to offer college search and financial aid information services to those engaged with the Y,” said Dr. Brian Ralph. “WPU is committed to the community and believes the YMCA is the perfect partner to deepen our impact. Our focus on students has always been our top priority, and to expand these resources and services to others is invaluable.”

22

WPU continues to explore innovative partnerships, including this one with the YMCA, to serve the community and beyond.

The YMCA of the Triangle is the region’s largest provider of youth programming, and one of its areas of impact is youth development. The Y nurtures every child and teen’s potential by supporting their unique youth development journey through programming like YMCA Leaders Club, Lightner Y Achievers and YMCA Youth and Government. From cradle to career, the Y provides all youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. “We’re excited about this new partnership with William Peace University,” said Kate Gross, senior director of teen programs for the YMCA of the Triangle.

“Our commitment to youth and teens in the Triangle fits perfectly with WPU’s efforts in supporting higher education and we can’t wait to see the impact we can have together.”

The partnership will serve YMCA camp counselors and their families and impact the Raleigh community through the planned programs, workshops and scholarships.

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Updates From Peace

NEW MAJORS William Peace University has announced three new bachelor’s degree programs: Interactive design, esports and gaming administration, and human resources management.

“Esports and gaming administration is a perfect fit for Raleigh and for WPU,” said Dr. Brian C. Ralph. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global esports industry is expected to grow at a rate of 400% in the next seven years to $4.28 billion by 2027. As an emerging esports gaming community, Raleigh is ranked by Forbes as the second hottest area in the United States for tech jobs. “Raleigh is home to numerous video game and esports companies along with esports events, and we can provide graduates with the skills these companies hunger for,” said the department chair of art, communications and simulation and game design, Professor Roger Christman. Both this degree and interactive design complement the current major of simulation and game design.

The esports and gaming administration graduates will be well-versed in the business and technology aspects of esports. The interactive design degree will provide graduates with more excellent working knowledge of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. “These degrees will give students more options in these growing career fields,” Christman said.

The human resources management degree will round out WPU’s robust offerings in business.

“This option allows our students to major in a growing area of business or to supplement their general business curriculum with courses beneficial to any business manager,” said the WPU program director of business and assistant professor of business and analytics, Dr. Carolyn Nye. Graduates will be prepared to engage in recruitment, selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, and HR strategy. They will also be ready to oversee total rewards programs and work collaboratively with the legal department on employee disputes and employment law issues.

“With up to a 7% increase in anticipated job openings in human resources positions by 2028, it is important for our students to develop the expertise necessary to succeed in this field,” Professor Nye added.

23

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Matt Hodge

PROFESSOR, COMPOSER, AUTHOR… WHAT’S NEXT?

By Blake Privette ’22

Some people pick what they want to do and stick with it to a fault. Others, however, see many opportunities and want to explore them all. Life has many doors, and some people cannot bear to leave any unopened. Matthew Hodge, assistant professor of theatre and musical theatre at William Peace University, is one such person. Hodge followed his many passions to build a career as a professor, composer, and author.

Hodge earned a Bachelor of Arts in theory and composition and a Master of Arts in music from Campbellsville University and a Master of Fine Arts in music composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts. This hard work led to many accolades, including multiple awards for his musical work with charities, and on video games, television and film composition. He has also had many opportunities to work with exalted artists and creative minds in many fields. His most recent creative endeavor, ”Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney,” has garnered significant attention in its own right.

Hodge’s bestselling nonfiction novel has received several awards: the 2020 NFAA (Nonfiction Author’s Association) Gold Award, the 2020 BIBA (Best Indie Book Award) in Nonfiction, a 2020 Literary Titan Silver Award, and most recently, a nomination for the 2021 ARSC (Association for Recorded Sound Collections) Award. The book has also attained bestseller status on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.

24

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

I just really love teaching. I’ve always said that even if I won the lottery, I would still teach. I love being in a room with young people, inspiring them, encouraging them. I’m a huge proponent of learning.

Matthew Hodge, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre

So how do you go from writing for musical theatre to writing a nonfiction novel?

According to Hodge, it came from setting a new professional goal every few years.

“Throughout my 20s, I was involved in music and the musical theatre world,” he said. “About three years ago, I had done a bunch of that and it was itching me like I wanted to try some writing. So, I decided that the next few years, I wanted to focus on writing.”

Hodge chose to write about jazz and Disney’s history after noticing a niche that was not being filled in the literary world. “Jazz has a fascinating history, and Disney does as well, but no one was talking about them together… during my research, I was shocked that no one had thought to combine these subjects. There are a ton of books about jazz, a ton of books about Disney, and a ton of books about Disney music… but no books talking about the relationship between jazz and Disney.”

Born and raised in Louisville, Ky., Hodge knew early on that he loved stories and writing.

His English classes were among his favorite subjects, and he even won a young author award in elementary school. He loved music in high school, and in college, he discovered musical theater. “It gave me the music and the songs that I loved and the stories that I loved,” he said.

“It was a perfect marriage between the two.”

But everyone knows you do not make such a career all on your own. Hodge cited several of his professors-turned-colleagues as inspiration for his impressive work, including award-winning professor Dr. Frieda Gebert and Emmy-nominated composer and award-winning filmmaker Don DiNicola.

With so many accomplishments under his belt, one would think Hodge would not be satisfied teaching at a small university in Raleigh, N.C. However, his students appreciate his commitment to education. “Matt Hodge is one of my favorite teachers,” said Emily Freer ’20, a WPU musical theatre major. “I always love coming to his classes and seeing how he will challenge us to think that day. He’s legit the best!” As for what’s next for Hodge, another literary work is already slated to be released in 2021. “Gotham City Sounds: The Music of Batman Villains” will be released through Pulp Hero Press later this year.

25

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Patrick J. Harvey ’19

A LASTING LEGACY OF KINDNESS AND PASSION AT WPU

By: Elizabeth Edwards

Patrick Harvey ’19 spent much of his time in the spotlight as a William Peace University student. Performing on stage through roles in WPU Theatre productions and within the Raleigh community was where he showcased his various talents.

In addition to theatre, Patrick was an accomplished vocalist who would often perform at on-campus events as a member of the WPU Singers, including the 2018 commencement ceremony.

Patrick was a beloved member of the student body, and his kindness and spirit for life had an enormous impact on the campus community.

In May 2019, Patrick graduated cum laude from William Peace University with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre. On June 25, 2019, shortly after his graduation, Patrick’s courageous battle with cancer came to a close, and the WPU community came together with his beloved family and friends to remember and honor the memory of an unforgettable student and alumnus.

Patrick Harvey exuded kindness, and he had an undeniable passion for people. He loved to bring joy to all - Patrick was a true testament to the culture William Peace University strives to offer.

Patrick J. Harvey '19 Bench Dedication Ceremony

26

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

James and Linda Harvey knew they wanted to contribute in some way to the place Patrick had called home. In 2020, to honor Patrick’s memory, the Harvey Family donated a beautiful WPU bench that offers a place for students, faculty, staff and friends to rest and be still just outside of the Browne-McPherson Music Building on WPU’s campus. It was in this location that Patrick spent much of his time traveling to and from class and performances, and it is a most fitting way to honor Patrick and add value to the campus grounds.

On Nov. 19, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a private, socially distanced ceremony was held to celebrate the generosity of the Harvey family and to honor Patrick’s memory. The small ceremony included a welcome from Frank Rizzo, vice president for student life and Nicole Davis, LCMHCS, director of the Wellness Center. President Brian Ralph, Ph.D. offered remarks and led the official dedication of the Patrick J. Harvey Bench. R. Lee Carter, Ph.D., WPU chaplain, closed the ceremony with a prayer of dedication.

It was at the bench dedication ceremony in November that the Harvey family announced that they wanted to do more to honor Patrick and his cherished years at William Peace University.

The Harvey family

Patrick’s legacy will continue to live on through the newly established Patrick J. Harvey ’19 Endowed Scholarship. In loving memory of their beloved son and brother, Patrick’s parents, James D. and Linda R. Harvey and brothers, Matthew R. Harvey and Gregory D. Harvey, created this fund to provide financial assistance to students who contribute to the WPU culture and community through kindness. The award will recognize and support students who have a passion for life and learning despite any challenges or disabilities.

To financially contribute to the Patrick J. Harvey ’19 Scholarship please visit peace.edu/give and designate your gift to “other” noting the “Patrick J. Harvey ’19 Scholarship” in the comments.

Patrick’s spirit for life and passion will forever be a part of the WPU campus through these gifts, and our University is grateful to the Harvey family for their investment in our campus and, most importantly, in the success of current and future William Peace University students.

on December 19, 2020.

27

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Class of

2020 On Friday, May 7, the Class of 2020 was finally able to celebrate their accomplishment with a special commencement ceremony on Main Lawn.

28

SPRING 2020 GRADUATES Nuriddin H. Abdussalaam

Noah Blake Carter

Joshua L. Anderson

Robert Sandford Casey

Yunior Ayala-Zavala

Julio Adrian Cifuentes

Joaquin M. Bell

Cheyenne Michelle Colburn

Chelsi Amina Bittle

Thomas Robert Cole

Jessica Lauren Blankenship

Quinten James Craft

Katelyn Elyse Bouthillier

Zachary Donald Darden

Mackenzie Danielle Braden

Eric Alan Davis

Jamie Michaelle Branch

Tiayra Le'Renee' Deans

Mikenna Shea Breen

Erienne Boston Dickman

Mikayla Lynne Brown

Joshua David Dismuke

Mikayla Lynne Brown

Joseph Donovin

Sydney Benjamin Brown

Lillie Estelle Durant

April Martina Burch

Mary Todd Earnhardt

Taylor Katherine Burton

Jakeyia Antonise Ellis

Taylor McKenzie Byrd

Hannah Arezu Farsaie

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

SUMMER 2020 GRADUATES Peralt Annulysse

Brittiney Paige Lynch

Kristen Ashley Bailly

Courtney Chaunise Martin

Jarrett Anthony Bennett

Nina Yeager Morgan

Sarah Anne Boone Jacob Gibson Bradfield

SPRING 2020 GRADUATES

Trey L. Bryant Jeremiah Jevon Comber

Megan Lynn Mueller José Alfredo Olvera Vermecha Rogers Pulley Francene B. Richardson

Camden P. Ferguson

Agi Kumba Ngie

Sean Elizabeth Cornett

Parker John Fernstrum

Dalena Han Nguyen

Vanessa Mariah Cruzpagan

Anthony Robert Florian

Tonya Leigh Bowen O'Dell

Gwendelyn Delgado

Justin Emmanuel Foster

Maxwell Grayson Owens

Tara-Lynn Marie Flick

Crosby Marie Franklin

Jasmine Alysia Paige

Shafi Love Goodwin

Sha'Nice Laraesa Frazier

Jason Andrew Pappalardo

James J. Hall

Deja Nicole Gainey

Mya Michelle Parks

Alexander Branford Heath

Thomas John Galligan III

Lindsey Nicole Patterson

Savannah Raine Jackson

Jonathan Joseph Gares

Brittany Ann Pensyl

Sharon Renee Jones

Alexandra Skye Garrison

Emily Rose Price

Mikal Nathaniel Gaylord

Elizabeth Lauren Ralph

Coleman Louis Greene

Mikayla Lynn Ray

Cody Leigh Gundlach

Rodrigo V. Reyes

William Thomas Hall

Caitlin Blair Richards

Nathan Lee Hamilton

Rennissa Katie Richardson

Sara Elise Ackerman

Jason Dale Lassiter

Olivia Grace Hand

William Henry Richardson

Suzanne Crowe Aldridge

Ryan Alston Lawrence

Amanda Jane Hanson

Makayla Nicole Ropchan

MacKenzie Danielle Allison

Nichole Renee Lugo

Elizabeth Frances Harrington

Dakota Lucinda Sioux

William T. Atkins

Nanette Marie Merritt

Nina Mariam Gemila

Brianna Colette Michaud

Caylan Ashlee Harrison

Sager-Leonard

Delmus C. Russ IV Laura Marie Schmidt Corey M. Short Charles Michael Sterne Tommaso Villa Scott Jeffrey Weischedel Jasmine Alexandria Wilkerson Jacob Colon Woodburn Mohamad Hany Zoror

FALL 2020 GRADUATES

Kelsey Virginia Harrison

Rosa Aileen Salabarria

Braxton James Hirn

Brett Willoughby Sawyer

Jesse David Brown

Jennifer Marie Myers

Marissa Shani Hogan

Sarah Vail Scott

Tatiana Maria Brown

Victoria Ann Nista

Danielle Ashlynn Hunt

Lawton Bryce Shipman

Avion Porshe'a Cobb

Robin Lee Oke

Robert Jeffrey Iadicicco

Alesha Marie Siltman

Ashley Maureen Daniels

Maiah Ciearra Overton-Ashford

Carlee Blaine Jackson

Jordan Lynn Smith

Brianna Nicole Davis

Isabela Raquel Peña

Damanpreet Kaur Johal

John Austin Speight

Drake Larry Davis

Sarah Elizabeth Pigott

Julia Kelly Johnson

Sheridan Marie Stanley

Marie Ann Del Valle Coppin

Michelle Victoria Presutti

Joseph Keaton Joyce

Shannon Lynn Steele

Shawna Renee Edwards

Raechel A. Robinson

Joshua Michael Kelly

Rachael Madison Thomas

Lisa Sexton Ezell

Bhomik Rudani

Emily Marie Koncz

Andre Samuel Tidwell Jr.

Michael Jesse Farmer

Dara Nicole Scott

Rachel Marsh Lea

Stephen Brian Tidwell

Collin J. Faucette

Sara Jean Siwinski

William Lewis

Kenneth Edward Timper

Ashley Kathleen Forehand

Valorie Hood Smith

Miranda Areli Lopez Vega

Rylie Madison Toomey

Caroline Rochelle Garnes

Kylie Adair Taylor

Haneef Mangum

Shannon Rae Turner

Christopher M. Gentry

Victoria Denice Taylor

Abdullah Karim Mansaray

Katharine Rogers Unger

Karla Sofía Gómez Elescano

Victoria Susan Tomeo

Daniel Gerard Mazanec

Brittany Gayle Upchurch

Sonyja Crawford Holt

Jorge Aguilar-Valdovinos

Anaja LaKeiya McClinton

Shannyn L. Varghese

Jala Cordise Hoskins

Ashley Nicole Varga

Michael Wesley McHale

Aerieal Cierra Vineyard

Cole Franklin Jackson

Devin William Warfield

Theresa Leigh Mercaldo

Taylor Thomas Way

Molly Claire Jarman

Daniella Nicole Williams

Michael Isaiah Milian

Katlyn Nicole West

Austin Reid Johnson

Jason Clevo Wilson

Mary Stewart Mills

Steven O. Wigley Jr.

Nicholas C. Montrose

Patrick O'Neal Williams

Emmalee E. Morales

Yaqueline Yañez

Britton-Steinbacher

Dyrek Kaseem Miller

Antehya Elyse Murray

29

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Star Alumni

PROGRAM The WPU Star Alumni Program is William Peace University’s official way to recognize and honor our most dedicated alumni. Alumni who give, mentor, attend, connect, and volunteer are honored for their dedication. These individuals participated in all five categories of Alumni Engagement.

To join the Star Alumni, visit

alumniconnect.peace.edu

30

2020 STARS! Gail Pope ’59 Sara Jo Manning ’60 Mary Templeton ’66 Sarah Barge ’79 Gayle Cooke ’79 Kathy Lambert ’79 Kelly Gaines ’82 Dawn Dillon ’86 Jenny Prince ’91 Kristy Mallard ’93 Rachel Reynolds ’00 Paulette Morrison ’04 Courtney Burns ’07 Elizabeth Edwards ’07 Rachael Rosenberg Buffkin ’07 Stephanie Mathis ’09 Emma Lawrence ’10 Brenna Mickey ’10 Kirsten Benzaquen ’11 Diamond Bethea ’11 Ana Galizes ’11 Brittany Goodman ’11 Megan Elizabeth Hoffner ’11 Gale Wilkins ’11 Taylor Shaw-Adams ’12 Leigh Wallace Dodd ’12 Melissa Manyatis ’13 Brie Dorsey ’14 Christina Trimis ’14 Cheniqua Lassiter ’15 Megan Mansfield ’15 Virginia Mott ’15 Jasmyne Mundy ’15 Christiane Newell ’15 Erica Saraceno ’15 Deja Barber ’16 Samantha Pulley ’16 Maya Bryant ’17 Lindsay Alford ’18 Rebecca Tshibambi ’18 Payton Weller ’19

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Sharon Day

FULL-TIME CLINICAL WORKER, CHARITY WORKER AND PELOTON LOVER

By Alexa Scattaregia

Most can agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for almost everyone's personal lives. Quarantine, social distancing, and working from home are the new normal.

After what feels like 95,694,845 days of quarantine, morale and motivation seem to be at an all-time low. However, Sharon Day '00 has thrived mentally, physically and professionally during the pandemic. Her motivation in her career, volunteer work and extracurricular activities rubs off on others and can inspire others out of a COVID slump.

Burnout noun

A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

Sharon Day is a clinical trial manager at ICON plc Pharmaceuticals, one of the world’s largest contract research organizations. In this role, she helped spearhead clinical trials for the COVID vaccine. Day oversaw trials that included 44,000 participants in more than six countries, and she personally worked on the COVID study that went before the FDA for emergency use protocols early in the pandemic.

31

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

I didn't come to Peace with a lot, but I left with mo e.

I left with an unde standing of who I was, and I got so much out of being there."

Despite her busy work schedule, Day still makes time to do a considerable amount of volunteer and charitable work. She became president of the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh at the beginning of 2020. “Busy is an understatement; hectic is the keyword. It is the little things that you take for granted. We had our last in-person meeting in March 2020 and have been meeting over Zoom ever since.”

Day stated that she feels very fortunate to be a part of a group that always is looking ahead for ways in which good can be done, and community involvement is always crucial. The Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh is a women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service and leadership. Day has helped bring doughnuts to the health care workers of the North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital and delivered holiday meals for residents and families of patients at the Hospice Home at Transitions Life Care in Raleigh. She also visits North Carolina Food Bank sites to stock and sort supplies, and she reviews and manages JWC scholarship recipients.

In addition to her volunteer work, Day has found a passion for fitness on her Peloton in the little spare time she has. Receiving the fitness bike for Christmas in 2019, Day decided to bike 150 miles every month. Not only has she met that goal, she has exceeded it. One month she biked 500 miles on a whim. In 16 months, Day has ridden the Peloton over 800 times, totaling over 5,000 miles, and has lost 30 pounds. Her favorite thing about the fitness program is the community she has found within it. Her favorite instructor, Cody Rigsby, has an intense following. The fitness instructor affectionately calls his fans the Boo Crew. As she was scrolling through Facebook, Day found a Boo Crew Facebook group, a group that she is now the proud moderator of. “It keeps me sane. It is a nonexclusive, inclusive group of people who lift each other up. It is so positive to connect with people like that,” Day fondly said about the Boo Crew.

32

Sharon Day '00, Clinical Trial Manager, ICON plc Pharmaceuticals

In a true full circle, the Boo Crew also connects to Day's professional and volunteer work.

During the 2021 Women's History Month, the crew decided to donate to various women's organizations, one that just happened to be the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh. The Boo Crew leadership team sent Day a special pair of Peloton shoes for her birthday in March.

Both the Peloton and the Boo Crew have given Day a sense of hope during the pandemic, “If you surround yourself with a lot of positivity, it is hard to stay down. I want to be a part of something that is going to bring up the tone.

We've had enough bad in the world,” said Day. Day's fantastic work ethic dates back to her time at Peace. She came to Peace in the fall of 1995 to study biology, ultimately switching to communication studies during her junior year. However, her science background helped to lay the groundwork for her career. Studying and working full time as a student, Day has always kept a busy schedule. She had a work-study job in the Biology department and served as a dorm hostess for Ross Hall. Day also worked off campus in a hair salon, where she networked with clients who worked for pharmaceutical companies. Day stated that she got her first job out of college because of a haircut.

Following her graduation from Peace, she completed a Durham Technical Community College program, where she graduated with high honors in clinical trials research. The science background that she received at Peace gave her an advantage for her second degree. She then worked for a few pharmaceutical research companies before landing a role at ICON plc Pharmaceuticals, where she has worked for the past 17 years.

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Social

MEDIA

William Peace University Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @WPeaceU William Peace University Office of Advancement Facebook and Twitter: @peacealumni Instagram: @peacealumniofficial

33

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

William Peace University Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @WPeaceU William Peace University Office of Advancement Facebook and Twitter: @peacealumni Instagram: @peacealumniofficial 34

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Success for the

CLASS OF 2020

By Samara Demray ’21

Interviews were conducted to gather information about The William Peace University Class of 2020 how the 2020 WPU alumni were doing after graduation ended their year with a halt due to COVID-19. their plans and what they miss most about Peace.

It has affected all of our 2020 graduate students, “I’m a full-time analyst for the United States who are now trying to live and maneuver Department of Defense, and I’m attending Purdue University Global working toward my through this unique time.

master’s in legal studies,” said Rennissa Richardson. Since she has moved to Washington she has been trying new foods in her local area but she said that there is nothing like the food available around Peace, and that is one of the many things she misses about Raleigh.

Richardson was heavily involved on campus and misses interacting with her peers and attending Late Night Breakfast and Red Rose Ball.

Most events that would have been hosted for the seniors, such as graduation and the senior soirée, were canceled due to COVID-19, which has taken a toll on the graduates. Having graduation on Main Lawn and celebrating this huge accomplishment is one of the many things WPU takes pride in when it comes to its students.

I’m a full-time analyst for the United States Department of Defense and I’m attending Purdue University Global working toward my master's in legal studies.

Commencement was postponed in 2020 because it is crucial for alumni to have the same opportunity to wear their cap and gown and receive their diploma. While it will not be the same as a ceremony in 2020, the class will have the opportunity to walk across the stage on Main Lawn this spring 2021 to celebrate their accomplishments.

Rennissa Richardson '20

35

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Despite the halt to the year, many graduates have found fantastic opportunities that perfectly showcase the success of Peace's capable graduates. “I am doing some freelance website work for business owners in the area, and am working as an editor for an entertainment website called Sarah Scoop, where I edit videos and interview

reality television stars for the website’s podcast and YouTube channel,” said Alex Garrison, a 2020 graduate who majored in communication.

Michael McHale ’20 recently took the position of WPU campus visit experience and guest coordinator.

Peace has really helped me grow and transform as as a person,” said McHale. “So being able to give back and potentially have a positive impact on others’ lives through this position on campus has been my favorite part of being a part of the Peace community.

Michael McHale ’20

A 2020 alumna and volleyball player, Mya Parks, recently moved to Charlotte, N.C. to further her career and is now working in an IT position for a company called Leidos. “My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone to waste and I can actually use the things that I learned there to build connections and friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Parks.

My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone to waste and I can actually use the things that I My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate learned there to build connections and friendships is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone thattowill last a Ilifetime, ” use the things that waste and can actually I learned there to build connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Mya Parks ’20

36

Former Student Government president Deja Gainey ’20 is once again making strides as an master’s candidate at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, with a concentration in American foreign policy in Washington, D.C. Gainey is most excited about being, “a 2020 Department of State Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow and will enter the U.S. Foreign Services to become a diplomat after grad school.”

Former Student Government President Deja Gainey ’20

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

WPU’s 2021

EMPLOYEE AWARDS The faculty and staff at William Peace University give much of themselves through their daily work to better serve our institution's mission to turn students' passions into purpose. Each year the University recognizes dedicated employees with two prestigious awards: the Bingham Award for Excellence and the Dr. Janice Edwards Service Award.

By Alexa Scattaregia

The Dr. Janice Edwards Service Award is awarded to those who exemplify the characteristics of dedication and loyalty so often displayed by former faculty member Dr. Janice Edwards during her 35 years at Peace. The recipient is nominated by the WPU community and reflects these characteristics and Dr. Edwards’ impossible standards in friendly, cooperative, and effective leadership, in genuine wisdom and deep caring for students and colleagues. The 2020 Dr. Janice Edwards Service Award recipient is head athletic trainer Cora Ray. The Bingham Award for Excellence is awarded to various Peace employees to recognize their exemplary performance in serving students, alumni, benefactors, and the greater civic good. Nominations are submitted by fellow faculty and staff based on excellence in their colleagues' work at the University.

John Cranham

Janelle Jennings-Alexander

Roger Christman 37

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

The 2020 Bingham Award for Campus Excellence recipients include Professor Roger Christman, chair of the Department of Art, Communication, and SGD; John Cranham, associate vice president for buildings & grounds; Nicole Davis, director of the wellness center; Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, assistant professor of English; Michael John, director of public safety; Cheniqua Lassiter ’15, assistant director of adult enrollment services; Dr. Lori McClaren, executive director of the School of Professional Studies; and J. Ryan Webb, associate director of residence life and housing.

William Peace University is composed of exemplary employees who show care and concern for our students' well-being.

Throughout the COVID pandemic, many employees have taken on more responsibilities in addition to their regular workload. They have put in countless hours to help protect the safety and well-being of our students and employees.

Michael John

Nicole Davis

Cheniqua Lassiter

Lori McLaren

Ryan Webb 38

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Class

NOTES Cora Jones Godwin ’81 welcomed two new grandchildren. Jenna Everleigh Godwin was born on Aug. 26, 2020, to Joshua and Brooke Godwin, and Ezra Neil Godwin was born on Oct. 2, 2020, to Jordan and Lauren Godwin.

The Godwin family is awaiting the arrival of their seventh grandchild in June 2021.

Susan Holth ’84 celebrated 36 years of service with Duke Energy. Susan served most recently as a lead nuclear quality assurance auditor after 14 years as the supervisor nuclear access authorization at the Brunswick Nuclear Plant.

Kerri Habben Bosman ’93 married Wayne Bosman on Aug. 7, 2020, in Hillsborough at the same county courthouse where her parents were married. They celebrated with family afterward, including a special wedding cake baked by their 11-year-old granddaughter, Laurel.

Kerri Habben Bosman ’93

Mary Kathryn Tyson Desjardins ’99 graduated from Oral Roberts University in spring 2018 with a Master of Divinity in pastoral care, followed by a year-long clinical pastoral education residency in Tulsa, Okla., Mary Kathryn also completed a Master of Arts in professional counseling at ORU in spring 2020.

Stephanie Averitt Browning ’01 and husband, Jody, adopted their daughter, Nora Lynn, on Dec. 16, 2019.

39

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Rebekah Costin Roth ’01 was named New Hanover County’s planning and land use director. Before that, she was a senior planner with the county for four years, and she has 13 years of progressive experience in plan development implementation. Rebekah lives in Wilmington with her husband, Laurence, and two step-daughters, Ellie and Libby.

Courtney Burns ’05, ’07 graduated with a master’s in psychological science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in May 2020.

Erika Galluppi Simon ’06 and her husband, Howard, are proud to announce the birth of their “pandemic baby,” Thomas, on May 26, 2020.

Rachael Rosenberg Buffkin ’08 married Patrick Buffkin on Nov. 20, 2021. Rachael works as a survey researcher, and Patrick is an attorney and a member of the Raleigh City Council. The couple live in Raleigh with their two dogs, Dixon and Lily, and a cat, Jones.

Brittany Goodman ’11 became engaged to John Nelson in 2021, with a wedding date set for Nov. 20, 2021.

Erin Banks Harbinson ’11 was promoted to director, Global Study Start-Up at PRA Health Sciences.

Leigh Wallace Hines Dodd ’12 celebrated the birth of her daughter, Lillian Foy Dodd, on Sept. 3, 2020.

Brittany Humphries Hollowell ’15 is pleased to announce the birth of her son, Greyson Elliott Hollowell, born on Sept. 3, 2020.

Maya Bryant ’17 began working at the North Carolina Theatre in January 2021 as the new communications manager and started earning her MBA at Campbell University. Maya will compete for Miss North Carolina in June 2021.

Caitlin Richards ’20 moved to London to pursue a Master of Art in TV journalism at the University of London.

Rachael Rosenberg Buffkin ’08

Caitlin Richards ’20 40

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Remembering

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE PASSED BEFORE US Blanche Renn Patrus ’36 Josephine Beatty Chadwick ’43 Hazel Spell Jenks ’44 Dorothy Currin ’45 Dorothy Keel Woodworth ’45 Barbara Scidmore Pomeroy ’46 Anne Rodwell Huntley ’48 Miriam Caston Johnson ’49 Anne Strickler Zucker ’49 Peggy Barnes ’52 Rebecca Hundley Clark ’52 Evelyn Spencer Hamrick ’52 Elizabeth Bruin Christopher ’53 Susanne Chamblee Banner ’55 Joan Brown ’55 Margaret Lancaster ’55 Nancy King McNeill ’57 Rita Burke Sherrer ’57 Anne Beam Sneed ’59

Martha Clark Sullivan ’59 Nancy Moseley Daughtry ’61 Carolyn Bond Morrison ’62 Virginia McLaughlin Prince ’64 Jane Garrison Lisk ’72 Mildred Wilkinson Vick ’73 Pattie Arnold Stubbs ’76 Elizabeth Long Bradley ’79 Lois Newton Wilson ’88 Julie Morgan ’97 Heidi Plemmons Williams ’97 Emily Frailey ’11 Leigh Sims Ivey ’12 Sean A. O'Driscoll '17 William Thompson ‘17 Helen Apple Steed James Stewart Charles Winston ~∞~

Please notify William Peace University of the passing of alumni by sending an email to our records division at advancement@peace.edu or calling 919.508.2586.

To learn more about holding memorial services for alumni on campus, contact the Office of Conference and Events at 919.508.2045 or email conferenceandevents@peace.edu. To make a gift in memory of a classmate, or to purchase a memorial brick, please visit peace.edu/give or contact the Office of Advancement.

AO

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY Peace Magazine | Spring 2021

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID PPCO

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT 15 E. Peace Street Raleigh, NC 27604—1194 peace.edu

Address Service Requested

The William Peace University Magazine is published by the Office of Advancement. Distribution is free of charge to alumni and University friends through support provided by the Loyalty Fund.

We make every attempt to be correct in our reporting. Contact us to report an error at advancement@peace.edu. Send change of address to the William Peace University Magazine, 15 East Peace Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 | advancement@peace.edu | 919.508.ALUM (2586).

William Peace University is accredited to award baccalaureate degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, GA 30033 | 404.679.4500.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran's status in the recruitment and admission of any student. The nondiscriminatory policy also applies to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University and to the administrators, faculty and staff and to the administration of educational policies.

PEACE.EDU | OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT Facebook and Twitter: @peacealumni | Instagram: @peacealumniofficial

AP