Courageous Confidence
SPRING 2022
Magazine
Greetings from Main Courage (noun): mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.1 When I reflect on this past year, I don’t believe
The University also developed new academic
there is a better single word to describe the
opportunities, including the creation of three
essence of our University than courage. Our
new bachelor’s degree programs: Interactive
students choosing to be here, in-person, in the
Design, Esports and Gaming Administration, and
midst of a pandemic was humbling and inspiring. In
Human Resource Management, adding to our 30+
fact, we had our highest first-year to second-year
majors. We also partnered with Meredith College
retention rate in at least the last 30 years!
to create a 4+1 for our students, enabling them to accelerate their path to a Master of Business
The immense display of courage by our community
Administration.
has given me more confidence than ever about our future — a future filled with promise and
The University was also once again recognized
innovation. Confidence that we are providing an
as a top 30 (out of 125) University in the Regional
exceptional experience here that enables our
Colleges: South category by U.S. News & World
students to turn their passion into purpose.
Report. But an even greater point of pride was our peers ranking us as the fourth most innovative
A faculty and staff task force had the courage
university in our category!
to look into our history so that we could acknowledge our past in order for us to be a
As you turn the pages of this magazine, you
better University going forward. Students enjoyed
will experience a deeper journey into courage —
creative and innovative opportunities despite
stories of courageous confidence that emerged
distancing and masks — ranging from theatre
in our University in the midst of the pandemic. I
performances to Pacer Athletics to immersive
am confident that you will be even more proud
academic experiences. Our faculty and staff
of what our amazing students, faculty, staff
demonstrated incredible courage through their
and alumni are accomplishing as you engage
commitment to providing the best experience
with these important stories. And be assured,
possible for our students. Our Student Life team
there are countless other stories just like those
developed fun and safe approaches to our long-
featured here in the magazine, in fact, I am
standing traditions, such as Traditions Dinner,
sure you have your own story of courageous
while enhancing some of our newer ones, like the
confidence. Your support and advocacy for WPU
Holiday Celebration and Lighting of the Lawn. We
are allowing those stories to be written.
also developed numerous new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and experiences for
With Peace,
students, faculty and staff including book clubs, educational workshops and employee resource groups — all to make us a stronger community and deepen our commitment to DEI.
1
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D., President
President Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement Jodi Y. Stamey, MBA, CFRE Editor-in-Chief
Table of Contents
4
WPU News & Updates
Liz Lykins, Advancement Communications Coordinator Graphic Designer Stacey Simeone Printer
12
WPU Students “Catch” a Killer in Classroom Simulation
The National Group Office of Advancement 15 East Peace Street Raleigh, NC 27604 919.508.2586
16
Gale Wilkins ’11 advocates and impacts N.C. youth
advancement@peace.edu Photography Elizabeth Timberlake Edwards ’07 Shelby Lombardo ’18 Ozzy Peralta ’17 Liz Lykins Brian Suggs WPU Archives WPU Communications & Marketing Contributing Writers Jo’sean Artis ’24 Ellie Barker Elizabeth Timberlake Edwards ’07 Emily Freer ’22 Shelby Lombardo ’18
26
Leigh Anne Sims Ivey ’12 Scholarship honors alumna, daughter, wife, and friend
30
From one generation to the next: WPU Legacy Families
36
Leah Young grows Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on campus
Jordyn Prince ’25 Liz Lykins Jennifer Suarez Founded in 1857, William Peace University (WPU) is a nationally ranked institution in Raleigh, N.C. that serves 750+ students
42
WPU Alumnus designs flight simulations for Italian company
in 30+ undergraduates and 10 professional programs, from Biology to Criminal Justice to Simulation and Game Design. WPU provides students with an immersive and hands-on educational environment that prepares them for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. Nestled in the heart of
47
Class Notes
Raleigh’s flourishing downtown area, WPU offers a culture that is as vibrant as the city that surrounds it. William Peace University Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @WPeaceU Office of Advancement Facebook and Twitter: @peacealumni Instagram: @peacealumniofficial
51
WPU Demographics Pictured on front cover: “Fountain and Flora,” is a canvas piece created by WPU biology major Leilani Nguyen ’22. The piece won first place in the Fall 2021 Student Art Contest hosted by the WPU Office of Advancement.
WPU News & Updates
WPU, MEREDITH COLLEGE LAUNCH FIVEYEAR ACCELERATED MBA PROGRAM
graduate degree in just one more year. Graduates from the program will leave with a WPU bachelor’s degree and a Meredith MBA.
William Peace University (WPU) and Meredith College have partnered to create an accelerated program
“We are pleased to begin this partnership with
for students seeking both an undergraduate degree
WPU,” said Meredith College Senior Vice President
and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in
and Provost Matthew Poslusny. “This accelerated
Raleigh.
program provides a pathway for WPU students to advance their education while earning a Meredith
With the new program, students could earn both
MBA in an expedited and cost-effective way.”
degrees in five years. As they work to complete the undergraduate coursework in four years, students
Students who are interested in the new program can
in this program will be able to add two Meredith
contact WPU Admissions for more information. To
graduate courses into the senior year – giving the
learn more about the Meredith MBA Program, visit
student an advantage toward completion of their
meredith.edu/mba.
WPU RANKED 30TH IN REGIONAL COLLEGES
WPU INTRODUCES THREE NEW MAJORS WPU introduced three new bachelor’s degree
WPU was ranked 30th out of 125 in the Regional
programs in Fall 2021: Interactive Design, ESports
Colleges: South category by U.S. News and
and Gaming Administration, and Human Resources,
World Report.
complementing WPU’s 30+ other majors
Alongside that ranking, the University earned
“These programs tie in well with our Believe In Peace
#4 for most innovative schools awarded by
Strategic Plan,” said WPU President Brian C. Ralph,
Regional Colleges in the South.
Ph.D. “All three programs support the immersive learning we are known for.”
Also, WPU is listed as #7 for campus ethnic diversity in Regional Colleges in the South.
Interactive Design takes a creative, technological,
This ranking highlights the incredibly rich
and experiential approach when solving complex
environment students find on-campus and
design problems. Alongside the Esports major, WPU
underscores how a diverse campus can best
has also invested in a brand new ESports Lab. The
prepare graduates for the workplace and the
Human Resources Management degree will round
world.
out WPU’s robust offerings in Business.
“We are more excited than ever about the great
Students in the degree programs will experience
work we are doing and the success our students
an immersive approach to learning, consistent with
are experiencing at the University,” said WPU
WPU’s philosophy of learning utilized across all
President Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D.
degree programs.
WPU’S RN TO BSN PROGRAM EARNS OFFICIAL CCNE ACCREDITATION WPU’s RN to BSN nursing program earned accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in June 2021. This accreditation paves the way for students to receive federal financial assistance along with professional advancement opportunities. WPU’s RN to BSN program offers both a fully online model as well as a hybrid option for students who prefer inperson classroom time. The CCNE accreditation comes after a rigorous process including a site visit and review by the Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) and the Board of Commissioners. WPU received official notification of accreditation on June 9, 2021 with an effective date of September 20, 2020. “This designation affirms the caliber of the program. The quality, in addition to the support that students receive while in the program, makes it a great value for nurses,” said Dr. Erica Jastrow, WPU’s RN to BSN program director.
WPU OPENS NEW ESPORTS LAB
HOFFMAN & ASSOCIATES UPDATES WPU ON SEABOARD PROGRESS
WPU opened a new Esports Lab in the basement of Ross Residence Hall in Fall 2021.
In 2018, Hoffman and Associates purchased Seaboard Station, the property adjacent to WPU’s campus.
This new lab features $90,000 worth of topof-the-line equipment. The lab was built to
Hoffman began work on the $250 million project in the
both enhance WPU’s new Gaming and Esports
North Downtown Raleigh area.
Administration major while giving students access to a growing field. The Triangle is becoming a
In Fall 2021, Hoffman and Associates updated on the
hotspot for esports with the headquarters of
progress on Seaboard at an Insider’s Breakfast for
Epic Games in Cary and gamers hosting global
Raleigh realtors held at WPU.
esports competitions, like Halo Infinite, in Raleigh. When fully built out, Seaboard will feature hotel, retail, “This will draw students to campus and keep
office and apartment space, explained Vice President of
them involved,” said Department Chair of Art,
Development of Hoffman & Associates, Rob Steward. It
Communication, and Simulation and Gaming
will have the largest collection of retail at 135,000 square
Design, Roger Christman. “We want to make
feet in downtown Raleigh. Breweries, restaurants, shops
it so our students can be the brains behind
and entertainment-focused stores will fill up the space.
competitions you hear about in Raleigh.” Additionally, the area will feature unique streetscapes, The Lab will be used for classroom teaching, a campus
with sidewalks that prioritize both activity and al-
esports team, and a professional esports team.
fresco dining.
5
Acknowledging Our Past
W
illiam Peace University is in continuous
The initial findings from the task force reveal
pursuit of being a place where our
areas in our history that are diametrically
diversity is celebrated, inclusion is
opposed to our current values. We are publicly
practiced, and respect is commonplace. As
acknowledging those findings because living our
a reflection of the university’s commitment,
values today requires us to reckon with the hard
a task force was created during the 2020-
truths of our past.
21 academic year to conduct research in key areas and identify parts of our history that are
The initial findings include the following:
not consistent with our current values as an institution. We knew that to move forward, we
• Mr. William Peace, for whom our university
must understand our history as an institution
is named, owned enslaved people. The 1860
and where it may/may not intersect with white
census records his ownership of fifty-one
supremacy, slavery, and/or racism.
enslaved people.
The task force provided initial findings to the
• The initial, most prominent, and enduring
University leadership in early summer, 2021. The
symbol of William Peace University is Main
University reviewed the findings and engaged
Building, which has served as a Confederate
a local diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
hospital, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and the iconic
consulting firm, The Diversity Movement to
center of Peace Institute, Peace College, and
develop a plan for acknowledging and addressing
William Peace University. Our research has
the findings.
revealed that the labor and skill that went into Main’s construction included that of enslaved people. • Past editions of the Peace yearbook, The Lotus (primarily prior to 1920), contain images and text that are objectionable, including racially stereotypical content and racial slurs. The 1946 edition of the yearbook is dedicated to Josephus Daniels who was complicit in the Wilmington Massacre of 1898. Given these facts and believing the presence of the William Peace statue could create a divisive environment on campus as well as be a target for vandalism by outsiders, The Board of Trustees voted in support of removing the statue
We believe it is imperative that we understand our past in order to create a better, more inclusive future.
of Mr. William Peace from campus. The statue was installed on campus in 2007 as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration. The vote included input from the Senior Leadership Team of the university and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We understand that some members of the greater WPU community will disagree with this decision, but the University believes removal reduces the risk of damage and is in the best interest of our current and future students, faculty, staff and alumni as we strive to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive community. In addition to removing the statue, the university hosted a Day of Acknowledgment on March 24th to enable our community to reflect on these findings. It was then followed by input and listening sessions with our students, faculty/staff,
The input and learnings from these discussions will
alumni, and Board of Trustees. These listening
be translated into a set of recommendations that
sessions allow us to interpret and process these
will be shared with the university leadership and
facts as well as hear how we can reckon with
our Board of Trustees. We will decide on the next
and respond to our history in a way that makes
steps we will take together as a university to move
us a better institution. We also recognize that
forward.
uncovering history is an ongoing process, and we will be engaging an external researcher after the
The Board of Trustees and University leadership
listening sessions have concluded to continue
are committed to taking the appropriate action
to research key pieces of the history of William
in a thoughtful and intentional manner. As an
Peace University.
institution of inquiry, we believe it is imperative that we understand our past in order to create
The input and listening sessions took place over
a better, more inclusive future for our entire
several weeks to allow ample time for inclusion and
community.
reflection. The process was led by The Diversity Movement, and in partnership with our Director of
Acknowledging our History information can be
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Leah Young.
found at https://www.peace.edu/about/history/.
7
Office of Advancement hosts 2021 Student Art
Contest By: Liz Lykins
W
PU’s campus is scattered with many
The new contest allowed students to experiment
beloved Pacer spots — from Main’s red
with any medium to show off their love for WPU.
bricks and towering white columns to the
intricate details of the black fountain. Students
Three students were selected as winners and were
experience this beauty daily in their time at WPU.
awarded WPU Bookstore gift cards. The first-place winner was featured on the 2021 holiday card for
The 2021 Student Art Contest, hosted by the WPU
the Office of Advancement and her art is displayed
Office of Advancement, gave students a chance
in the Main Building.
to create art that reflects their favorite spots on campus or to illustrate what WPU means to them.
Here’s a look at the winners:
1ST PLACE: Leilani Nguyen ’22
a sense of restful reassurance in the midst of
Piece Title: Fountain and Flora Medium: 8x10 flat canvas, watercolor, acrylic paint, paint pens, ink pens, varnish
challenging obstacles. The fountain connects the
As Leilani Nguyen (pictured to the left) walked
WPU’s tight knit community is what led Nguyen
through campus, she saw paintings of the buildings
to attend the University to study biology. Her
and the landscape, but few of the fountain. She
WPU experience has been centered on making
wanted to change that with her entry into the
relationships, connections, and memories. She
contest.
feels supported by the community on campus —
beauty of nature to the University’s closely-knit campus.”
her family, colleagues, professors, and faculty Nguyen loves the fountain — it was the first spot she
encourage her each day. Nguyen’s sister also
visited at her freshman orientation and it will be her
attended WPU for similar reasons.
final memory at graduation in May when she throws a rose into its bubbling water. Her art captured this
Artistic since she was five years old, Nguyen is
meaning.
passionate about making art as a hobby. However, a busy school year had kept her from spending her
“I was trying to express the fountain’s symbolism
time creating. When she saw the contest deadline
in the beginning and end of the William Peace
was just after Fall Break, she knew she wanted to
University journey,” Nguyen said. “The water
use the days off to paint her entry.
sparkling is gentle and resembles dancing, the flowers are blooming, and the sky is light to express
She is honored to win first place.
2ND PLACE: Tori Suhre ’25
3RD PLACE: Jacob Trump ’25
Piece Title: Clocks Medium: Photography
Piece Title: Freeing Chains of Peace Medium: Digital art
Communications major Tori Suhre enjoys entering
For freshman Jacob Trump, the art contest was a
photography and art contests. When she heard
chance for him to challenge himself artistically and
about the Office of Advancement’s
get involved on campus. His
contest, she was excited for the
digital piece, created on
opportunity to compete. Her piece
an iPad 12, represents the
of the Campus Clock, presented
student Pacers he sees on
in honor of Warren L. Bingham
campus.
by Celeste Edgerton Ruark ’28, represents a spot that’s tucked
“The horse in the artwork can be seen as being
away on campus. People usually just walk past it or
freed from the chains of society,” Trump said. “At
read at it, she explained.
WPU, I feel that many students are able to find their passions and be in a place that lets their interests
“The artwork represents how time passes in that
fly and be free. They are able to be themselves.”
spot,” Suhre said. “I sit down to read and thirty or forty minutes past before I realize it; hence, the
His WPU experience has been centered around this
presence of the clock in the photo.”
idea. WPU offers him a place where he can take advantage of opportunities to find community,
That reading spot is one of many peaceful reading
passions and a career. While Trump’s major is
spots that dot campus grounds. These beautiful
currently undecided, he plans to focus on some type
locations are what drew Suhre to attend WPU.
of design.
9
Alumna’s $5 Gift Transforms into Immersive
Learning Fund
W
By: Liz Lykins
hen Sara Jo Allen Manning ’58 ’60
Fund in 2007, was started to provide students with
graduated from what was then called
exposure to live concerts. Manning said it shifted
Peace College, Manning knew she
focus to promote the Believe in Peace Strategic
wanted to support her alma mater. She began
Plan. Part of the strategic plan focuses on
her commitment with a $5 gift each year.
growing students through immersive learning.
Decades later, Manning’s act of support grew in size and time. She established the Manning Music
When Manning first heard she could support this
Fund (2007), led numerous WPU boards and most
type of learning, she was “pleased to no end.”
recently, she created the Manning Immersive Learning Experiences Fund.
Manning remembers when she was a student at Peace, she had her own “immersive experiences.”
The Manning Immersive Learning Experiences
She recalls visiting the hospital for her health
Fund provides students with educational and
class and going to the symphony for her music
cultural experiences, she explained. Managed
courses. She said these experiences taught her
by WPU’s Center for Immersive Learning (CIL),
things she could not learn in a classroom.
the fund will expose students to new learning possibilities. The two-year-old CIL provides hands-on experiences in an active environment. Previously, through the CIL, students have had opportunities to explore ruins in Mexico and study animals on the verge of extinction. Manning is excited to see the new enterprises her fund will provide. The fund is focused on enriching and growing student lives, Manning says. It will also provide for an annual activity with the North Carolina Symphony and an annual speaker or
(Left to right) Sara Jo and mentee Megan McAnany
performance focused on cultural and diverse programming. She can’t imagine what opportunities professors “I want the students to have an opportunity
and students will create with this fund. “My
to expand on what they know and what they
thoughts of possibilities are nothing compared
like,” Manning said. “Students will be exposed to
to what the professors can come up with and
culture and this makes life so much happier.”
provide,” Manning said. “I am eager to see how
The fund, first established as the Manning Music
they will use this opportunity.”
This recent gift comes after decades of
to WPU was honored as she was awarded the
dedication and philanthropy from Manning. She
2019 William Peace Medallion, the highest and
is a member of the William Peace Society, the
most prestigious (non-academic) recognition that
University’s lifetime giving society, and now, The
can be awarded by the University.
Heritage Society. Manning graduated from Peace Preparatory in 1958 and then received her Associate of Arts degree from Peace College in 1960. After, Manning attended UNC-Chapel Hill where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education and her Master of Education in Guidance. Later, Manning received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from WPU. Manning’s first gift to William Peace started a few years after graduation with a $5 annual gift. Her support grew in the years that followed, both financially and timewise. Manning served in leadership roles in the Alumni Association Board, the Board of Visitors, and the Sesquicentennial Commemoration Committee. She also served as a class agent and, most recently, she is serving as
“I grew up at Peace… it gave me so many opportunities. Peace has been good to me.” - Sara Jo Manning ’58 ’60 Manning explained her dedication to philanthropy is because of her WPU education. Because Peace encouraged her to be involved in extracurriculars, she learned how to give back outside of class. That lesson grew with her as she went to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and then in her career. WPU gave her a foundation of faith
a Pacer Partner Mentor.
and generosity.
Manning’s support has touched the lives of
To learn how you can give courageously in
thousands of students and alumni. Her dedication
support of WPU, visit peace.edu/give.
THE HERITAGE SOCIETY Manning wanted to make her WPU gift last beyond her lifetime. Because of that, Manning supports the University through a planned gift, and became a member of the WPU Heritage Society.
Sara Jo is awarded the 2019 William Peace Medallion.
The WPU Heritage Society recognizes alumni and friends who have made planned gifts or provisions in their estate plans that have or will benefit WPU. The society was established to celebrate those who have made the ultimate expression of their faith in WPU.
SARA JO MANNING ’58 ’60 Outside of WPU, Sara Jo Manning worked as the Secretary to the Bishop of The (Episcopal) Diocese of North Carolina. She also served on the Board of Directors for both The United Arts Council from 2000-2001 and the North Carolina Prevention of Blindness from 1981-87, and as the Vice President of the Raleigh Arts Commission in 1990. She sat on the executive committee of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and The Junior League of Raleigh once called Manning their President. Additionally, she was named an Outstanding Young Women in America.
11
WPU Students “Catch” a Killer in Classroom Simulation By: Jennifer Suarez, Director of Integrated Marketing, and WPU Student Jo’sean Artis ’24
T
he Class of 1998 is enjoying their high school
The Hunt-A-Killer simulation was held through a
reunion in Chestnut Falls, Illinois. Then, one
series of game sets that can be ordered to arrive
of the participants is found murdered by the
at your door month by month, explained Kusko.
lake. It’s your job to find out who did it.
But she decided to order all six boxes for this particular set and have students open them all in
While this sounds like a murder mystery board
one weekend.
game, it’s actually an immersive simulation game called Hunt-A-Killer.
Six groups of Kusko’s students worked together on a Saturday and Sunday to get through all six
And WPU students did exactly that one winter
boxes of clues and information.
weekend for a criminal justice class. “My favorite part was seeing the evidence bags Criminal Justice Professor Beth Kusko held
and details while taking your first steps into each
this simulation to provide her students with an
box,” said LeSean Boyd ’24, majoring in Criminal
immersive experience. The simulation enabled
Justice. “Also when more material comes it shifts
students to learn by being in the shoes of crime
the focus on who’s the prime suspect.”
scene investigators and catch the true killer. Each group had a fun name, such as “Death Immersive classes like this are part of the WPU’s
Becomes Us,” “Cereal Killer” or “Little Crime
Believe in Peace Strategic Plan. By offering
Stoppers.” The groups of two or three
immersive experiences, students can learn real-
students set themselves up in the corners of
world skills, like investigative techniques, in an
the classroom, hanging maps, timelines, and
active environment that prepares them for the
information on boards. They opened a new box
careers of the future.
every 60-90 minutes.
“What’s fun about this is you really can’t wait to
Kristian West ’22, a Game Design major, explained
open the next box,” Kusko said. “You’re digging
that he didn’t know what to expect. “It’s
through clues and information and trying so hard to
challenging,” he said.
get it right.”
photos, you listen to a 911 call. And at the end, there
“It really makes you think. You have to tie things all back together and you don’t have all the information. It’s out of my normal realm.”
are four or five suspects — it’s not a clear-cut answer.
- Kristian West ’22
After each box, Kusko had the teams eliminate a suspect. Once eliminated, they aren’t supposed to bring that person back. The stakes are high: the winning group could choose to skip the final exam or drop their lowest test score. While it sounds like a fun game, the Hunt-A-Killer boxes are a detailed, complex simulation, Kusko said. “It feels like you’re doing an investigation,” she said. “You’re a private investigator, but you have case files,
So you have to decide which suspect to arrest.” Like many of Kusko’s immersive learning activities, “It’s more challenging than I expected — in a good
this one really engages students. Students must put
way,” said Christian Langley ’22, majoring in History
their phones on the table in the corner so she knows
and American Studies. “You watch TV shows and this
they are focused. Kusko said it’s fun to watch them
isn’t as easy as you think. It’s work. People have to
collaborate, especially with fellow students they
sift through this information and look at leads.”
might not typically.
Kusko said that’s exactly the point. The game helps
“One student, I’ve never seen him so engaged and
highlight the critical and analytical thinking she
interactive,” she said. “The social aspect of this is
teaches in her classes. At the end, students are
half of what I love about this approach. Students
required to write a paper about their findings.
picked their own groups, but many of them don’t
Kusko has tried multiple sets of the Hunt-A-Killer
know each other that well. But by the end of the
games. Some are more serious, she said, such as one
weekend, they’re friends.”
that features a serial killer. The high school reunion one is a bit more lighthearted, which made it a good
And Kusko’s critical thinking teaching must be working
fit for the class.
— every single group arrested the right suspect!
13
Athletics Recap
By: Shelby Lombardo ’18, Assistant Athletic Communications Director
WPU Athletics celebrated a successful 2021 despite several challenges due to COVID-19. Sixteen programs competed in Spring 2021 seasons as competition was postponed for fall and winter sports until January 2021 by the USA South Athletic Conference. Four programs made it to their respective USA South Conference Championship games in the Spring of 2021. The Fall of 2021 saw a return to a traditional schedule.
were recognized with five All-Conference honors, including a First Team All-Conference selection for Kristina Mojica. Logan Ayers, Candice Smith, Lauren Conway, and Nadia Pittman were all also recognized for their successful seasons.
Baseball Spring 2021 began with a doubleheader win over Methodist University on February 20. The program went on an early six game winning streak to start the season with an 8-2 record. Tyshawn Barrett impressed throughout the season, breaking the program home run record with four in a single game. Barrett was also named the USA South Baseball Player of the Year, All-South Region Second Team and ABCA/Rawlings NCAA DIII South All-Region Team. The Pacers received seven All-Conference nods as Tyshawn Barrett, Nathan Holt, Hunter Ward, Tyler Vaughn, Alec Seaton, Gavin Taylor, and Austin Skipper were distinguished by the USA South Conference, with Barrett and Holt both being named First Team All-Conference. The Pacers finished the season 2018 overall, just falling in the USA South Conference
Men’s Lacrosse
Tournament to N.C. Wesleyan College.
Men’s lacrosse took an early win on February 20, 2021 against Ferrum College by a score of 6-5.
Softball
Other key wins included a 13-3 victory over Randolph
The Pacers picked up a big win early in the
College and two conference wins over Averett
season on February 26, 2021 with an 11-3 victory
University. The team finished 4-10 overall and 2-6
over Barton College. The program picked up key
in the conference, with Scout Philipp being named
wins over conference opponents Mary Baldwin
First Team All-Conference. Nick Falso and Patrick
University and Meredith College to finish 5-8 in
Calhoun also received All-Conference accolades as
the conference and 12-24 overall. The Pacers
both were named First Team East Division.
Men’s Cross Country The Pacers competed in two meets during Spring 2021, including the USA South Conference Championship. They set several personal records throughout the season, with Caleb Clendenning being named First Team All-Conference East Division. Tucker Soltesz, Jacob Men’s Track and Field
Allen, and Jeffrey Knox were named Second Team East
Men’s track and field began the season on February
Division. In Fall 2021, the Pacers began the year on
12, 2021 at the Kenneth Giles Norfolk State Invitational,
September 11 at the Monarch Cross Country Classic. The
the program’s first indoor meet. The Pacers set
team set several personal records throughout the year,
several new records throughout the season; notably
with Daniel Steele setting a new 8K school record.
Kenneth Wilkes setting a new record at high jump with a mark of 1.88 meters. Kenneth Wilkes, Andrew Bates, Solomon Womble, Walter Brown and Jo’sean Artis all earned All-Conference nods at the USA South Conference Championships. Men’s track and field began the 2022 season with an indoor meet on January 15 at the Mondo College Challenge. Kenneth Wilkes set a new high jump record at this meet with a mark of 1.97m.
Women’s Cross Country Women’s cross country began their 2021 Spring on February 13 at North Carolina Wesleyan College. At the USA South Conference Championship, Shawntez Mickens and Bailey Lambertson both finished in the Second Team East Division. Fall 2021 saw even more success for the program, as Shawntez Mickens and Alana Morgan each set new school records. Women’s Track and Field Women’s track and field also began the season on February 12, 2021 at the Kenneth Giles Norfolk State. The women’s program added several new records throughout the season, with Myla Barnes and Marketta Bennett setting new records at the discus and 100m, respectively. At the USA South Conference Championships, Marketta Bennett was named First Team All-Conference at the 400m. Women’s track
Men’s Tennis
and field began the 2022 season with an indoor
Men’s tennis began Spring 2021 with a 4-0 win over
meet on January 15 at the Mondo College Challenge.
Mary Baldwin University. The Pacers competed in
Shawntez Mickens set a new school record at 400m,
several matches throughout the season, with Dylan
while Jazmine Ryan notched a new 200m record.
Betancourt going 6-1 overall.
15
women broke even more school records as they picked up two big wins over St. Andrew’s University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology Tech. Sophia Swenson set three new records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, while Jasseli Gutierrez set four new records in the 100 and 200m breaststroke and the 200 and 400 IM. The Pacers also set new records in the 200 and 400m medley relay and the 200 and 400m freestyle medley with Sophia Swenson, Jasseli Gutierrez, Samantha Autry, and Alexis Inman. As a combined program, the team Women’s Tennis
broke 28 school records throughout Fall 2021.
Women’s tennis began Spring 2021 on February 24 with a matchup against Methodist University. The Pacers picked up a big 5-2 win against Mary Baldwin on March 6. Camryn Straughn and Hayley McNair notched several wins for the Pacers, both in singles and doubles.
Men’s Swimming The Pacers began Spring 2021 with a big win over Greensboro College. They went 3-3 overall, with Noah Jimison leading the men in numerous events. In Fall2021, the Pacers continued to impress, starting the year with a big win over Virginia Wesleyan
Volleyball
University. The Pacers broke several school records
Volleyball had a successful spring season in 2021, going
throughout the season — Elijah Horman set a new
14-2 overall and 7-0 in regular season conference
record in the 200m backstroke, Noah Jimison set new
play. They finished the regular season as the No.
records in the 200m breaststroke, 100m freestyle,
1 seed in the USA South East Division, marking the
and 50m freestyle, while men’s 400m relay team
first time in program history that a team had gone
with Noah Jimison, Trey Stroud, Noah Goetsch, and
undefeated in conference. The Pacers advanced to
Joseph Williams broke the school record throughout
the USA South East Division Championship, falling
several meets. As a combined program, the team
in a close contest with Averett University. Brittany
broke 28 school records throughout Fall 2021.
Carpenter and Brienna Laskowski were named First Team East Division, while Landis Limon was named
Women’s Swimming
Second Team East Division. In Fall 2021, the Pacers
Women’s swimming began Spring 2021 with an 84-82
went 19-13 overall and 14-4 to finish 3rd in the East.
win over Ferrum College. They set several records
They advanced to the USA South East Division
and personal records throughout the spring season,
Quarterfinals, with Hannah Collier receiving First
going 3-4 overall as Sophia Swenson and Jasseli
Team All-Conference honors and Mackenzie Russell
Gutierrez helped lead the program. In Fall 2021, the
receiving Second Team East Division honors.
over Meredith College under Interim Head Coach Ozzy Peralta, marking the first win in program history over Meredith College. The team picked up another big win over North Carolina Wesleyan College and received two All-Conference honors as Raine Greene and Lillian Bates were named Second Team East Division.
Men’s Soccer Men’s soccer impressed in Fall 2021, going 12-21 overall and 5-1-1 in the conference. The team clinched the USA South East Division Regular Season Championship with a 3-0 win over Southern Virginia University, marking the first title win in program history as well as the first title win for any men’s
Men’s Basketball
program in school history. They finished with the
Men’s basketball began Winter 2021 on November 9 with
most wins in a regular season in program history,
a strong showing in an exhibition against D-1 Campbell
and advanced to the USA South Conference
University. The Pacers started off conference play by
Tournament Semifinals. Jacob Smith was named
going 2-0 with wins over Southern Virginia University
USA South Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team
and Greensboro College. The team picked up wins over
All-Conference. Jorge Lemus led the conference
Brevard College, Johnson & Wales University, and Ferrum
with 7 goals, 16 points, and 3 game-winning goals
College, with Rashod Rouse being named USA South
in conference play, and was named First Team All-
Rookie of the Week twice.
Conference. Rush Campbell was also named First Team All-Conference, while TJ Hurd, Jose Aguirre, and Archie Filliter were named First Team East Division and Ivan Ponce and Danny Alvarez were named Second Team East Division. Jacob Smith, Rush Campbell, and Jorge Lemus were also selected as United Soccer Coaches All-Region, the first All-Region selections in program history.
Women’s Basketball Women’s basketball began the year with a strong win over Notre Dame of Maryland. They defeated Methodist University in their first conference game Women’s Soccer
of the season, later defeating Salem College in
Women’s soccer picked up their first win early in the
conference play.
season against Johnson & Wales University. They made program history on October 6 with a 3-0 win
This article was last updated January 28, 2022.
17
Gale Wilkins ’11 advocates and impacts NC youth WPU Advancement Communications Coordinator Liz Lykins sat down with Gale Wilkins ’11, a William Peace University (WPU) School of Professional Studies alumna, to learn how Wilkins’ courageous story began. Wilkins is currently the Executive Director of the afterschool program Project Arrow. In 2021, she was chosen as the WPU School of Professional Studies Alumni of the Year.
By: Liz Lykins
G
ale Wilkins ’11 welcomes me into her bright
But Wilkins’ story has humble beginnings.
home. Two-story high windows stream the afternoon sun while she shows me to her
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
glass kitchen table. She’s invited me over for a
Wilkins grew up in rural North Carolina. Every day
midweek lunch.
after school, she would work in a factory. However, she felt she was not a good fit for the job as
Powerful abstract art decorates the walls, and
she struggled to keep up with quota. “I always
a tall orchid sits on her coffee table. Wilkins,
dreamt of getting a degree and widening my
adorned in a vibrant green dress to match her
opportunities,” Wilkins said.
alma mater’s colors, provides sandwiches and salads. Her four-inch heels click the kitchen floors
Before her high school graduation Wilkins received
as she plates our food.
a full ride scholarship to a nearby college. She was excited for the opportunity, but ultimately declined
The mother of two is now a successful WPU School
and worked to care for her young daughter.
of Professional Studies alumna. She works both as the executive director of the afterschool program
Wilkins’ interests in community service first started
Project Arrow and the founding director of the
through volunteering at her church where she
nonprofit Family Education Initiative. Previously,
worked with middle and high school students.
Wilkins served as the executive director of North
Additionally, Wilkins and her husband served
Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement.
as youth pastors at their church. She saw the change that her involvement could bring to the
Her service for youth and families garnered her
students and these experiences cultivated a
recognition as the 2021 School of Professional
passion in Wilkins for serving youth.
Studies Alumni of the Year. The Professional Studies Alumni of the Year, awarded by the WPU
“I wanted my daughter and other kids to have a
Alumni Association, recognizes an outstanding
different kind of life than I had as a kid,” Wilkins
graduate from the School of Professional
said. “We would take the youth group kids to
Studies for their personal and professional
new places and experiences to show them what’s
accomplishments.
available.”
That was the start of Wilkins’ career in service. PURSUING HER CAREER AND EDUCATION “I want to help change the communities I am in for the better,” Wilkins said. “I especially want to help young people.” To do this, Wilkins started to volunteer at countless church and school boards, councils, and committees. In 2002, Wilkins’ experiences in these volunteer roles gave her the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C. She used her expertise on youth and churches while serving as a Program Assistant for the Presidential Advisory Council for HIV/AIDS in the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. She assisted the Council by providing knowledge on how church youth
never finished a program. That was, until she heard
groups could influence the AIDS epidemic. “Every
of WPU’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), the
year I go to visit the White House to thank God for
non-traditional, accelerated degree program to
this opportunity,” Wilkins said.
serve adult students through evening and online classes.
After serving in the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, Wilkins founded the nonprofit Family Education Initiative in 2007. Today, she still serves as the Founding Director of this organization that serves youth, families, and communities through prevention strategies and leadership development. Six years later, Wilkins had the chance to serve as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement within the N.C. Department of Administration. There, she oversaw a council that impacts all 100 North Carolina counties by providing funding and resources for their domestic violence and human trafficking programs . Additionally, Wilkins has served on the Governor’s
The SPS allowed Wilkins to transfer her previous credits and earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Services in three years.
Crime Commission, Wake County Commission for Women, City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission, N.C. State Government: Smart Start
She took five-week courses that fit her schedule as
Pre-school Advisory Committee and the SafeChild
a mom, and she received academic support through
Abuse Advisory Board.
the SPS. Tutors and professors helped Wilkins navigate the course materials.
Throughout all these opportunities, Wilkins still dreamed of earning her degree. She had taken
“Nothing was missing while I was at Peace. It was
courses on and off at several universities but had
support unlike anything else,” Wilkins said.
19
“Peace gave me the confidence to earn my degree and then go for my Master’s Degree.”
Since its inception in 2018, more than 700 students have participated in Project Arrow.
After WPU, she went on to become a Certified Life Coach through the graduate program at North Carolina State University and receive her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in Women in Leadership from N.C. State University. LIFE-COACHING FOR YOUTH Now, Wilkins is the Executive Director of Project Arrow, an evidence-based Life Coaching and Leadership program for middle, high school, and first-year college students. It’s the first program of its kind. “The program provides coaching to prevent students from experiencing the effects of violence related actions and harmful addictions from crises,” Wilkins said. “It creates empowered leaders who are able to advocate for themselves and their peers.” Project Arrow uses life coaching to teach students how to develop healthy responses to trauma and stress. This model seeks to prevent students from reacting negatively to their experiences, but rather, process them healthily. The idea to start a program providing students with life coaching came from Wilkins’ own experiences. WPU provided her the opportunity to have a life coach while she was in the SPS. At first, Wilkins was hesitant to take advantage of the chance, but her life was changed when she decided to give it a try. The life coach asked Wilkins powerful questions that gave her tools to set and shape her goals. Her coach then helped her find the confidence and courage needed to attain them. “I don’t want kids to be unsure of how to navigate the problems facing them. Life coaching gives kids the tools to make better decisions and navigate the future,” Wilkins said. “It unlocks their potential.” To learn more about the Project Arrow program, visit project-arrow.com. To learn more about how you can support current and future students in their journey to earn
Gale Wilkins ’11 and her husband, Carl Wilkins.
their degree, visit peace.edu/give.
Social Media Highlights
William Peace University
Office of Advancement
@WPeaceU
@peacealumni
@WPeaceU
@peacealumni
@WPeaceU
@peacealumniofficial
21
School of Professional Studies provides accelerated
degrees for working adults
W
By: Liz Lykins
ork deadlines, social functions, doctor’s
“The SPS offers a supporting academic
visits, and a child’s parent-teacher
community that can empower adults to take the
conference can quickly fill up the
next step in their career confidently,” said Lori
schedule of a working adult. There seems to be no
Holcomb McClaren, Ph.D., Executive Director of
time for going to college and earning a degree.
the School of Professional Studies.
But, through WPU’s School of Professional Studies
The SPS was created in 2009 to serve both men
(SPS), working adults can take non-traditional
and women adult students through evening
courses that make dreams of a degree possible.
classes. It first offered in person courses for bachelors of arts in business administration and
WPU’s SPS offers an accelerated degree program
human services.
with laser-focused curriculum so that adults coming into school with previous college credits
The program hoped to bring in more WPU students
can earn a degree in as soon as a year.
while also meeting a community need.
Adult education is a growing demand in the U.S.
Many courses offered are online and asynchronous,
About two-thirds of U.S. residents ages 25 to 64
meaning nine out of ten of the degrees can be
will need college degrees, certificates, or industry-
completed fully online. Education is the only program
recognized certifications, by 2025 to meet economic
that requires in person courses.
and social demands, according to the adulteducation nonprofit Lumina Foundation. After its creation, the SPS quickly grew, adding more majors as each year passed by. At that time, the SPS operated as an independent department within the University with its own administrative staff. However, in 2014, the SPS was mainstreamed within the University. This shift enabled advising and admissions resources to be centralized for the entire University. Now, the SPS offers a full schedule of courses for 10 degree programs and six educational licensure programs across the fall, spring, and summer terms.
“I am excited for SPS to continue to grow the majors it offers and the number of students it reaches.” - Lori Holcomb McClaren
Students can take either seven or 14 week-long courses. “The faculty teaching the courses are experts in
“I am excited for SPS to continue to grow the majors
their fields,” McClaren said.
it offers and the number of students it reaches,” McClaren said. “SPS strives to meet the workforce
“Education courses are taught by seasoned
demands and provide adult students with the
teachers. Also, there is a former police chief and
education they need.
a judge teaching criminal justice courses. We have outstanding faculty.”
To learn more, visit peace.edu/sps.
DEGREES OFFERED THROUGH SPS
EDUCATION LICENSURE PROGRAMS
Business Administration (BS, Minor)
Adapted Curriculum Licensure
Criminal Justice (BA, BS, Minor)
Elementary Licensure
Elementary & Special Education (K-12) (BA)
Dual Licensure (Elementary Education and Special Education)
Elementary Education (K-6) (BA)
Elementary Residency Licensure
Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)
Special Education: General Curriculum Residency Licensure
Marketing (BS, Minor)
Special Education Adapted Curriculum Residency Licensure
Nursing (RN to BSN) Psychology (BA, Minor) Religion Minor Strategic Communication (BA)
23
Did you know that there is a program just for WPU
families?
By: Elizabeth Edwards ’07
I
n the Spring of 2021, WPU’s Pacer Family
for families, the Pacer Family Program provides
Program (PFP) was created by Stephanie Tate,
families and students with various engagement
Student Support Coordinator, and Elizabeth
opportunities throughout the year. In Spring 2021,
Edwards ’07, Director of Communications &
the PFP hosted a Card Writing event on campus
Donor Relations, to help bridge the gap between
where students wrote personal messages to
families, students and the University. This program
someone who has made a difference in their life.
seeks to provide families and students with the best WPU experience possible by encouraging
The PFP also hosted its first First-Year Family Book
them to engage with the campus community.
Club for First-Year Families. This virtual book club featured the book “College Ready” and provided monthly space August through November, for families to hold discussions on the contents of the book. In Fall 2021, the PFP, in partnership with the Office of Financial Aid, hosted a “Virtual Financial Aid Night” where families could log-on to hear directly from a representative from the Office of Financial Aid as well as ask any questions that they may have in regard to the topic.
Photo by Patrick Bullock
In March, PFP celebrated their biggest event of the year, WPU Spring Family Day. Families To help carry out the PFP mission, WPU announced
joined their students on campus for a day-
the WPU Family Portal in the Summer of 2021.
long celebration that included Coffee with the
The WPU Family Portal was created through a
President, immersive learning experiences, and
partnership with the Admissions, Student Life
Family Fest featuring food, games, photo booth
and Advancement teams and is available to all
and more!
prospective and current families to join. For more information on the Pacer Family Program This online community allows families to set up
please send an email to pacerfamily@peace.edu.
their own account to have instant access to important campus news, events and deadlines,
Make the decision to get involved and keep up-
personalized newsletters and announcements.
to-date with WPU news and events by joining the
In addition to establishing an online community
WPU Family Portal at wpu.campusesp.com.
Star Alumni Program Thank you to our 2020-2021 Star Alumni!
O
ne of the most important factors determining the strength of a
2021 Stars
university is the vibrancy of its
alumni body. A connected and engaged alumni community is vital to the future and
Sara Jo Manning ’58 ’60
success of WPU. The Star Alumni program
Gail Sutton Pope ’59
celebrates our most involved and engaged
Sarah Armstrong Barge ’79
WPU Alumni!
Kathy Pendergraft Lambert ’79 Kelly Key Gaines ’82
Alumni Engagement is the lifelong relationship
Martha McKown Kelley ’82
between graduates and their alma mater
Dawn Dillon ’86
created through alumni participation and
Kristy Smith Mallard ’93
involvement in the life and success of WPU
Pamela Widlak Folsom ’02
and its students. The ways alumni can get
Kimberly Morrison ’04
involved and participate in the life and
Melissa Cade ’05 ’07
success of WPU and our students fall into
Jamie Baggs ’06
five categories: Attending, Volunteering,
Elizabeth Timberlake Edwards ’07
Connecting, Giving, and Mentoring. Alumni
Rachael Rosenberg Buffkin ’08
who participate in all five categories of
Kirsten Jarrell Benzaquen ’11
alumni engagement annually become Star
Megan Hoffner ’11
Alumni.
Brittany Goodman Nelson ’11 Gale McCoy Wilkins ’11
Consider ways you can get involved and
Taylor Shaw ’12
participate by sharing your time and
Melissa Allen Manyatis ’13
expertise. From serving on the Alumni
John B. Cranham ’14
Association Board of Directors to mentoring
Cheniqua Lassiter ’15
students in the Pacer Partners Program, from
Ginny Taylor Mott ’15
acting as a social media champion on the
Christiane Newell ’15
Day of Giving to attending Alumni Weekend,
Deja Barber ’16
alumni engagement is fun, fulfilling and makes
Maya Bryant ’16
a world of difference!
Ozzy Peralta ’17 Deja Gainey ’20
For more information on alumni engagement
Michael McHale ’20
opportunities and how to become a Star Alumni, visit alumniconnect.peace.edu
25
Leigh Anne Sims Ivey ’12 Scholarship honors alumna,
daughter, wife, and friend By: Liz Lykins
L
eigh Anne Sims Ivey ’12 — a daughter, a wife,
Her family, friends, and extended family want her
a friend, a Peace alumna, and a coworker —
legacy and memory to live on.
how does one start to tell the story of who
she was?
To do just that, they courageously established the Leigh Anne Sims Ivey ’12 Scholarship Fund in
Is it by her appearance? She had chocolate brown
Fall 2021 at WPU. The scholarship is designated for
hair, timeless style, and a warm smile.
a junior or senior that is majoring in visual arts or a design-related field to ease their financial need.
Is it by her personality? Seemingly quiet at first, when
The student should contribute to
she opened up to someone
the WPU campus and surrounding
she could be hilarious. She was
communities through kindness and
thoughtful, compassionate,
compassion, like Leigh Anne did.
smart, and was full of adoration
Although not a specific criterion
for her Schnoodle, Frankie.
of this scholarship award, Leigh Anne’s family and friends intended
Or, is it by her work? A talented
to recognize and support students
Senior UX Designer at Red Hat,
who, like Leigh Anne, have a passion
Inc, she traveled the world for
for learning and using their talents
her job. She had an eye for
to give back and pay it forward to
design and was loved by her
those around them.
coworkers. “Our hope in establishing this memorial But, words can’t quite capture who she was. And
scholarship is that we keep Leigh Anne’s memory
now, Leigh Anne isn’t here to share her story.
alive. It will help to lessen the financial worry for a deserving student at WPU,” Sims said. “Her desire
A LEGACY AT WPU
to complete her degree program to ensure she
In January 2021, Leigh Anne passed away at
would acquire the best possible job opportunity
age 34 suddenly from a brain aneurysm rupture.
in her chosen field is what she would want for all
“Her life was cut short”, Celia Sims, Leigh Anne’s
students. She genuinely cared for others.”
mom, said. “Leigh Anne had become a successful and confident graphic design artist who was
Sims explained that WPU was where Leigh Anne
compassionate about those around her.”
first found her confidence — she found herself
at Peace. The scholarship is a way to help others find the confidence Leigh Anne found through the campus community and her classes. Leigh Anne first attended Peace in 2004; however, she felt unsure about what she wanted to study. After a photography class piqued her interest, she then transferred to Randolph Community College. She soon discovered she preferred the design aspect. Realizing how much she missed Raleigh, she enrolled in Wake Technical Community College to complete an associate degree in graphic
LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS
design.
Caroline “Cary” Allman Schmid ’08, vice president at McKeeman Communications, was the one who first
After two years of working in the field, Leigh Anne
suggested Leigh Anne go to Peace.
wanted to further her knowledge and career opportunities through a bachelor’s degree. She was
Schmid grew up with Leigh Anne — they were
drawn back to Peace. “It was at Peace that she was
neighbors, classmates, and bus buddies. In middle
able to prosper and be all she could be,” Celia said.
and high school, they bonded over a love of music and their unique sense of humor. They filled their
Leigh Anne was proud to have been welcomed back
teenage years with sleepovers, watching bad horror
and quickly dedicated herself to her studies — she
flicks and sneaking off to music shows.
was serious about being a successful designer after graduating. When she graduated, she worked first
Before high school graduation, Schmid suggested
at Ansibel, and then advanced to the role of Senior
that they go to Peace together and be suitemates.
UX Designer at Red Hat, Inc.
That first year they spent their time exploring Raleigh, studying and watching reality TV together.
“Realizing her full potential was made possible by all of her professors, instructors, and friends at Peace.” - Celia Sims “Realizing her full potential was made possible by all of her professors, instructors, and friends at Peace,” Sims said. “She was so very proud to have graduated from her first choice.”
However, Leigh Anne felt unsure about what she wanted to pursue. “She was still toying around with what she wanted to do. She was always a very artistic person,” Schmid said. Even after Peace, their friendship continued to grow. “She was the only person I could spend an hour on the phone with,” Schmid said. They still went to concerts together, had movie nights, porch happy hours and always laughed a lot. Leigh Anne would often text Schmid pictures of outfit ensembles asking for advice or if the style was too much. “She was an amazing dresser with fashion-forward, yet always classic outfits,” Schmid said. “She had a drive to continue to define her aesthetic in multiple aspects of her life.”
27
Leigh Anne wanted to use her style skills for
adventurous, hiking on the weekends and spending
others. She donated her time to Dress for
New Year’s Eve in a new place each year.
Success, a not-for-profit organization that empowers women through support, professional
One of the things that stood out about Leigh
attire and development tools. After her passing,
Anne was her style — she kept up with designers
Leigh Anne’s clothes were donated to the
and would travel to fashion exhibits. “She had
nonprofit. Outside of her volunteerism, she would
style for days and was always the best-dressed
use her design skills to make programs or unique
person in the room,” Ivey said. “The thing is, even
presents for others. She genuinely cared for those
though she was always dressed to the nines,
around her.
Leigh Anne hated attention and hated having her picture taken. It's funny how that all worked out.”
“I still struggle with her being gone today — her death came out of nowhere. I can’t go back and
Her love of style wove into her creative side. She
listen to her voicemails,” Schmid said. “When she
was a talented designer who always went the
passed, she was finally coming into her own.”
extra mile to do her work. In fact, it seemed to Ivey that at every stage of life, Leigh Anne had
ALWAYS OUTDOING HERSELF
some sort of internal drive pushing her to do
Leigh Anne’s husband, Richard “Rich” Ivey had
better.
seen Leigh Anne open up a lot since he first met her. He met Leigh Anne when she was 21 after two
“She always wanted to outdo herself and see
friends “set them up.”
how far she could go, I didn’t understand how she could be so driven,” he said. “She was kind and
Shy at first, he explained that when you got to
funny and smart and beautiful and hard-working
know her, she was hilarious and caring. “I thought
and way too humble to admit a single one of those
she was way out of my league. When we started
things.”
talking, though, it was nice and easy. We quickly became attached and inseparable,” Ivey said. He
CARING FOR HER COLLEAGUES
and Leigh Anne were married in 2013.
A Senior UX Designer at Red Hat, Inc., Leigh Anne worked at the company for five years. After her
Leigh Anne was just one of those people that
death, her coworkers compiled a presentation
took a while to open up. If you did get to know
filled with more than 40 quotes to show a glimpse
her, you would learn about the snow globe she
of the impact Leigh Anne had there.
collected from each place she visited, or about how her devoted Schnoodle, Frankie, followed her
The PowerPoint hoped to share the mark Leigh
to many of these destinations. Leigh Anne was
Anne’s presence made in the company and the
Left to right: WPU President Dr. Brian Ralph, Roger Sims, Celia Sims, Rich Ivey and Caroline Allman Schmid ’08
lives of those that worked there. Her colleagues
INSTILLING CONFIDENCE IN OTHERS
described her as kind, funny, and deeply caring to
While Lochlyn Gamble ’23 never met Leigh Anne,
those around her.
Gamble is the first to be impacted by Leigh Anne’s legacy. Gamble, a communications major with a focus
“She proved herself to be generous, thoughtful,
in graphic design, has a similar story to Leigh Anne’s.
insightful, genuine, and hilariously witty. There was
He started out his college career with a different
no subject that was off-limits just like there was no
degree and was unsure of his passion but found it in
task too large or too small for her to confront with
design.
her considerable talents. She lived the best of what we should all aspire to be,” said colleague Scott
In a previous semester, he dropped out of classes
Sellers. “She made me feel at home and drove me to
early due to difficulties from the pandemic and
be better through her relentless pursuit of excellence
finances. However, the Leigh Anne Sims Ivey ’12
and caring about others. I will forever hear that laugh
Scholarship made the decision to come back to
echo in my head and marvel at the size of her heart.”
campus so much easier.
Colleague Gretchen Miller explained she noticed that
“I would like to thank Leigh Anne’s family and friends
Leigh Anne carried herself with confidence and grace
for helping this transition and making this decision so
at work. “She knew herself and what she wanted.
much easier. Without the scholarship, I wouldn't be
She was determined, diligent and embodied the ideal
here finishing my education right now,” Gamble said.
characteristics of a teammate,” Miller said. “In the
“It means so much that I can keep learning and that I
days and years to come, I will remember her with
can help keep her memory alive.”
a deep sense of gratitude as she was a pinnacle example of the kind of person I want to be.”
Peace has helped Gamble find who he is and build his confidence. The support of faculty and staff have
Many of her colleagues noticed how Leigh Anne
helped Gamble through several difficult semesters
always went out her way to show appreciation and
and given him the confidence needed to persevere.
genuine care for them. “If I had to share one thing I learned at Peace, it “More than anything, what stood out to me is that
would be having confidence in myself. I was never
if you did anything, even the smallest thing, to help
the most confident in my work, I would always
her out in any way, she would make you feel like you
hesitate to show it,” Gamble said. “But now, after
just made a huge difference,” said Ruben Moreno,
working so closely with the professors and other
a colleague of Leigh Anne at Red Hat, Inc. “She was
students, I learned that there's nothing to be
always ready with an enthusiastic, genuine thank you
afraid of. You'll only move forward if you have the
and a smile.”
confidence to do so.”
29
From one generation to the next: WPU Legacy
Families
By: Liz Lykins and Jennifer Suarez, Director of Integrated Marketing
L
egacy families have long been a tradition at
of scholarships and aid, it was less expensive
WPU. You can find example after example of
for Crenshaw to attend WPU than UNC. So she
decades-long family ties to the University.
enrolled, earning her associate’s degree in Art
While a “Peace Legacy” has been defined as a
before transferring to UNC for a bachelor’s
student with a grandparent or parent who also
degree in journalism.
attended the University, many other stories of family traditions have emerged.
For her, it felt like home.
Stories that include shared college experiences
“What I ended up loving was the small classes
among daughters, mothers, and grandmothers
and how engaged professors were,” she said. “If
are now joined by mother and son experiences.
I missed French class, my professor would call
Both the current and former are influenced by
and ask if I was OK,” Crenshaw said. “And then
the culture on campus.
I got to Chapel Hill, where I was getting taught by a teacher’s assistant in a class of 400. I
Both find their home, their community, and their
appreciated Peace more after I left.”
courageous confidence at WPU. Here are two of their stories:
At Peace, Crenshaw was a yearbook advisor, editor of The Peace Times newspaper, helped in
MOTHER-SON LEGACY HIGHLIGHTS A GROWING
the Admissions Office, and participated in many
UNIVERSITY
other roles.
Tiffany Crenshaw ’91, who lives in Greensboro, “stumbled” into WPU in 1989. At the time, it was a
“Everything about Peace gave me confidence.
two-year program, known as Peace College, and
As a freshman, I was serving as a hostess,
most of the women who graduated went on to
giving college tours, serving at Board of Trustee
UNC-Chapel Hill. Crenshaw always wanted to go
meetings. Getting tapped for leadership before I
to UNC.
even got on campus was huge,” she said. “I don’t know where you can go to college as a freshman
“I found Peace by accident,” she said. “I took one
and have four or five leadership roles right away.”
step on campus and fell in love.” Today, Crenshaw is the owner and CEO of a Crenshaw’s mom was worried about the cost of
consulting firm that installs software systems in
private school, but when her financial aid packet
hospitals called Intellect Resources. Crenshaw
arrived, they had a surprise. With a combination
fondly recalls her time on campus, citing trips
to the beach, mixers on campus, and visiting
He’s very social — that’s his fraternity. He likes the
other universities. She’s still good friends with
small classes. Academically, he’s the most motivated
her classmates from WPU. In 2021, 13 of those
I’ve seen him.”
women took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina to celebrate their 50th birthdays. During her
When Crenshaw attended, no one had a phone in
sophomore year, she met her now-husband, Scott,
their room, and there was a switchboard operator.
who became an “honorary Peace girl.”
Everyone walked to a payphone in Finley Hall to make calls. Now, she visits campus, excited to see the
Now, she says, her son Foster is the honorary Peace
changes such as a Starbucks in the library.
guy. Tiffany Crenshaw said it’s “been special for us to The addition of men to WPU in 2012 also meant the
have that thing to share.”
addition of men’s sports. Soccer is what first drew James “Foster” Crenshaw to campus. His high school
MOTHER AND SON BOTH FIND THEIR HOME ON WPU
coach knew the men’s soccer coach on campus.
COURTS Ginger Shields ’77 remembers when Dr. S. David Frazier, the then Peace College President, recruited her to play on the school’s tennis team. His offer piqued her interest for several reasons: one: she was passionate about tennis, two: she was drawn to the close-knit campus community and three: she was awarded the second women’s athletic scholarship in North Carolina history to attend. With all of those, Ginger knew she had to go to Peace.
Tiffany Crenshaw ’91 and her son Foster Crenshaw ’25
Ginger soon found a home on campus and on the court. Playing on the team gave her confidence in “Soccer was the biggest factor, the coaching staff,”
her tennis skills on the court.
he said. After Peace, she went on to play at NC State and Foster said his mom’s experience “played a decent
then to coach tennis privately. However, Peace
factor” in his decision, but “she was supportive and
Athletics have always held a special place for her.
didn’t want to push.” Now, he’s found a home here, too. Little did Ginger realize that decades later her son “My mom lived in Ross on the third floor — and now I
would be involved in Peace Athletics like she was, but
live there,” he said. “I feel welcome; I’ve made a lot
this time coaching a men’s basketball team.
of friends here.” Claude Shields, Ginger’s son, fell in love with Foster is majoring in business administration and
basketball in high school and then played on the
plays on the soccer team, which just earned its first
Junior Varsity team at the University of North
title win in history.
Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, Claude found a job at a small, private school as a coach.
“Soccer was the catalyst for getting there,” Tiffany Crenshaw said, “but he just happened to like it. He’s
Years later, Claude’s high school coach, Kelly Johnson,
really enjoyed the camaraderie of the soccer team.
reached out to let him know of a job opportunity.
31
for Thanksgiving meals where they can hear his mom’s favorite memories or traditions at Peace.
(Left to right) Ginger Shields ’77 and her son, Claude Shields, WPU Men’s Head Basketball Coach.
Often, those traditions still exist at WPU — like the tale that new students will gain the “Freshman 15” from visiting Krispy Kreme so often.
Johnson was at WPU as the Athletic Director and
When Claude first came to WPU, he explained
Head Women’s Basketball Coach. However, he
that it was tough to be the first Men’s Basketball
explained WPU would soon expand to be a co-
coach as he had to recruit the whole team. Age
ed university, meaning it needed a new coach to
24 at the time, he wasn’t much older than the
create and run a men’s basketball team.
players he recruited.
Johnson thought Claude was the perfect fit for
Now, Claude is entering his 10th season. In 2019-
the job.
20, the team had their best record yet, finishing 2nd in the East Conference. Additionally, in
Claude excitedly agreed to join in 2011. “I couldn’t
2014-15 Claude was named USA South Athletic
have imagined coaching here — the same school
Conference Coach of the Year. He also serves as
my mom went to,” he said.
Interim Athletic Director at WPU.
Since he’s joined, he’s found a second family at
“It’s been amazing to see the team and the
WPU.
players grow each year,” Claude said. “Each year I get to see players find confidence in themselves,
“It was humbling as a son to coach where my
whether it’s through the court or the classroom.”
mom went,” Claude said. “People still say to me ’Oh you’re Ginger’s son.’ It’s neat to see that the
And for Ginger, she’s ecstatic to see him at her
small community WPU had when my mom was
alma mater. Having Claude coach has allowed her
there is still here today.”
a first-row seat to watch WPU grow.
Claude said his family connection to WPU
“I love it, I love having him coach at Peace,”
enables his players to be connected to the rich
Ginger said. “I am his number one cheerleader at
history of WPU. He often invites players over
games.”
Believe in Peace In 2017, WPU launched the Believe in Peace Strategic
best possible educational experience. One that will
Plan to successfully promote the University’s growth
equip them with the knowledge and skills to become
and impact, and solidify its place as a distinctive
courageous and confident, transforming their
leader in higher education throughout the region.
passion into purpose.
This plan was developed by the University
We want to celebrate the progress made on this
Community to ensure that WPU students receive the
plan in the last five years.
INITIATIVE
Immersive Learning
RESULT
• I n Spring 2020, WPU established the Center for Immersive Learning (CIL) in part by the generosity of Clancy & Theys Construction Company. The CIL engages students through hands-on experience in an active, realworld environment. WPU students have had immersive experiences such as studying contaminated catfish, interacting with wildlife in Mexico, creating governments in a statecraft simulation, and more.
Innovative Partnerships
• WPU and Wake Technical College have partnered for the program Transfer2Success. The Transfer2Success program allows students to complete their first two years at Wake Tech before finishing their degree at WPU. • WPU entered a partnership with Meredith College to create an accelerated program for students seeking both an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. • The WPU Offices of Advancement and Student Life partnered to create The Pacer Family Program to promote student success by engaging parents and families in the student experience while providing an open communication forum for parents and families. As part of this effort, the WPU Family Portal (wpu.campusesp. com) was launched to keep families up-to-date on current University news, events and announcements via the online portal and regular email communications.
Strategic Growth
• The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was created to further WPU’s commitment to provide support, advocacy, training and education and community building events and programs for WPU students, faculty and staff. In Spring 2021, Leah Young was hired as Director of the Office of DEI. • The WPU Campus Master plan was developed in partnership with ODELL and Stewart and is a bold vision for the future of the University campus. The plan will be fulfilled over roughly a 20-25 year time period pending enrollment growth and philanthropic support. • WPU has launched several new bachelor’s degree programs including Interactive Design, ESports and Gaming Administration, and Human Resource Management, complementing WPU’s 30+ other majors. Additionally, Athletics expanded with the additions of Lacrosse, Track and Field and Swimming. • Even in a pandemic, WPU’s commitment to students was evident. Retention strategies lead to the highest First-Year to Second-Year retention rate in at least the last 30 years.
Distinctive Identity
• WPU established a new marketing plan to further develop and distinguish our identity as a nationally ranked, award-winning educational institution.
33
From star Peace basketball
player to Speech Language Pathologist in Saudi Arabia: Ronnie Laughlin ’78 By: Liz Lykins “It was the best year of my life,” said Ronnie
“It was a glorious year.” Laughlin said.
Laughlin ’78. “Where would I be had I not gone to Peace?”
Laughlin experienced many “firsts” during her time on campus — her first time traveling by herself,
Laughlin, a native of Gibsonville, loves looking back
living with someone in a dorm, making friends with
at her time at WPU.
people from different backgrounds, and more.
Her decision to attend led to one of the most
“My time at Peace taught me how to be independent and work with a team of people from diverse backgrounds.”
influential years of her life. Laughlin was first drawn to Peace to play collegiate level basketball. Almost six feet tall, Laughlin played in high school at Eastern, and her team had been runner-up in the state her senior year. Her high school coach, Debbie Yow, recommended Laughlin continue shooting hoops at Peace College. Peace’s scholarships and academic opportunities sealed the deal of Laughlin’s decision to attend. Laughlin thrived on the successful basketball team.
- Ronnie Laughlin ’78
The 1976-77 Women’s Basketball team, with an overall record of 20 wins versus only eight losses, was the
Laughlin said,“It taught me confidence to move
runner-up in the 1977 Association for Intercollegiate
through places and experiences you don’t know. I
Athletics for Women National Tournament. Its final
learned how to be confident in situations I wasn’t
national ranking, second, is the highest for any
sure how to tackle.”
Peace College team in any sport. The team was selected as the inaugural inductee into the Peace
After Peace, Laughlin followed the team’s head
College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.
coach, Nora Lynn Finch, to North Carolina State
Ronnie Laughlin ’78, No. 54, plays on the
Ronnie Laughlin ’78, back row fifth from the left, stands with the 1976-
1976-77 Women’s Basketball season.
77 Women’s Basketball Team. The team was inducted into the Peace College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.
University, where she studied speech Language Pathology (SLP). She then went on to receive her master’s degree in SLP from Louisiana State University. Laughlin later worked in Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, and most recently Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as a speech language pathologist. She has worked in the Middle Eastern coastal town for 11 years. “There is a need for SLP’s in Saudi Arabia,” she explained. “And I experience so much gratitude in taking a child that has difficulty communicating and giving them the ability to communicate.” When Laughlin moved to Jeddah, she explained that it took time to adjust to the culture. She had
“Peace played such an integral part in my life. The least I could do is donate a few dollars every month. I am so grateful to be part of Peace history.” - Ronnie Laughlin ’78
to navigate different clothing styles and learn how to shop in open markets around daily prayer times. Some of her abilities to navigate the differences in Jeddah stem from her time at Peace. Peace College was the first place she learned how to courageously interact with different cultures and backgrounds. Now, Laughlin continues to be involved with WPU as a monthly sustainer. WPU Monthly Sustainers can give in an easier, cost-effective, and convenient manner. As a sustainer, Laughlin wants to help students have
BECOME A WPU MONTHLY SUSTAINER Becoming a Sustainer makes giving easy and is cost effective, convenient, and efficient. You will receive less mail, fewer phone calls, and your bank account won’t feel the weight of a lump sum gift. Making a sustaining gift is a purposeful decision – reduced paper and postage costs allow WPU to be better stewards of natural resources, as well as your gift. To learn more, visit peace.edu/give.
experiences like hers.
35
Leah Young grows Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on campus By: Liz Lykins What does Leah Young’s, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), job include? • Countless DEI student events • Monthly book clubs • Daily one-on-one student discussions • Leading staff and faculty DEI training • Running Diversity Educators Engaging PEACE (DEEP): A Peer Educator Program … to name just a few of her many tasks.
L
eah Young has had her hands full since she
DEI is a part of the five-year-old Believe in Peace
started her role at WPU in January 2021.
initiative. DEI refers to ethnicity, race, age, gender, ability, and religion, country of origin and more.
Previously serving as the Assistant Director for
The initiative is focused on developing events and
Student Transition and Success at NC State
programs for WPU students, faculty and staff
University, Young came to WPU to both serve
that provide opportunities for support, advocacy,
students and grow WPU’s emphasis on DEI. She
training and education and community building.
works to ensure the DEI Office provides a place for support and affirmation of the diversity in
Because of WPU’s intimate campus size, Young
WPU’s student body.
believes she can bring concentrated growth to the campus. Her office is able to serve and
“I want to distinguish WPU in its DEI efforts,”
intersect with multiple identities at once, she
Young said.
explained. Normally, larger universities have offices for each identity; however, at WPU these identities can collaborate and come together.
“I want WPU to truly and courageously embody diversity and respect.” - Leah Young
Young has been doing this through a variety of methods, like hosting student events. “I take an intersectional approach to events,” Young said. “For example, I hosted an event for Indigenous People’s Day in October. The event featured a queer, transgender, two-spirit, indigenous artist. Their music was able to impact and reach multiple identities.”
Peer Educator Program. ent members of DEEP: A Leah Young poses with stud
WPU thanks First Horizon Bank for their investm ent in DEI at the State of the Univ ersity Address in Novemb er 2021.
Providing DEI for students, faculty, staff, and parents Leah Young is working on a variety of tasks to promote and teach DEI on campus. Here’s a look at what she is doing: DEEP: A Peer Educator Program • Young has revised and expanded Diversity Educators Engaging Peace (DEEP) at WPU, thanks to an investment from First Horizon Bank. Currently, seven students are a part of the program. The program allows students to represent the DEI office, host DEI events, and facilitate student learning opportunities on campus.
DEI student events • Young has worked with students to host numerous events on campus. Events have included topics such as Our Culture is Not a Costume, What’s in a Name: How Identity Labels Help and Challenge the Unity of the Latinidad, National Coming Out Day, and more.
Daily one-on-one student discussions • Young wants to be able to meet with students one-on-one to listen to them hold conversations on DEI. She wants to be authentic and open with students to help them as they explore what they believe and their identity.
Monthly Book Club • Young hosts a monthly book club for WPU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. In the Fall semester, the book club read books focused on Latinx Heritage Month, LGBTQIA+ History Month, and Native American Heritage Month.
DEI Strategic Plan • Learn more about the Office of DEI at www.peace.edu/student-life/diversity-inclusion.
37
Young’s passion for DEI started with her mom.
The supervisors and teachers around her helped
Young described her mom as courageous,
her to see how she would be a great fit for this
thoughtful, strong, considerate and caring for
career path. She remembers one advisor, a Black
others. Her mom’s example prompted Young to
woman, who taught her the power of being a
take interest in social justice. “I strive to make
role model for her identities. She inspired Young
her proud,” she said.
to strive to be a model for students at WPU, showing them how to be confident and what
When Young attended James Madison University,
they can accomplish.
she studied social justice and family studies. She had planned to study these to be a lawyer, but
After her undergraduate studies, Young went on
college experiences shifted her career plans.
to receive a Master of Science of Education at Old Dominion University.
Her extracurricular activities, like working in the Office of Admissions, the Center for Multicultural
When reflecting on her college experiences,
Student Services and the residence halls, showed
Young wants to remind students that college is a
her that she had a passion for higher education.
time to explore.
She found a love for providing support for students. “On campus, you can explore what you believe, She realized her experiences set her up for
figure out who you are, and learn to be
a career on a college campus working in
confident,” Young said. “Life doesn’t look like this
social justice areas. “I love working in higher
after college. So take advantage of the college
education. I love connecting with college
events and networking. Step outside of your
students and providing them with support and
comfort zone.”
representation,” Young said.
First Horizon Bank Invests in WPU’s DEI Initiative First Horizon Bank announced last summer an investment in WPU’s DEI program. This gift will support the newly created Diversity Educators Engaging Peace (DEEP) program. The DEEP Program is a peer education program for WPU students who will serve as ambassadors for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), supporting the office’s initiatives, programming, workshops and activities. First Horizon’s gift will provide professional development opportunities for students to expand their understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion issues that impact their community. In its first year, the program aims to cultivate at least eight DEEP student leaders. “At First Horizon, we integrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into our everyday culture and daily operations to ensure success for all our employees. We are proud to support WPU’s program to expand the DE&I efforts amongst the campus and its students,” said Laura Bunn, Triangle Market President, First Horizon Bank. The University and First Horizon Bank investigated funding opportunities that support both institutions’ missions as well as their joint vision of life-long learning, a focus on meaningful careers, and skills for ethical citizenship for students. Visit peace.edu/news to keep up with future partnership investments into our University community.
WPU Alumnus finds success as
professional actor
M
By: Liz Lykins
elvin Gray Jr. ’16 was determined to be a
He remembers he was a bundle of nerves before the
doctor. In high school, he had taken medical
first performance. The cast’s support boosted his
preparatory courses. At WPU, he diligently
confidence to go on stage. While singing and looking
studied biology. He was set up perfectly for medical
out at the audience, he had a moment of realization. He
school — then his plans were suddenly cast in a
loved what he was doing. He loved providing audiences
different direction.
with the opportunity to be immersed in a show.
Gray is now a professional actor and performer who
“I found I fell in love with theatre and wondered ’Can
has been part of Broadway-caliber productions.
I make this a thing? Can I make this my career?’” he said. “It makes me so happy.”
Gray’s career
Melvin Gray Jr. performs as Adrian in Theatre Raleigh’s production of “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” in 2021.
plans started to
After that, Gray switched his major to Theatre with
shift his freshman
a minor in Psychology. He kept auditioning to be on
year at WPU when
stage. At WPU, he was in a total of nine plays and
he decided to
musicals. One of his proudest accomplishments was
audition for the
in his senior musical “American Idiot.” Gray landed
campus Glee club.
the lead, a role that traditionally plays guitar while
He had never
singing. Gray had no previous experience playing the
sung in front of a
instrument but was determined to learn it. He took
crowd before, but
lessons daily and successfully sang and strung during
he wanted to try
the performances.
something new.
When the audition results came back, he got in.
Gray started his involvement in professional theatre his senior year. After graduation, Gray had the
“No one knew little Melvin could sing,” he explained.
opportunity to be part of Broadway-caliber shows at
“It was a shock to people that I had a voice.”
theaters like North Carolina Theatre, Broadway Series South, and Kennedy Theatre. Gray has even been
Peers in the club encouraged Gray that he had
part of an exclusive six-person Broadway workshop
a talented voice and that he should continue to
in New York City. He has also been a part of several
perform. Gray decided to audition for the musical
short films based in the Triangle area.
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” in the fall of his sophomore year.
Gray explained that being a professional actor takes thick skin. “It’s a tough gig to make it in. It comes
Gray landed a role in the musical and found himself
down to networking and people skills at the end of
immersed in a new environment. “I wasn’t used to
the day,” Gray said. “You have to find the courage to
theatre culture, I was just a biology major that could
push through the no’s and find success.”
sing and kind of dance,” he said. “It took courage for me to step into this new element.”
To give to WPU’s theatre program, visit peace.edu/give.
39
The Return of Theatre at WPU By: Emily Freer ’22, WPU Student writer for The Peace Times
C
OVID-19 brought the theatre community
Musical, Red Badge of Courage, and Zombie
to a halt all over the world, including the
Prom. These shows rely on tight-knit ensembles,
WPU Theatre. Although theatre students
and push students to cultivate new skills such as
were able to continue their training in classes,
learning how to play soccer, learning how to do
they were not able to perform in main stage
a pony step, and learning the art of the Suzuki
shows for a full year. The 2021-2022 school year
Acting Method, which enables actors to build
welcomed theatre students back to the stage.
awareness of their body.
Amy Pridgen, associate professor of theatre and
Multiple performances had sold out audiences,
musical theatre at WPU, said she is overjoyed to
and were reviewed by notable critics in the
see the return of theatre.
Triangle. Dustin K. Britt, who writes for Chatham Life and Style, a theatre
“There have been
review publication, said
valiant efforts
that WPU students
across the theatre
got the job done in
community (WPU
their production of
included) to keep
“Working.”
theatre going safely: solo shows, virtual
“The show’s greatest
plays, drive-in theatre
asset is its performers.
with quarantined
William Peace University
actors,” said Pridgen,
continues to serve
“But, I think we'd all
as one of the area’s
admit none of it has
most effective training
compared to being
grounds for emerging
in an actual theatre
theatre artists,” Britt
with a group of actors
said.
and a live audience. The energy in that
Not only are shows
environment is unbeatable. We're finally getting
returning, but also Masterclasses with WPU
that back and it feels incredible.”
Alumni. Both DJ Curtis ’17 Abbe Fralix ’15 worked with students in the fall. Curtis, a Portland-
The 2021-22 WPU Theatre season includes
based actor, said that coming back to Peace
performances such as The Wolves, Working the
and being able to work with students was a joy.
watch them grow.
Every student who stepped on that stage arrived with bravery and they were attentive and took risks. They all had gorgeous voices and each sparkled in their own unique way. We truly got to go on a journey in each piece.
“Every student who stepped on that stage arrived
- DJ Curtis ’17
He was inspired by their passion and grateful to
with bravery and they were attentive and took risks,” said Curtis, “They all had gorgeous voices and each sparkled in their own unique way. We truly got to go on a journey in each piece.” Senior bachelor of fine arts (BFA) Musical Theatre major Davyous Melvin is thrilled for theatre to be returning his senior year. He has been cast in multiple productions since his first year at WPU, and was raring to be back on stage.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Student Playwright Festival
September 16-17, 2022 in Leggett Theatre Cinderella
November 9-13, 2022 in Kenan Auditorium Antigone
March 23-26, 2023 in Leggett Theatre “I’m glad theatre is back cause that’s pretty much what I’ve been doing my entire life,” said Melvin. “Theatre is my passion so its being back helped
WPU Pops Concert TBA
April 18, 2023 in Leggett Theatre
revive my life.”
41
WPU Alumnus designs flight simulations for Italian company By: Liz Lykins
T
ommaso Villa ’20 spends his days in
Born in Varese, Italy, Villa moved to North Carolina
Italy designing flight simulations for
when his dad received a job in the state. He
helicopters.
moved before the start of his senior year of high school and had to adjust to a new school while in
As a software developer at Alten Italia, Villa
an unfamiliar culture and language.
creates simulations that can save lives. For example, his simulations allow firefighters to
When Villa graduated high school, he felt
enhance their flight skills in a digital environment.
unsure of his next steps. He decided to enroll in Wake Technical Community College to explore
To create these simulations, his team creates
simulation and gaming design. Villa had an
digital 3D environments to reconstruct scenarios
interest in the field as he loved video games —
pilots might encounter,
they gave him a way to stay connected with his
like forest fires. The
friends in Italy.
team also has to create the helicopter with
While at Wake Tech, Villa heard about WPU’s
controls that mimic
Simulation and Game Design (SGD) program. WPU
its movements. Villa
and Wake Tech partnered for a degree initiative
specifically helps to
that guaranteed Villa admission to WPU’s SGD
integrate all of these
program while transferring many of his Wake
elements together.
Tech credits.
By creating these simulations, Villa feels he can
That program and WPU’s campus environment
help save lives.
encouraged Villa to transfer his junior year.
Villa found his passion in simulation design
Villa embraced the small, close-knit community
at WPU. He graduated in 2020 with a major
he found at WPU. He remembers he often would
in simulation and game development while
grab lunch with professors like Roger Christman,
obtaining a 4.0 grade point average.
Department Chair of Art, Communication, and Simulation and Gaming Design. He felt like he had
“I love gaming and design simulation because it
a second family on campus. Along with that,
is essentially useful art,” he said. “It’s something
Villa’s classes taught him necessary skills for his
people can interact with.”
career.
Since Villa was at WPU, the University has expanded its SGD program. In Fall 2021, WPU launched two new bachelor degree programs: Interactive Design and ESports and Gaming Administration, complementing the 30+ other majors offered by WPU. These two new degrees complement the current major of Simulation and Game Design, which WPU has offered for the past eight years. Students in all of these degree programs experience an immersive approach to learning. In Fall 2021, WPU also invested and opened a brand new ESports lab in the basement level of Ross Residence Hall.
In an immersive learning course, Villa gained hands-
recommends everyone try a sport in college.
on experience with Virtual and Augmented Reality.
“College is not just learning in books but is about
In the semester-long course, students created an
learning through experiences and interacting with
interactive demonstration app. The project taught
other people, like in tennis,” he said. “Tennis helped
him both technical and team skills.
me meet new people and find my confidence to open up.”
Villa stretched his critical thinking skills through philosophy and magazine writing courses. In a
After Villa graduated, he started a job at Milestone
resume-building course, he found the courage to
S.r.l in Italy where he worked as a Software Tester.
apply and interview for jobs.
In his role, he tested the quality of simulations and games for bike racing. “It was a good and very fun
“The knowledge I have now is thanks to WPU.” Tommaso Villa ’20
first job,” he recalled. Now, Villa is passionate about his current job at Alten Italia creating flight simulations for helicopters. To him, the simulation industry is fascinating. “Each aspect of it could take a lifetime to learn,” he explained. He enjoys working in his home country, as well.
While at WPU, Villa also played on the tennis team.
Though, Peace helped him to find a second home in
He loved his time on the team so much that he
the United States.
43
Announcing the 2021
Bingham Award for Campus Excellence Winners By: Elizabeth Edwards ’07
I
t is without a doubt that the faculty and
As a result of the Binghams’ passion and
staff at WPU truly make the WPU experience
generosity, the two established the Bingham
exemplary. Each day, through their daily
Award for Excellence Endowment Fund in
work in departments across
December 2005. Today, this
our campus, WPU employees
honor continues the tradition
give much of themselves to
of awarding WPU employees
benefit our institution and
in
our students while owning a
meritorious
vital role in moving the entire
in serving students, alumni,
community forward.
benefactors, and the greater
recognition
of
their
performance
civic good. The
past
three
years
have certainly shown the
Nominations
importance and strength of
by fellow faculty and staff
our faculty and staff and it’s
based on traits of excellence
an honor to announce this
in their colleagues’ work at
year’s recipients.
are
submitted
the University. Employees are
Josh Hawkins
nominated in the categories of BINGHAM AWARD FOR CAMPUS EXCELLENCE
Customer Service, Efficiency and Innovation,
AWARD HISTORY
Civic Engagement and the Spirit of Peace.
Former
Peace
College
President,
Laura
Carpenter Bingham ’77 (1998-2010), along
2021 AWARD WINNERS
with former First Man Warren Louis Bingham,
There were many deserving WPU employees
experienced
dedication
nominated
exhibited by Peace faculty and staff. And it
ultimately,
was the Binghams’ belief that the talents and
President Brian Ralph, Ph.D. and the WPU
resolve of university employees determine the
Senior Leadership Team, nine members of
excellence of the institution and, as such,
the WPU community were presented with
these faculty and staff are the soul and
the award during the University’s Virtual
spirit of Peace.
Spring Campus Opening.
firsthand
the
for
this
after
honor
in
2021;
deliberation
but
among
THE 2021 BINGHAM AWARD FOR CAMPUS EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:
• Ellie Barker, M.A., Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving (Awarded for Customer Service, Efficiency & Innovation) • Jenny D’Amato ’13, Administrative Assistant, Academic Affairs (Awarded for Customer Service) Jenny D’Amato ’13
Jaquan Holley
• Jill Gattone, RN, M.Ed., University Nurse (Awarded for Customer Service) • Josh Hawkins, MBA, Human Resources Consultant (Awarded for Customer Service) • Jaquan Holley, Technical Support Analyst (Awarded for Customer Service, Efficiency & Innovation) • Mindy McDowell, LCMHCA, Assistant Director of Counseling and Disability Services (Awarded for Efficiency & Innovation, Spirit of Peace)
Robin Vincent
Ozzy Peralta ’17
• Ozzy Peralta ’17, Director of Athletic Communications, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach, Men’s Soccer Recruiting Coordinator (Awarded for Customer Service) • Annie Price, Director of Advancement Services (Awarded for Efficiency & Innovation, Spirit of Peace) • Robin Vincent, M.Ed., Associate Professor of Education (Awarded for Spirit of Peace)
On behalf of the entire WPU community, congratulations to each of this year’s award recipients. We are grateful for all that you contribute to the success of (Left to right) Jill Gattone and
(Left to right) Ellie Barker and
Mindy McDowell
Annie Price
our University and our students.
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Remembering alumni and friends who have passed before us Blanche Renn Patrus ’36
Judy Davidson Lineberger ’70
Martha Longest Tuttle ’39
Dorothy Jean Folley ’72
Josephine Beatty Chadwick ’43
Frances Elaine Clontz ’73
Elizabeth Tatum Flinsch ’43
Candace Anne Tongue ’73
Rosa Moore Murray ’44
Carol Folley Prevatte ’74
Doris Baggett Jones ’45
Carolyn Beth Howell Brady ’75
Elizabeth “Betsy” Rauhut Taylor ’45
Laura Marian Craven Overbey ’76
Dorothy Keel Woodworth ’45
Patrice Pisinski Angle ’78
Sabra Baumann Barker ’48
Tracy Frances Gibson Knight ’79
Lucille McGowan Diener ’49
Kathryn Miller Landoli ’79
Mary Moody Morris ’49
Lisa Greene Bevell ’81
Mary Elizabeth Walker Taylor ’49
Ann Mizelle Speck ’83
Mary “Bunny” Brown ’51
Caroline Boyer Steed ’83
Dorothy “Dot” Currin Jordan ’51
Leigh Eckard Stiles ’83
Elizabeth Law Clemons ’52
Cynthia Vargas Mayes ’85
Mavorine Faircloth McLeod ’52
Wade “Wendy” Smith Winstead ’86
Martha Black Carpenter ’54
Christin “Maria” Waters Minchew ’89
Patricia Harris Spencer ’54
Julie Dawn Morgan Dominique ’97
Dixie Grey McEwen Tuton ’54
Loretta “Lori” Rose Bray ’05
Anne Byerly Allen ’55
Leigh Anne Sims Ivey ’12
Joan Elizabeth Brown ’55
Sean A. O’ Driscoll ’17
Lillian C. McIver ’55
Dolores Marie Primm Blackwood
Treasure Gordon Willis ’55
Elizabeth “Betsy” Clement
Ruby Hines Proctor ’56
Lucille Sauls Evans
Joann Williams ’56
Lee McLane Greene, Sr.
Glenda Ruth Lowe Bunker ’57
Walter Jackson “Jack” Hester
Faye Leonard Sasser ’58
Nathaniel Winthrop Hiscoe
Faye Lunette Ozment Jones ’59
Richard “Rick” Erik Jenkins
Martha Elizabeth Clark Sullivan ’59
Rachel Chesson Manning
Alice Johnson Packard ’60
Van “Buddy” Nichols Peace
Frances “Fran” Elizabeth McCaskill Ward ’60
Penny “Pemberton” Slade
Miriam Johnson Dorsey ’64
Keith Stewart
Linda Lucas Hague ’65
Charles McKimmon Winston
Jeanie Menius Myers ’66 Jane Purcell Thames ’66 Sharon Stimpson Wells ’67 Beverly Hayes Allen ’69 Lynda Ann Turner Earp ’69
Please notify WPU of the passing of alumni by contacting the Office of Advancement at advancement@peace.edu or 919.508.2586.
CLASS NOTES Emily Banegas Barry ’16 is currently a class of 2025
in Indiana for 55 years. She has been an active
Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry candidate at Tufts
advocate for people with disabilities for years and
University School of Dental Medicine.
was awarded the Superintendent Award for being an Educational Surrogate for Foster children in
Kirsten Jarrell Benzaquen ’11 and Katherine
Special Education. She has two sons, one daughter
Benzaquen (below) welcomed their first child, Owen
and two granddaughters. She would love to hear
Charles Benzaquen, on November 12, 2021.
from Peace friends. They can find her on Facebook. Martha Davis ’12 will marry Christian King on April 30, 2022, in Manteo. Ashley Dyson ’16 got engaged to David Robinson ’17 after eight years of dating in August 2021. Brie Dorsey Hardy ’14 married Isaiah A. Hardy in downtown Raleigh on August 16, 2021. Anne Christopher Britt Kemp ’11 and her husband welcomed their first child, Margaret Currin Kemp, on
Stephanie Averitt Browning ’01 and her husband,
August 17, 2021.
Jody, adopted their second child, Owen Michael Browning on April 1, 2021.
Ashley Freeman Keravuori ’14 (below) met her now husband, Andrew Keravuori, the summer going
Elizabeth Sneeden Bumbacher ’60 currently lives
into her senior year at WPU. Andrew was a senior
in Illinois. She has two grandsons in college and
at North Carolina State University at the time,
her granddaughter is a Junior in high school. She
but that didn’t stop them from making memories
volunteers at a local hospital and plays Bridge
together on Peace’s campus. She remembers
occasionally. She would love to hear from any 1960
dragging him along to the campus events and
Peace graduates. Alumni can find Elizabeth on
games. They have always lived close to Peace and
alumniconnect.peace.edu.
every time they drive by (even to this day) Andrew never fails to remind her of all the long nights
Stephanie Lilley Cooke ’10 welcomed a daughter,
that were spent in the library studying together.
Lilley Hannah, on November 1, 2021.
Because of the special place Peace holds in her heart, Ashley took her bridal portraits on campus.
Haylee Damato ’13 got engaged to Charles Michael Uzzell, III on September 26, 2021 at Topsail Island. Their wedding is planned for October 29, 2022. Mason Davenport ’08 was promoted to the position of Registrar at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. St. John’s is a small, liberal arts college that reminds Mason of Peace — bricks and all! Linda Livermore Davis ’66 and her family have lived
47
Brittany Lynn ’10 married Bradley Pope (below) on
Jillian Pollock ’07 attended an accelerated Bachelor
October 16, 2021, in Lillington.
of Science in Nursing program at Winston-Salem State University in 2011. Her father passed away in October that year, the week after she found out she was accepted into the program. She earned her nursing degree in 2013 and has been employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a hospital setting for eight years. Currently, she is working as an RN at various COVID vaccination/testing sites around North Carolina. She credits her education at Peace College for affording her these opportunities in both her career and life choices. Hannah Ericksen Thomas ’19 (below) married her husband, Christopher Thomas ’17, in March 2021. A few months before this, they welcomed their son, Grayson, into the world.
Tildsley Clifford McManus ’08 has started the new position of Communication Manager for Legacy HealthCare Services Corporate Office in Raleigh. Brenna Mickey ’10 was promoted to Senior User Experience Designer at Vitalsource Technologies, an ed-tech company located in Raleigh. Outside of her job, this year she finished her 5th-semester teaching as an adjunct design instructor at WPU and is currently assistant coaching the Athens Drive Women’s Basketball team in a successful season. The team is currently ranked #25 in the East with a 12-3 record.
Dustin Walker ’17 (below) is currently working for Broadway Inbound, the group and wholesale
Aneisha Montague ’13 and her wife, Olivia Montague,
ticketing agent for Broadway and Off-Broadway
welcomed their son, Luca Davis Montague, on March
shows. In this role, he regularly works with domestic
13, 2021. He weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces when born.
theatre-goers and international tourists to fulfill their dreams of seeing live theatre. Additionally,
Brittany Goodman Nelson ’11 was married to John
Dustin got engaged to the love of his life, Reid
Nelson (below) on November 20, 2021, in the presence
Conlon, in January 2021. They will be married on
of friends, family and her fellow Peace College Alumni.
July 2, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.
WPU Demographics Fall 2021
UNDERGRADUATE
Majors & Minors American Ethnic Studies | Minor
Hispanic, of any race
12%
Black (Non-Hispanic)
27%
Alaska Native/Native American 1%
Anthropology | BA, Minor Arts Administration | BA Biology | BA, BS, Minor Business Administration | BS, Minor
Asian/Asian American
2%
Non-Resident Alien
1%
Two or More Races
6%
Unknown/Not Reported
1%
Criminal Justice | BA, BS
White (Non-Hispanic)
51%
Criminal Justice | Minor
Business Analytics | BS Chemistry | Minor Communication | BA, Minor
Elementary and Special Education (K-12) | BA Elementary Education (K-6) | BA English | BA, Minor 60%
Environmental Studies | BA, Minor
50%
Esports and Gaming Administration | BA
40% 30% 20% 10%
Exercise and Sport Science | BS, Minor
MALE
46%
FEMALE
Forensic Science | Minor History and American Studies | BA, Minor
54%
Human Resource Management | BS Interactive Design | BA
0
Interdisciplinary Studies | BA Leadership and Management Studies | Minor Marketing | BS, Minor
TOTAL WPU ENROLLMENT - 742
Middle School Education | BA Musical Theatre | BFA
• Traditional Undergraduate First-time Full-time students - 128
Political Science | BA, Minor
• One Year Retention rate for Traditional Undergraduate First-
Pre-Law | BA
time Full-time students - 77%
Psychology | BA, Minor Religion | Minor
Traditional Undergraduate Average Age
20
School of Professional Studies Average Age
35
All Average Age 23
Simulation and Game Design | BA Sport and Fitness Studies | BA Sport Management | Minor Theatre | BA, Minor Women’s Studies | Minor Writing | BA, Minor
#6: 10 most diverse colleges in North Carolina 2020 (HomeSnacks.net) #5 Best College Location in NC (Niche) #4 Best Undergraduate Teaching in the South (US News & Education 2020) #1 Best Game Design College in NC in 2020 (Universities.com) #4 Regional College South (Us News & World Reports)
PARTNERSHIPS: • Campbell Law: 3+3 Accelerated dual degree program • Wake Technical Community College partnership: Associate in Applied Science • WPU, Meredith College 5-Year Accelerated MBA Program
To learn more, contact the Office of Admissions by visiting peace.edu/admissions.
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Makayla Cook ’22 finds
success at WPU By: WPU Student Jordyn Prince ’25 and Liz Lykins
M
akayla Cook ’22 distinctively remembers
a place where she could grow professionally,
being at an awards ceremony at her
personally, and meet her goals.
hometown high school in Fayetteville.
She remembers as other students’ names
As soon as Cook was accepted to WPU, she
were announced for award after award, she
knew that this was the time and place to
didn’t receive any. Cook knew it was time for a
become an involved and dedicated member of
change.
the community. Since her freshman year in 2019, she has taken on numerous leadership roles,
She viewed herself as a hard and dedicated
becoming a campus leader and role model.
worker and felt disappointed with herself for not engaging in activities or events that garnered
Cook has served WPU as a First-Year Resident
success while in high school.
Assistant, an Admissions Ambassador; a Peace Times newspaper Editor-in-Chief; a campus
“Even though I was proud to have graduated
tutor, a Student Government and Programming
high school a semester early while working
Association Spirit and Traditions Coordinator;
part-time… I was a little
and in a work study job in the Communications
disappointed,” Cook said.
Department. On top of this, Cook recently
“All I had to show for
worked at Truist as an Adobe Experience
my three and half years
Platform Intern. She also assisted WPU in its
there was my consistent
Quality Enhancement Plan: Building TILEs, which
placement on the honor
is a five-year initiative to increase student
roll and working outside of
creative problem-solving and collaboration
school. Although those are,
abilities.
in fact, things that I can be proud of, I wanted more.”
“I decided that when I got to college, wherever I went, I would be as involved as I could,” Cook
Things changed when Cook made the decision
said. “When I walk across that stage this time, I
to attend WPU.
know that I won't have any regrets and that I'll be beyond proud of what I've accomplished.”
Cook was initially drawn to WPU for the “small but fierce” campus. She saw professors who
Cook was born and raised in Fayetteville. With
didn’t just care about her performance in the
not much to do in the town, she explained that
classroom but genuinely cared for her. She saw
all she could do in high school was work. While
“I wish that I could do a comparison of Makayla before WPU and Makayla after to really embody how WPU has built my courage and confidence,” Cook said.
all her friends were out partying and having fun in their free time, Cook was behind the sandwich counter of Jimmy John’s, serving up sandwiches to customers day in and out, or in the bright pink store Justice, with little girls asking her about the latest clothing items. Cook's mother had the greatest influence on her while growing up. Cook grew up with two older sisters 15 and 17 years older than her and a brother six months younger than her. She was raised by a single mother who was always there for her when she needed her most. Her mother encouraged her to do her best and to always stay positive. Those pieces of wisdom still echo in Cook’s mind
“WPU provides so many different valuable experiences and opportunities for you to practice your skills that it's almost impossible to leave here without confidence and courage.” - Makayla Cook ’22
as she now works to complete her degree at WPU. She wants to do her best in her studies and extracurriculars. Cook explained that before WPU she was timid At WPU, Cook is majoring in communications and
when it came to public speaking and interviews.
minoring in leadership and management studies.
Now, WPU has given her a huge boost in knowing
Cook hopes to one day be the head of her own
who she is and what she has to say.
marketing firm. Cook credits her professors, her immersive “I wanted a major that’s more open. You could do
learning experiences, the honors programs,
a lot with communication. So just in case I wanted
and her leadership experiences for this growth.
to switch careers later on in life, I didn’t want to
They have helped provide her with the tools to
be restricted,” Cook said.
be a “well-rounded, confident, and courageous student.”
WPU has developed in her the confidence that she can reach her career dreams, no matter the
In her free time, Cook loves to draw, decorate
struggles she may face along the way.
cakes and take photographs.
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Have you registered for Peace Alumni Connect? You can be connected to alumni from across the decades when you join Peace Alumni Connect! The site allows you to: search for alumni and classmates, read alumni stories, share news and announcements, network with alumni in your field, register for events, mentor students, and so much more.
No matter where you are, stay connected to your home at Peace. Register today at alumniconnect.peace.edu.
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 | 919.508.2586. William Peace University is accredited to award baccalaureate degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, creed, color, or 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, staff, and to the administration of educational policies.