Red Oak United Methodist Church has deepened its longstanding commitment to ذكذكتسئµ by establishing the Endowed Scholarship, creating a lasting investment in students pursuing their educational and vocational calling.
Established in honor of The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Simpson, pastor of Red Oak United Methodist Church and Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at NC Wesleyan, the scholarship reflects the congregation’s dedication to supporting students with a passion for ministry, faith-based service, and leadership.
ذكذكتسئµ the Scholarship
The endowed scholarship will provide perpetual financial assistance to traditional students from Eastern North Carolina who are minoring in Religious Studies or who demonstrate a strong interest in ministry, faith-based service, or church leadership. Recipients must also demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and exemplify leadership, community involvement, and strong academic progress.
The new endowment is the latest chapter in a relationship that has quietly flourished over many years. Red Oak United Methodist Church has consistently supported NC Wesleyan’s mission, cheering on the University through its involvement in campus initiatives, including sponsorship of the University’s annual Rock the Mount welcome events that greet new and returning students each fall.
The History of the Partnership
That partnership grew even stronger following this year’s Battling Bishops Brunch, NC Wesleyan’s annual scholarship appreciation and fundraising event. Originally reimagined two years ago from the University’s traditional scholarship luncheon, the brunch celebrates scholarship donors while encouraging new investments in student success. The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church has proudly served as the event’s Gold Sponsor since its inception.
Inspired by the stories shared during the brunch and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, several members of Red Oak United Methodist Church met with representatives from NC Wesleyan’s Advancement Office to learn more about scholarship opportunities. Their conversations led to an extraordinary commitment not only to establish an endowed scholarship that will support students for generations, but also to create an annual scholarship that can begin helping students immediately.
“Supporting students has always been an extension of our ministry,” said Rev. Dr. Robert W. Simpson. “We wanted to extend Christ’s mission by supporting young people seeking higher education through religious studies and by investing in students who feel called to ministry, faith-based service, and servant leadership. Our hope is that this scholarship will help remove financial barriers while encouraging students to use their education to serve others and make a lasting difference in their communities.”
The endowed scholarship will become part of ذكذكتسئµ’s permanently restricted endowment and will be invested according to University policy. Scholarship awards will begin once the fund reaches the University’s minimum endowment requirements and has been invested for the required period. The scholarship is designed to be renewable, ensuring continued support for deserving students.
As a United Methodist-affiliated institution, ذكذكتسئµ remains committed to providing a transformational education that prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact. Through partnerships like this one, the University continues expanding access to higher education while honoring its faith-based heritage.
Individuals wishing to contribute to the Red Oak United Methodist Church Endowed Scholarship may make gifts of any amount through the ذكذكتسئµ Office of Advancement, helping ensure the scholarship continues to grow and serve future generations of Battling Bishops.
A Legacy of Friendship: New NCWU Endowed Scholarship
ذكذكتسئµ (NCWU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix, a permanently restricted endowment created by alumnus Daulton West, Jr. ’72 (listed in official paperwork as Henry D. West, Jr.). The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Martin “Marty†Sarra ’68, while also recognizing the lasting impact of beloved campus figure Rachel T. Dix, longtime namesake of the University bookstore.
This new endowed scholarship reflects what NC Wesleyan is built upon: relationships, tradition, and the deep bonds that form within the Bishop community and last long after graduation.
The scholarship will support junior or senior students of any major, with preference given to students employed in the , who demonstrate academic achievement or financial need, and who exhibit strong personal character. Students may be domestic or international. Once the endowment reaches the University’s required minimum funding level, the scholarship will be awarded annually and is renewable in accordance with University guidelines.
“This scholarship is about more than financial support,†said West. “It’s about honoring people who made our lives better and remembering the moments that made Wesleyan feel like home.â€
A Homecoming Tradition “Like No Otherâ€
The scholarship’s origin is rooted in a cherished NC Wesleyan Homecoming tradition shared by West and his close friends beginning in the early 1990s. Each year, West reunited with Marty Sarra and Brian Richardson for a weekend filled with Homecoming activities, camaraderie, and the University’s alumni golf tournament. A few years later, Phillip Boone ’70 joined the group, completing the foursome that would continue their tradition for nearly three decades.
One of their most meaningful stops each year wasn’t on the golf course — it was inside the .
On Saturday mornings during Homecoming, the friends made it a point to visit the bookstore, pick up new Wesleyan gear, and spend time catching up with “Miss Rachel.†For them, it became one of the most special parts of the weekend.
“Our visits with Rachel were always memorable,†West shared. “We looked forward to seeing Rachel every year, and she looked forward to seeing us too, always welcoming us with open arms, and a big smile on her face.â€
Honoring Marty’s Commitment and Character
Marty Sarra’s dedication to this annual tradition was unmatched. In later years, he famously made the long drive from Canada each year to return to Rocky Mount and play in what many know today as the Wesleyan Cup Golf Tournament, simply because the weekend—and the friendships tied to it—meant that much to him.
West said Marty’s presence brought something special to everyone around him.
“Marty was a dear friend for life,†West said. “All our lives were better because he came our way.â€
A Scholarship Rooted in Service and Memory
By centering the scholarship around students who work in the bookstore, West hopes to honor Rachel Dix’s spirit of kindness and connection, while also supporting today’s students who balance employment with academic responsibility.
The Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix will be invested as part of NCWU’s permanently restricted endowment and awarded in perpetuity. In accordance with University policy, the scholarship will be awarded once the fund meets the required minimum endowment level. Annual scholarship amounts will follow NC Wesleyan’s endowment payout guidelines.
A Call to Celebrate Bishop Friendships
NC Wesleyan hopes this scholarship will inspire alumni and friends to reflect on the people who shaped their college experience—and to consider honoring those memories through giving.
This new scholarship serves as a reminder that the Wesleyan experience does not end at graduation. It continues through friendships, traditions, and the people who make the campus feel like home.
Those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, or establishing an endowed scholarship of their own, are encouraged to contact the NC Wesleyan Office of Advancement.
To learn more about giving opportunities at NCWU, visit ncwu.edu/give.
EasyFlyers Establishes Annual Scholarship at ذكذكتسئµ
ذكذكتسئµ (NCWU) is pleased to announce the creation of the EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship, established through the generosity of EasyFlyers, a global company recognized for its work in transportation and logistics solutions. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a Wesleyan student majoring in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.
As a leader in the movement of goods, materials, and critical shipments, EasyFlyers Logistics understands firsthand the growing demand for professionals who are well‑educated in supply chain systems, distribution strategies, and logistics technology. By supporting students in this field, the company is helping prepare future industry leaders who will drive efficiency, innovation, and reliability across global transportation networks.
“Supporting students pursuing supply chain management is a natural extension of what we do,†Nichol Ally, President of EasyFlyers USA shared. “Today’s logistics environment requires talent with strong analytical skills, practical problem‑solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We believe Wesleyan students will help shape the future of our industry.â€
At ذكذكتسئµ, scholarships are typically created with the long‑term goal of growing the fund through additional contributions, ensuring that students can rely on ongoing support throughout their academic journey. The EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship will follow this model. Recipients will be selected each fall in the academic year, however contributions to the scholarship fund are welcomed year‑round in order to expand the award’s impact.
Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Mark Hinson, noted, “Scholarships like this do more than reduce financial barriers – they open doors for students to enter high‑demand career fields that power our regional and national economy. We are grateful to EasyFlyers for investing in our students and their futures.â€
EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship
The University looks forward to celebrating future scholarship recipients and strengthening its partnership with EasyFlyers in the years ahead.آ If you would like to contribute to the , visit our or you can also give at ncwu.edu/donate and follow link to our GiveCampus Donation website, type “EasyFlyers†in the designation field to select the scholarship fund.
