Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Methodist Wraps Up Another Transformational Academic Year by DR. BEN HANCOCK lence, both on and off campus," said President Hancock. "Signature people like The annual display of blooms and blossoms on campus proclaims it is still spring, but anyone at Methodist University will tell you it is almost summer. The Al Cleveland foster excellence, and see to it that signature programs and facilities continue to emerge on campus." academic year is finished, with exams ending this week and commencement this While many schools slide into a sleepy summer, Methodist will see continued Saturday offering an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of 197 cangrowth and construction, with projects in high gear for the coming fall. Beyond didates for graduation at the 50th Annual Spring Commencement. improvement projects, there is a new spirit in the Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, commanding officer air, an electric current empowering the MU comof the XVIII Airborne Corps, will deliver the community to bring the "Culture of Excellence" to mencement address. a new level. The feeling has spilled over, to the "We are pleased to welcome Lt. Gen. Allyn as many friends and partners of MU, who illustrate our commencement speaker," said President Ben their commitment through increased engagement Hancock. "Based on his leadership experience and transformational contributions. and record of exemplary service Following the March 2012 announceto our country, Lt. Gen. Allyn will have a very ment of a $5 million scholarship contribution powerful message to share with MU students and from Harvey T. Wright II 70, former chair their families, as well as faculty and of the board of trustees, and his wife, Mary staff members." Fermanides Wright 68, Methodist announced Prior to the commencement ceremony, the Rev. two additional endowments in the last acaDennis Goodwin will deliver the baccalaureate demic year, each for $1 million. Most recently, sermon at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Jason A. Williams 98, founder of FastMed In a special presentation during the ceremony, Urgent Care, endowed four professorships. In the university will present Al Cleveland, current Although the academic year has come to a close, Methodist University September 2012, the university announced a $1 board member and past chair of the Board of continues to foster a culture of excellence. million endowment from the estate of Richard Trustees, with an honorary Doctor of Humane and Etta Aiken Butler for two scholarships. Letters. Cleveland is a senior partner at McCoy, The best is yet to be because signature people, Wiggins, Cleveland & O'Conner PLLC, where programs, facilities and partnerships will advance the univerhe has been practicing for more than 50 years. As well as serving as a member sity. Collectively, these efforts enable Methodist to deliver on its of the Methodist University Board of Trustees, Cleveland served as chair from promise to engage, enrich, and empower its students, who will 2005 to 2008. According to President Hancock, the University's commitment to creating and sustaining a "culture of excellence" is a byproduct of Cleveland's ultimately become transformational leaders. For more information, visit methodist.edu or DR. BEN HANCOCK, President of Methodist guiding vision for the university. "In adopting the phrase, 'culture of excellence,' Al Cleveland has energized the call 910.630.7000. University,Contributing Writer. COMcommunity, generating a desire to take our institution to a new level of excelMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Congratulations Kristy Sykes Good Morning Fayetteville with Goldy & Jim W Weekday Mornings 6-10 a.m. on your college graduation! We are proud of your accomplishments and extend our best wishes for a bright and exciting future. From your Up & Coming Weekly Family Talk Line: 910-864-6400 Local News, Weather, Traffic & Sports 14 UCW MAY 8-14, 2013 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM