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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16 UCW FEBRUARY 12-18, 2014 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Methodist University's Loyalty Day is rooted in a tradition of local support older than the school itself. Before the then-named Methodist College opened to its first class in 1960, community leaders gathered pledges and donations from the local community for a small, private, liberal arts college that would be built in Fayetteville. For most years as far back as 1968, Loyalty Day has been an annual community fundraising event for Methodist University. This year's Loyalty Day will be Feb. 25, and the goal is to raise $150,000 for student scholarships. "Loyalty Day was born out of the commitment for annual support made by the community when Methodist was established," said Krista Lee, MU's director of the Annual Fund. "Since then, businesses and individuals have come together annually to celebrate and support Loyalty Day as an investment in our community's future." This year's Loyalty Day chair is Tim Richardson of First Citizens Bank. Being a member of the United Methodist Church, Tim grew up knowing about Methodist University being a key component of the Church's North Carolina Conference. It wasn't until Tim moved to Fayetteville several years ago that he gained an appreciation for the cultural and educational attributes Methodist brings to the community. "I am honored to serve as the 2014 Chairperson of Methodist University's annual Loyalty Day fund drive for student scholarships," Richardson said. "Very few places can claim institutions like Methodist University as a part of their community. Our financial commitment for a strong student body supports Methodist University continually growing as a cultural, educational and economic jewel in the community." "Loyalty Day is so much more than giving money. It is about getting out into the community and talking to people about Methodist," stated Ramon Yarborough, who is a long standing member of the Board of Trustees at Methodist University and a faithful supporter of Loyalty Day. Louis Feraca, a 23-year resident of Fayetteville and owner of US Logoworks, first began volunteering for Loyalty Day in the mid-Nineties. "I first volunteered for Loyalty Day to give back to my customer, Methodist University, but soon found that I was also helping Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Methodist University is a shining example of an organization on a quest for excellence. Be it students, teachers, associates, or the local economy, whatever they touch is improved." With more than 95 percent of Methodist University students receiving financial aid, many students would not be able to attend without scholarships like the ones funded through Loyalty Day. The university devotes over 29 percent of its budget to tuition assistance for students. "Loyalty Day is rooted in a longstanding tradition of community support, and it provides an opportunity to highlight the promise we make to every new student who comes through our gate that he or she will receive an exceptional education. We are grateful the community is enhancing our 'culture of excellence,' as there has never been a great university without a great community," stated President Ben Hancock. For more information on Methodist University's Loyalty Day, call (910) 630-7200 or visit methodist.edu. Loyalty Day: A Methodist University Tradition by KRISTA LEE KRISTA LEE, Director of Annual Fund, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. Meet me at the VILLAGE! Group Space by Reservation. 3037 A Boone Trail Extension 910.484.4515 or 910.849.4454 Look for us at these Events: • Wedding Showcase Feb. 23, Botanical Gardens • 4th Friday, Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m. SkyView on Hay Save This Date: Customer Appreciation Day Saturday, March 8th Cake Tasting • Tea Tasting Valentine's Day Baskets ready for your sweetheart. OPEN MIC NIGHT Friday, February 21st, 7-11 p.m. Loyalty Day goes back to Methodist University's beginnings.