Union News

2022 was eventful in many ways, and a welcome return to a relative uneventfulness in others. With Covid’s effect on campus much more limited, the University settled down over the past year to a much-appreciated level of pre-2019 normalcy. But that didn’t mean the 12 months weren’t outstanding and noteworthy. Far from it. From leading the pack in socioeconomic improvement to celebrating another national title, over the past few days on social media we’ve been highlighting the University’s many successes during the past year.

In case you missed it, here are 10 of the top Wingate stories of 2022:

No. 1 in social mobility

The University is doing its part to close the social- and economic-mobility gap. Early in the fall semester, a pair of college watchdogs independently ranked Wingate among the best in North Carolina – and No. 1 in the Charlotte region – at promoting social and economic mobility and serving low-income and minority students.

Fall sports success

Wingate Bulldogs have had more and more success on the national stage in recent years, but this fall we might have outdone ourselves. Individually, Julia Kekkonen won the NCAA Division II triathlon nationals, the second consecutive year the winner has been a Wingate Bulldog. From a team perspective, five other squads made their national events: men’s cross country (second at nationals), volleyball (Elite Eight), men’s soccer (round of 16), women’s cross country (23rd at nationals), and women’s soccer (qualified for the national tournament).

Honors college

Wingate’s successful Honors Program made the move this year to an Honors College. Now, qualified high school seniors can apply to the Honors College as soon as they are admitted to Wingate, rather than waiting until partway through their freshman year to be nominated. They can also live in the University’s newest dorm alongside other honors students, and have access to expanded research and travel opportunities.

Fundraising records

The Wingate community always comes together during One Day, One Dog, but lately we’ve been feeling the love more than usual. In 2022, you went above and beyond, and we’re forever grateful. Just over 1,000 donors gave 1,064 gifts totaling a whopping $304,527. That money went to help 65 areas of campus. One Dog indeed.

Chief diversity officer

In October, Dr. Dana Patterson joined Wingate as the University’s chief diversity officer. Patterson brings 20 years of experience in diversity and inclusion and student success to Wingate, where she will help ensure that the University continues providing an educational environment that serves a diverse array of students.

Gateway scholarship expansion

Wingate has strengthened its commitment to those for whom a college education had seemed like a pipe dream. The Gateway Scholarship, founded three years ago to give SPCC grads an affordable way to get their bachelor’s degree, was expanded to Stanly Community College last year and Central Piedmont and Richmond community colleges in 2022.

Echols stays here

The last time Wingate failed to win the Echols Athletic Excellence Award, current Wingate freshmen were toddlers. By taking the 2021-22 crown, the first awarded since 2019, the Bulldogs have now claimed the past 14 Echols Awards, which annually go to the top overall athletics program in the South Atlantic Conference. Be proud, Bulldog Nation!

Campus enhancements

Campus construction and renovation projects continue to provide a better experience for students. New to campus is an indoor hitting facility, which should be open any day now. And a few places have undergone facelifts: Einstein Bros. Bagels has been reimagined, the EKS Library’s stacks are now more study-friendly, the Belk Stadium fieldhouse has been renovated, and the football field has a new artificial-turf surface. And next time you’re on campus, check out the new Sports Hall of Fame wall in the Cannon Complex.

Philanthropist of the Year

Wingate has had some incredibly generous benefactors over the years. Four of the most consistent and generous – Leon Levine, Charles Cannon, Porter Byrum and Irwin Belk – inspired the University to establish a Philanthropist of the Year award. The inaugural winner is actually a couple: Liz and Joe Patterson.

Cheerleading national title

Wingate’s cheerleaders do more than just encourage the Bulldogs and motivate the crowd. They compete as well. The squad took it to another level in the spring, taking first place in the College Game Day division at the National Cheerleaders Association Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Original source can be found here.