There’s no thriving University without a vibrant and prosperous community, because we are the community and the community is us.

 

Our fates are intertwined and inextricably linked.

The CCG, under my directorship, was a tangible expression of Wingate University's mission --

to be a Lab of Difference Making.​​

Ultimately, the CCG was about engaged, planetary citizenship. It was about working together in service of the common good.

 

And in this spirit I am passing the torch to a new director and team selected by Wingate Administration. I am excited to retire from this and look forward to the new directions they take this institution. I intend to work more 'boots' on the ground to help promote vibrant communities rather than being in an official Administrative capacity. 

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Final Thoughts and Accomplishments for My Directorship:

 

• Designed and managed the operation and growth of the Wingate Farmers Market, one of the only campus-community collaborative and incubator markets in the nation. Four seasons -- 180% increase in attendance in 4 seasons & created entrepreneurship incubator

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• In 18 months, increased campus use of free store by 400% (4500 students) and secured over $90,000 in in-kind donations. Hundreds of pounds of food diverted from landfill

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• Fostered a Knowledge Democracy by launching an online series of white papers -- 34 published since 2020 helping partners track impact and secure grants

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• Designed three community-wide ROOTS summits, each engaging over 100 stakeholders, resulting in actionable recommendations shaping degree and community programs​

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• ​Organized 2023 campus-community day of service, driving a 48% student participation rate in over 50 events involving 14 community stakeholders -- inspiring record breaking donation generation ($380K)

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• Supported over 34 high impact Service Learning and Community Engagement classes involving over 53 stakeholder organizations since August 2022

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• In October 2024, mobilized over 200 athletes from across campus to participate in a walk with over 150 people from within our local IDD community, showing solidarity for those battling breast cancer

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Highlights of My Tenure...

Cultural Leadership Internship Program

Service Learning Fellowship

Weekly Wingate Farmer's Market

Wingate Community Garden

Paws on Pages - Tiny Library

Chalk it up to Love - School Supply Program

MidWeek ReFuel Snack Program

Student Food Security Surveys

High Impact Undergraduate Course Development & Implementation

ROOTS Summits

Conferences, Gatherings and Lyceums

ALIEN - Outdoor Leadership Program

Zen Room - Interfaith Space on Campus

Social Media Internships

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