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Black History Month – The Wesleyan Way: Darayon Moore ’21

James Rogers, a Kentucky-born, long-time Las Vegas resident, is leaving a legacy through the generosity of the Rogers Foundation. From 2016 through 2023, the Rogers Foundation has helped nearly 100 Las Vegas students attend Kentucky Wesleyan through the KWC Rogers’ Fellow Scholarship. The scholarship covered full tuition, room, board and textbooks, and is renewable for four years. Darayon Moore ’21 knows the benefits of the Rogers’ Fellow Scholarship first-hand; she received the scholarship from to 2016-2021, when she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. 

Darayon was born and raised in Las Vegas and attended the Andre Agassi Prep Academy (now known as Democracy Prep Academy), where she graduated as valedictorian in 2016. With encouragement from her advisor, she applied for the Rogers’ Fellow Scholarship and was invited to visit KWC for an interview. “Everyone was very welcoming during the interview process,” said Darayon. “I knew nothing about Kentucky but fell in love very quickly.” Darayon was offered a Rogers’ Fellow Scholarship and eagerly accepted her spot in the second class of Fellows.  

Kentucky Wesleyan College recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program for ninth straight year

Online Business Administration Degree Program again earns national recognition

Kentucky Wesleyan College’s online bachelor’s degree program has earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report for the ninth straight year as a 2024 Best Online Program. Wesleyan’s online business administration degree program also earned recognition as a Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Program in the 2024 rankings.

“Our online degree programs are the perfect fit for students who seek to earn their degrees and advance in or change their careers,” said Lindsey (Adcock) Crowe ’02, KWC’s director of online learning. “We want them to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams, and we offer convenience, flexibility and affordability along with the same personal attention and encouragement our on-campus students experience.”

Kentucky Wesleyan to host Black History Month event with American Chemical Society

The Kentucky Wesleyan College Chemistry Program and the Indiana-Kentucky Border Section of the American Chemical Society will host a reception and panel discussion on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. in Rogers Hall at the Winchester Center. The reception will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the panel at 7 p.m.

Melissa Moore, programming coordinator for the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Evansville, will lead the discussion of educational career experiences, mentorship and overcoming obstacles to success. Panelists include Dr. Isiah Warner, professor emeritus from Louisiana State University, Dr. Aleeta Powe, associate professor at the University of Louisville and Dr. Deon Miles, professor at University of the South.

Kentucky Wesleyan Band and Choir to present joint concert – “Leap of “Faith”

The Kentucky Wesleyan College Band and Wesleyan Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Stuckemeyer and Professor Dennis Jewett respectively, will present a joint concert, “Leap of Faith,” on Feb. 29, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Jack T. Wells Activity Center.

Dr. Stuckemeyer said, “Works from Vaughan Williams, Kirchner, Reinecke and Grantham will surely sooth the soul as we celebrate our faith through music, word and song.”

The concert is free and open to the public.

Black History Month – The Wesleyan Way: Tory Stanley ’10

Tory Stanley is many things. 

He’s a husband, a son, a friend, a Big Brother and a mentor. 

He is a diehard Louisville Cardinals fan, a member of Raider Nation, a Chicago Cubs fan, a Lakers faithful and a dog dad to Champ, his five-year-old pit bull. 

Tory Stanley is a CPA, a senior manager, an athlete, a native of Radcliff, Ky., and a proud alumnus of Kentucky Wesleyan College. 

In 2006, KWC’s then-Defensive Coordinator Brad Rzyczycki made a recruiting trip to Central Hardin High School in Radcliff. There he met Stanley, a defensive back, and sold him on Kentucky Wesleyan College. 

“I remember he showed up in an all-purple jumpsuit,” said Stanley. “That got my attention. Then he sold me on the location, not being too far from home but far enough, the close-knit community, and finally, the opportunity to play.” 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day – Danielle Roe ’10

We are pleased to feature Danielle Roe ’10 as we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 7. In true Wesleyan Way fashion, she honors a significant mentor in her life, another KWC success story.

We are honored to celebrate you as a great representative of KWC’s female athletes, past and present, and we would love for you to share memories of your experiences at KWC.
As an African American woman, I felt a sense of family and community despite any cultural barriers in the world. It was a tough transition going from a predominantly Black high school to being one of the few Black women on campus at the time. KWC opened doors for all of us to grow together as different ethnic groups. 

I remember having a season-ending knee injury and many on campus were so helpful and gracious to me. It was a challenge moving around campus in a wheelchair and on crutches. I will forever be grateful for that Southern hospitality. 

I could write a book on how I truly walked in boldness and used my voice at KWC, but I will keep it brief. I arrived at KWC as a junior college recruit. I had two years under my belt as an athlete, so I did know a few things: how to ask the right questions (including hard questions) and being willing to learn who you truly are by just saying ‘hello’ to someone and starting a conversation.

Being a female athlete at KWC prepared me for a competitive environment after I graduated that forced me to be a forever student. I learned the art of patience and communication.

Kentucky Wesleyan College to Host Reception & Panel to Honor National Girls & Women in Sports Day® Feb. 7

Kentucky Wesleyan College will be celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD™) on Wednesday, Feb. 7 along with hundreds of other organizations across the country. Current female student-athletes are encouraged to wear their jerseys that day and everyone is encouraged to wear pink to show support.

The College’s celebrations include a variety of programming throughout the day, including: 

– Giveaways for the current female student-athletes from the Office of Philanthropy 
– Celebrating former student-athlete alumnae on the @kwcalumni social media channels 
– Campus Ministries will be offering some special touches at their weekly Chapel @ 12:12 service in the Jack T. Wells ‘77 Activity Center (3300 Frederica St.) 
– J’s Good Grub will be on campus from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and will be open to the public

The highlight of the day will be a NGWSD Reception & Panel at 4 p.m. in Tapscott Chapel in the Barnard-Jones Administration Building. It is open to the public and complimentary desserts will be provided. Registration and further information can be found at www.kwc.edu/ngwsd.

Black History Month – The Wesleyan Way: Jaylin Bross ’25

KWC junior Jaylin Bross ’25 has the distinct honor of being the first active student to be featured by the KWC Alumni Association during our Black History Month: The Wesleyan Way features. Check out the story of this influential young leader!

Jaylin Bross arrived at Kentucky Wesleyan in the fall of 2021 from Louisville, Ky. Here he has found a home, a family and a purpose. He came here with one goal, to play football. But once he arrived, Jaylin quickly learned that at KWC, the opportunities for more are right in front of you. He made the choice to go for more.  

Black History Month – The Wesleyan Way: Steven Peyton ’87

To borrow a “Star Trek” saying, Steven Peyton ’87 has gone where no Kentucky Wesleyan graduate has gone before with a career at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).  

The Hardinsburg, Ky., native can best be described as exceptional and rare.  

Peyton said, “After graduating with a bachelor of science in business administration from KWC in 1986, I decided to stay in Owensboro and worked at UPS and Modell Sporting Goods.  

“During this time, I applied for a position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in September and received notification that I had been accepted for a position in Washington, D.C., beginning in January 1987.

Kentucky Wesleyan to host Shepard Brass Quintet recital

Kentucky Wesleyan College will host a free recital by the Shepard Brass Quintet on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in Tapscott Chapel at the Barnard-Jones Administration Building.

Shepard Brass, founded in 1999, is named after Wesley Shepard, past director of bands and chair of the University of Evansville Department of Music. The brass quintet has performed at the Indiana Music Education Association Conference, International Trumpet Guild Conference and most recently at the 2023 University of Evansville Brass Festival at Harlaxton College in England.  Members include Timothy Zifer, David Jarrett, Rebecca Salo, Kenneth Steinsultz and Patrick Stuckemeyer.

The program includes works by Victor Ewald, Anthony Plog and Paquito D’Rivera.