From the Dean

Friends,

Warm greetings from the Wilson College of Textiles. Fall has finally arrived in Raleigh bringing cooler temperatures to the area. But it also brought some very welcome traditions, including Red and White Week, the Textile Alumni Tailgate and Textile Bowl. It was wonderful to welcome home so many members of our extended Textiles family Nov. 3 and 4, even if the football game didn’t go our way. Visitors, friends and returning alumni, thank you for making the trip and spending some time with us. Much of our strength resides with you and your continued commitment to the College.

I’ve had the distinct privilege of visiting other alumni and friends this semester in smaller settings. Along with leadership from the North Carolina Textile Foundation, I’ve traveled to Atlanta, Charlotte and Greensboro for alumni events. We also had a wonderful and scenic VF Corporation-hosted gathering in the Empire State Building in New York City in September. I value these opportunities to get to know folks a little better and am proud to share some of the great things happening at the College with those in attendance. I encourage you to join us when the opportunity presents. Be sure to check the NC State Alumni Association website for upcoming events.

If you were at the Tailgate or the Textile Bowl, you may have spied Mr. and Ms. Wuf decked out in Pack Plaid, NC State’s new official tartan. We are so proud of alumna Kathleen Kelly ’14, who designed the tartan when she was a graduate student. Kathleen is featured in this installment of our newsletter along with news about the achievements of other alums, our students and faculty.

You’ll also read about Ellen Rohde, who recently finished her term as president of the North Carolina Textile Foundation. Ellen made a $1.2 million gift to the Foundation to establish an endowment that aims to provide students at the Wilson College of Textiles with the type of impactful leadership training that helped her become the first female division president in VF’s history. We are so grateful to Ellen for this generous support. On Nov. 10, Ellen passed the NCTF gavel to one of our treasured alums, Charles Heilig ’92, who recently was promoted to president and CEO, Parkdale Textile Division, Parkdale Mills, Inc.

As we approach the season for gathering to give thanks, please know that I appreciate each of you and the many ways you support our College.

Dr. David Hinks
Dean, Wilson College of Textiles