Relive the 42nd Annual Textile Bowl Weekend Through Photos

This fall, Wilson College of Textiles alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends immersed themselves in a whirlwind of school spirit during Red and White Week — NC State’s annual homecoming celebration.

That excitement hit an all-time high during the week’s grand finale: the 42nd annual Textile Bowl football game where the NC State Wolfpack faced off against the Clemson Tigers. The roar of the crowd at the Carter-Finley Stadium was deafening as the Wolfpack triumphed in a 24-17 win, which brought the Textile Bowl trophy back to its rightful home at NC State. 

Created by the North Carolina and South Carolina Textile Manufacturers Association, the Textile Bowl has brought NC State and Clemson together since 1981 to mark the culmination of Textile Week in the Carolinas. In the early 80s, both schools were among a dozen U.S. universities that offered textile degrees. 

Since then, the Textile Bowl has evolved to shine a brilliant light on the Wilson College of Textiles — now the sole institution devoted to textiles in the United States. A transformative gift from the multi-generational Wilson family in 2018 has firmly secured the perpetual existence of the college, ensuring its enduring legacy.

“I take the most pride in the Wilson College of Textiles during the Textile Bowl, and not just when we beat Clemson at home,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “Our remarkable alumni never cease to amaze me with their passion and energy. That’s why we developed Wilson for Life, a program that intentionally provides support for every Wilson College student and graduate throughout their lives.”

This year, the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the college, hosted three lively events on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 in honor of Textile Bowl Weekend.

Wilson College of Textiles Open House and Kickoff Reception, Oct. 27

The weekend began with a spirited bang as guests mixed and mingled at the Wilson College of Textiles Open House and Kickoff Reception. 

During the event, they had the opportunity to visit tables hosted by the Advanced Textiles Association, the Southern Textile Association, the Zeis Textiles Extension, eTextile Communications (eTC), Phi Psi Textiles Fraternity, and the Textile Technology and Engineering Society. 

Michael Ward, executive director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation, shared brief remarks before guests were invited to tour the Wilson College of Textiles with student ambassadors.

Classroom Without a Quiz, Oct. 27

No scantrons or textbooks were needed during this engaging event. 

During the first 30-minute Classroom Without a Quiz lecture, Assistant Professor Bryan Ormond ’07, ’12 discussed the impact that forever chemicals, formally called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have had on firefighters. 

Found in various coatings and fabrics, PFAS chemicals make products resistant to heat, oil and water, but they also have been linked to cancer and other health issues. Ormond’s presentation opened the eyes of event attendees to the dangers associated with these contaminants. He also explained how the college’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) is tackling those challenges to ensure firefighters have the protective performance they need without unnecessary exposures.

Following that presentation, Associate Professor Andre West spoke about the innovative Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE), which he leads as the unit’s director. Over the past 10 years, ZTE — which was named by two of the college’s most passionate supporters, Steve and Frosene Zeis — has furthered the careers of over 6,000 industry professionals by offering top-notch training, credentialing and badges. West also introduced the audience to the brand-new Flex Factory, which is the college’s state-of-the-art makerspace and hub for entrepreneurship.

Textile Bowl Tailgate, Oct. 28

Before making their way to Carter-Finley Stadium, more than 150 spirited fans donned their favorite Wolfpack gear and attended the college’s annual Textile Bowl Tailgate.

“I take the most pride in the Wilson College of Textiles during the Textile Bowl, and not just when we beat Clemson at home. Our remarkable alumni never cease to amaze me with their passion and energy.”

— David Hinks, Ph.D.
Dean, Wilson College of Textiles

Special guests, including Mr. and Ms. Wuf, the NC State cheerleading team and the drumline, stopped by to join in the fun and take photos with alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the college. 

“At this year’s Textile Bowl, I was especially grateful to see so many alumni making the trip from states far away and hear how some of them were using our Textile Bowl Tailgate to reconnect with fellow alumni,” says Dean Hinks. “This passion for connection makes the Wilson College one of the most engaged colleges at the university according to my NC State Alumni Association colleagues! I hope that makes all our alumni feel deep pride.”

To learn more about staying engaged with your fellow alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the Wilson College of Textiles, click here.