Celebrating Textiles Scholarship Donors and Recipients in Style

There was no shortage of excitement on April 25 when individuals entered the Duke Energy Hall at NC State’s James B. Hunt Jr. Library. 

With over 135 guests in attendance, the energy in the room during the 2024 Wilson College of Textiles Scholarship and Endowment Dinner was contagious. Friends who hadn’t seen one another in years hugged warmly while students chatted happily — the thought of their upcoming finals a world away. 

Everyone gathered that evening to celebrate and honor the extraordinary generosity of donors who had created life-changing scholarships for students.

Through the generosity of Wilson College donors, more than 140 students have received scholarships in 2024 to supplement the costs of their world-class textiles education.

“Our college’s visionary donors are truly transforming lives, and for that, I am deeply grateful,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “The goal of scholarships is two-fold. First, to attract the best talent into our college and, ultimately, the United States textiles industry. Second, to provide affordable access to high-potential future leaders who might otherwise not attend college or would graduate saddled with debt that would hamper their success in the future.”

During this special event, guests heard moving remarks from key leaders within the Wilson College of Textiles community.

• David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles and the Cone Mills Distinguished Professor of Textile Chemistry
• Michael Ward, executive director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF)
• Nancy Webster ’75, president of the NCTF Board of Directors 

“Nothing is more gratifying than to support and enable the success of others, particularly students in their quest for education.”

– Nancy Webster ’75

“Nothing is more gratifying in life than to support and enable the success of others, particularly students in their quest for education,” says Webster, who created the Webster-Kametches Endowed Centennial Scholarship and the Webster-Kametches Centennial Student Enrichment Endowment. “That is exactly what scholarships held within the Wilson College of Textiles do: place students on a path to success.” 

Sharing the transformative effect of scholarships

After dinner, Webster moderated an engaging panel discussion with five students, who shared how their scholarships have created one-of-a-kind college experiences. 

• Jordan Everett, Class of 2025 Textile Pioneer Scholar
• Adaline Griffin, Class of 2027 Centennial Scholar 
• Nikolas Karabinos, Class of 2026 Centennial Scholar 
• Emma Myer-Medina, Class of 2024 Textile Pioneer Scholar 
• Leah Reid, Class of 2024 Textile Pioneer Scholar

“I never thought I would be here sitting in front of you all and thanking you for everything you have allowed me to experience. The possibilities that my scholarship has given me are truly amazing.”

– Jordan Everett
Class of 2025 Textile Pioneer Scholar

“I want to thank everyone who donates and supports a scholarship. Your impact goes far beyond what you know,” said Myer-Medina to the audience on April 25. “I’ve always loved school, but as I grew older, I was hit with the reality that I wouldn’t be able to afford to go to college on my own. My scholarship has removed that financial stress. I wouldn’t be graduating as a first-generation college student next week if it wasn’t for your support.”

Everett, a fellow panelist, couldn’t agree more with Myer-Medina’s sentiment. 

“Coming from Fayetteville, North Carolina, NC State was a dream,” Everett said during the panel. “I never thought I would be here sitting in front of you all and thanking you for everything you have allowed me to experience. The possibilities that my scholarship has given me are truly amazing.”

The magic in the room during the Scholarship and Endowment Dinner has stuck with Michael Ward, who serves as the executive director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF) — the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles. 

“Thanks to our college’s donors, students can walk across the commencement stage without the burden of overwhelming student loan debt,” he says. “Events like this one genuinely highlight the NCTF’s work and our mission of advancing the Wilson College of Textiles through engagement, partnership, and philanthropy.”

An anniversary year of generosity

In addition to recognizing donors’ philanthropic contributions, this year’s Scholarship and Endowment Dinner coincides with three significant milestones being commemorated in 2024. 

• NC State celebrating 125 years of textiles education
  • Since textiles courses were first offered in 1899, the Wilson College of Textiles has developed breakthroughs in medicine and protective textiles, prepared leading designers, and pushed the industry towards more sustainable practices.
• The Centennial Scholarship Program celebrating its 25th anniversary
  • The Centennial Scholarship Program was established, and since 1999, more than 225 life-changing Centennial Scholarships have been awarded to exceptional students.
• The four inaugural Textile Pioneer Scholars crossing the commencement stage
  • Specifically focused on the state’s rural counties and first-generation university attendees, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program directly aligns with NC State’s land-grant mission.

“In this celebration of 125 years of textiles at NC State, we are reflecting on how our university empowers students to be successful,” Hinks says. “To me, a university exists to enable people to transform their own lives. The staff and faculty don’t transform our students’ lives; they do that by themselves – but with our substantial mentoring and support. We can only deliver these kinds of high-impact experiences because of the remarkable generosity of our wonderful Wilson College donors.”

To learn more about supporting the Wilson College of Textiles and exceptional Textiles students, please contact the North Carolina Textile Foundation.