Union County Chamber honors University with Community Impact Award

By Chuck Gordon

Service has long been a key part of Wingate University's mission. Last night, the Union County Chamber of Commerce recognized the University's contributions to the local community by bestowing upon it the 2025 Community Impact Award.

Wingate University President Dr. Rhett Brown, along with several faculty and staff members, accepted the award on behalf of the University at the Chamber's Annual Gala, held at the Union County Agricultural Center.

Wingate has implemented several initiatives over the past few years to extend its educational mission to underrepresented groups. In fall 2024, the University welcomed the first cohort into Julia's Learning, the first comprehensive transition program at an independent college in North Carolina for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In 2027, the first cohort of students from the Wayfind program will graduate from Wingate, having been part of the college-preparatory program for first-generation college students from Union County Public Schools since the eighth grade. And the University is helping close the educational-attainment gap in Union and Anson counties via My Future in Unison and the Gateway Scholarship, which enables graduates from South Piedmont Community College and other area community colleges to attend Wingate for a much-reduced tuition fee.

The University is also working hand-in-hand with the town of Wingate on the long-term development of the area.

"We are blessed to have Wingate University in our community and appreciate the way they always give back," said Union County Chamber of Commerce President Helen Thomas. "Their focus on the furtherance of the educational partnership with UCPS and SPCC is unparalleled. Our entire community benefits from the collaboration."

Thomas also praised Wingate's investment in Julia's Learning and Brown's efforts as part of the Chamber's Public Policy Committee.

Wingate's award was one of eight handed out to companies and individuals during the event. Among the winners was Alice Jules Coffee House, which won the Excellence in Small Business Award. Alice Jules is owned by Kent Millsaps '86 and Melody Gerding '87. The awards are voted on, via secret ballot, by an independent committee that does not include any Chamber staff members.

"I couldn't be prouder of our University in winning this award," Brown said. "Lifting up Union County and the surrounding area has been a vital part of our mission since we were established as the Wingate School back in 1896, and we continue to take that mission seriously."

Service is woven into the fabric of the University. During One Day, One Dog, the University's annual day of service and giving, hundreds of Wingate students and employees complete a variety of service projects. Ongoing partnerships with organizations such as the Union County Community Shelter, Union-Anson Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families, and Union County Crisis Assistance provide year-round engagement opportunities. Throughout the year, athletics teams, student organizations and academic departments all organize service projects, from food drives and after-school tutoring to environmental cleanups and arts programming.

"Our commitment to service benefits the community and the University itself," Brown said. "This holistic approach reflects a University-wide commitment to volunteerism and ensures that service remains a defining feature of Wingate's identity."

Dec. 5, 2025