Rocky Mount, NC - A spirit of unity was on full display as students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on campus for the 6th Annual North Carolina Wesleyan CommUNITY Walk. First held in October 2020, the event has become a powerful tradition at Wesleyan, symbolizing the University's ongoing commitment to building stronger teams and fostering meaningful connections across all communities.

Over the years, the walk has featured participation from local leaders including Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson and retired U.S. Army General Arnold Gordon-Bray, alongside University leadership, faculty, and students. Their involvement continues to echo the central message of the event: we are stronger together.

North Carolina Wesleyan President Dr. Evan Duff shared how the event reflects the University's mission.
"This event represents all of our core values and our commitment to the personal approach we take with all of our students," said Dr. Duff. "We want them to know they are surrounded by a caring, supportive commUNITY and this yearly walk is a demonstration of that."

Head Men's Basketball Coach John Thompson delivered this year's keynote remarks, offering powerful insight that resonated with the crowd.
"Unity doesn't mean agreement on everything," Thompson said. "It doesn't mean a conflict-free experience or a world without adversity. What unity does mean is this: that we listen to one another. That we work, sacrifice, and stay committed—even when it's hard."

Thompson went on to emphasize the importance of critical thinking as a foundation for leadership and unity.
"One of the most important skills you will develop here is critical thinking. And critical thinking starts with an open mind. When we do this well, we don't just become smarter—we become better at building unity, because we understand more than just our own point of view."

He closed with a call to action, urging participants to embrace leadership rooted in cooperation, listening, and collaboration: "Leadership rooted in cooperation, listening, collaboration, and hard work leads to something powerful: strength, innovation, and lasting impact. So I encourage you: think critically, prepare relentlessly, and choose to be a uniter—someone who brings people together across all the communities you are part of."

Each participant received a CommUNITY Walk T-shirt as a reminder of their responsibility to make a positive impact in the teams, groups, and communities they belong to. Now in its sixth year, the CommUNITY Walk continues to serve as a meaningful Wesleyan tradition, reminding all who attend that unity is not passive—it is an active, ongoing commitment to listening, understanding, and working together for a brighter future.