As we turn the page of the calendar to a new year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary momentum we have had at Wilson College. Together, we have celebrated milestones and overcome challenges.

It is no secret that higher education is navigating uncharted waters. Institutions across the nation face significant hurdles, yet here at Wilson, we are not only weathering the storm, but we are on a path to thriving. Including the online students who began during the second term, the fall 2024 enrollment set a record of 1,903 students, a 40% increase in two years. This is testament to the enduring appeal of the type of education we provide and the dedication of our faculty, staff, alumnae, alumni, and donors who make Wilson a place where students want to learn, grow, and succeed.

Looking ahead, we have more opportunities to rise together. As we approach the conclusion of the We Rise campaign on June 30, 2025, I am inspired by the generosity and commitment of our Wilson community. I am pleased to say that we have not only blown past our initial goal but have recently surpassed our upwardly revised goal of $20 million.

Thanks to your support, we are providing important aid to our students, better supporting our faculty and staff, and helping to grow the College’s enrollment. But we are not done yet. We want to reach even higher, and we need everyone to be part of this moment. Whether it is your first gift or your fiftieth, your contribution makes an impact. Together, we can ensure Wilson continues to thrive for generations to come. Of course, our success in this moment is built upon decades of hard work by so many. In this issue, we pause to celebrate the life and contributions of one of our impactful leaders, Donald F. Bletz H’20, Ph.D. Dr. Bletz served as interim president from 1979 to 1981 and professor emeritus of business and government. He passed away on January 13, 2025, at age 99. We are forever grateful for the guidance and calm, practical leadership he brought to Wilson during one of the most challenging times in our history as an institution. He will be missed.

I hope you will feel a sense of pride and belonging as you read through this Spring issue of Wilson Magazine. Wilson is more than a college; it’s a community that rises together—through challenges, through triumphs, and always toward a brighter future. Enjoy engaging articles written about and by some of our international students and their observations of life at Wilson. Delve into Professor Philip Lindsey’s artistic journey during his recent sabbatical and the exhibition created from his artwork from that time. Learn who is stepping up to help lead the Alumni Association of Wilson College next year. Each piece of this publication reflects the diversity and resilience of our student body and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary community we have built together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let us finish this academic year and the We Rise campaign strong, united by our shared belief in the transformative power of a Wilson education.

With gratitude and optimism,

Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.

President, Wilson College