In 1896, the Wingate School opened its doors to 175 grade-school kids. One hundred twenty-five years later, more than 3,600 Wingate University undergraduate, graduate and professional students are studying to become teachers, businesspeople, lawyers, doctors and much more. In celebration of our quasquicentennial, we present 125 difference-makers from throughout Wingate's storied history: professors, staff members, alumni, presidents, trustees and other members of the Wingate family.
From the first principal, Marcus Dry, to dedicated business professor Ruth Horton, check out some difference-makers from Wingate's early days.
From uncompromising history professor Carolyn Gaddy to highly successful baseball coach Jack Perry, with presidents C.C. Burris and Budd Smith in between.
From '50s nationwide sensation Dorothy Brown to baseball legend Ron Christopher.
From the longest-serving employee ever, Sylvia Little-Sweat, to influential coach and athletic director Bill Connell.
From tennis star and trustee Audley Bell to Steve Wilt, the coach who restarted the football program (with two presidents named Corts in between).
From black-writer champion Patrik Bass to linguistics guru Bob Doak, with an opera legend and World Series pitcher in between.