Home Care In High Point, NC

The HPU chapter of Sigma Nu raised $15,000 for the American Heart Association. Pictured are fraternity brothers with Heart Challenge Director Sonja Berghela, center, as James Van Vechten, Sigma Nu philanthropy chairman, presents a big check on March 13 at the fraternity’s house.

HIGH POINT, N.C., March 15, 2024 – High Point University students, faculty and staff recently received the following academic and professional awards.

HPU Students Support American Heart Association

The HPU chapter of Sigma Nu raised $15,000 for the American Heart Association and presented the gift to Sonja Berghela, heart challenge director of the nonprofit, on March 13 at the fraternity’s house.

Sigma Nu has raised more than $70,000 for the American Heart Association’s local research since 2018, said chapter President Alex Stephens, a junior business administration major with minors in finance and sales from Charleston, South Carolina.

“We chose to support the American Heart Association after one of our brother’s family members suddenly passed away due to heart disease, which is one of the fastest-growing diseases globally,” said Stephens. “The Nu Delta Chapter continues its support for the American Heart Association to further support local research and the fight against heart disease.”

Students Compete in Annual Statewide Ethics Bowl

Six HPU students competed in the annual North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Ethics Bowl, held Feb. 9-10 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

The HPU team was one of 18 from NCICU campuses that participated in the 13^th annual competition, which had a theme of Ethics in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

The team included Autumn Bryan, a junior sociology and anthropology major; Wes Singer, a senior political science major; Sofie Smith, a junior philosophy and religion major; Sofia Statuto, a junior business major; Will Tepper, a junior philosophy and biology major; and Jordan Via, a sophomore philosophy major. Faculty co-coordinators were Dr. Amy L. MacArthur and Thaddeus Ostrowski, both instructors in the Department of Religion and Philosophy.

“The students this year were exceptional in their work ethic and ability to work together as a team,” said MacArthur. “They devoted time and effort outside of their busy class schedules to formulate sophisticated and articulate responses to the cases for this year’s competition. They also managed to have a lot of fun. It is truly a delight to work with such great students, and we are fortunate that a majority of them will be returning next year to participate again.”

“This year’s teams were exceptional,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was clear they had done extensive research on the complex topics and developed well-organized, cohesive arguments to present to the judges.”

Faculty Member Inducted into N.C. Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame

Dr. Nancy Groh, clinical education coordinator for HPU’s athletic training program and an assistant professor in athletic training, was inducted into the North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association (NCATA) Hall of Fame on March 9 in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

“Being inducted into the NCATA Hall of Fame is one of the most unexpected and significant recognitions I could receive from my peers in North Carolina,” said Groh. “I am both humbled and honored to be voted into such an accomplished group of athletic trainers. It is heartfelt to know that my professional service, advocacy and career over decades has made such an impact on others to be noted at this level.”

Groh’s commitment to student development and quality clinical placements consistently receives praise from program alumni and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. She has been invited to present at the national level, sharing best practices in clinical education. Her original research, focusing on strategies to enhance clinical education, has been published.

In addition, Groh’s service to the NCATA has been noteworthy. Currently serving as its secretary, she has played an integral role on the association’s Public Relations Committee since 2013, where she served as co-chair. Her work on the PR committee led to the NCATA receiving honors from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, as winners of the National Athletic Training Month PR contest.

Groh’s dedication extends beyond the professional realm as she actively advocates for athletic training by speaking to local and national student groups about the rewarding career opportunities in the field.

“This honor demonstrates to students the excellence of HPU’s Athletic Training faculty, who strive to exceed expectations, model a high level of professionalism and seek to elevate the program and the athletic training profession,” she said of the NCATA Hall of Fame induction. “It shows that faculty do not just teach life skills, but rather emulate them in the real-world context, encouraging students to embrace communication, patient and professional advocacy, service and networking as a student and as future healthcare professionals.”

HPU Hosts First Deliberative Dialogue Training Session

The HPU Center for Community Engagement recently hosted its first deliberative dialogue training session. Deliberate dialogue centers around small-group interactions where participants engage in informed, respectful and thoughtful discussions concerning complex societal issues.

Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, introduced HPU students, faculty and staff to Living Room Conversations, an online tool that “offers a simple, sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships.” Students exchanged thoughts about artificial intelligence in an engaging conversation.

Allison Walker, HPU director of service learning, English instructor and faculty organizer, said she hopes everyone in the HPU community will take advantage of guided conversations like these.

“It was truly inspiring to see the level of engagement achieved by the attendees,” said Walker. “Clearly folks are hungry for meaningful civil discourse, and I have no doubt what everyone learned will be applied in impactful conversations across our campus communities in the future.”

Garvin moderated a deliberation surrounding the topic of free speech and the inclusive campus during the session. Participants were given instructions on how to have civilized conversations among their peers. The instructions focused on learning how to listen to other opinions, disagree with curiosity and keep an open mind. The framework for this training was composed by the National Issues Forum, an organization that helps guide people in the practice of group deliberation.

The Center for Community Engagement will host its next training on March 20 from 5-8 p.m. with Peter Crow from the Braver Angels, a nonpartisan grassroots organization working to unite Americans. He will teach the group about how to facilitate a “braver discussion.” Dinner will be served, but space is limited.

High Point University President Nido Qubein announced David S. Congdon as the major donor for the new School of Entrepreneurship, which will be North Carolina’s first private school of entrepreneurship and one of only two schools of entrepreneurship in the state when it opens in 2025.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 12, 2024 – At an event today, High Point University announced the major donor for the new School of Entrepreneurship, which will be North Carolina’s first private school of entrepreneurship and one of only two schools of entrepreneurship in the state when it opens in 2025.

HPU recently received a substantial and generous 8-figure gift from David S. Congdon, executive chairman of Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., one of the nation’s leading transportation logistic companies. The new school will be named the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship.

“It is a mammoth undertaking to begin an academic school at a university,” HPU President Nido Qubein said. “We are grateful for David Congdon’s spirit of generosity and continued advocacy for High Point University. Like David, HPU has an entrepreneurial mindset. We set our minds for something. We get on our knees. We thank God for showing us the way and then we march forward. We are an actionist school, and we are grateful for the support of David and Helen Congdon.”

Qubein recognized Congdon and his family as close personal friends for more than 40 years. Congdon said the concept of entrepreneurship guided the development of Old Dominion Freight Line, which took risks through the years to grow the company. He said he was impressed by the faculty and staff who will be part of the School of Entrepreneurship, as well as the university’s leadership.

“First of all, I knew it would be done right and first class because Nido Qubein and this university know of no other way than to put their all into it,” said Congdon. “Secondly, I am so proud of High Point University and the way it has grown and succeeded. I am confident our investment will be used wisely, and this school will be a tremendous success.”

The Congdon family has been longtime HPU supporters. The university officially opened Congdon Hall, a 222,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that houses two academic schools – the Congdon School of Health Sciences and the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy.

Plato S. Wilson Hall will be home to the School of Entrepreneurship. Signage for the new school was unveiled inside the building during today’s ceremony.

With an already successful entrepreneurship major and center established at HPU, students will benefit greatly from HPU opening the School of Entrepreneurship. With its interdisciplinary and business foundational approach, this new school will equip students with the life skills and mindset to start their own businesses and create economic opportunities and social value.

The School of Entrepreneurship will offer multiple undergraduate degree options, starting with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Entrepreneurship, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Sales, a Bachelor of Arts in Event Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management.

In addition, HPU’s Access to Innovators program gives students the opportunity to be mentored by highly successful entrepreneurs who regularly visit campus.

Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph serves as HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence. Bestselling author and internationally renowned leadership expert Dr. John C. Maxwell works with students as HPU’s Executive Coach in Residence. In addition, Dr. Sue Downes, CEO and co-founder of MyEyeDr., joined as HPU’s Health Care Expert in Residence in 2022.

The School of Entrepreneurship is part of HPU’s $400 million academic expansion that is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024-25 academic year. The number of academic schools has increased from three to 14 since Dr. Qubein became president of his alma mater in 2005.

More details about more expansions can be found here:

HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University women's golf team enters its first official match play event of the season at the Cutter Creek Match Play Tournament Friday morning.

Event Info Friday, March 15 | Match Play | Tee times | Cutter Creek Golf Club | Snow Hill, N.C. Livestats | Pairings

Teams East Carolina, Georgia State, Radford

HPU Women's Golf Head Coach Lyndsey Hunnell: "I'm really excited for this week. It's going to give us some great match play experience like what we will have at conference. It's a mental challenge to play two matches in one day so I can't wait to see how the girls handle it and watch them gain experience from this so it's not a shock to the system."

High Point will see its first official match play tournament to prepare for the Big South Conference Tournament which is one month away. The Big South uses match play to determine conference champions, meaning it is of the utmost importance the Panthers prepare for the change in game and mindset.

"In match play we are going against another individual instead of the whole field," Senior Vynie Chen explained. "In order to win a match, you would have to beat your opponent by having the least amount of strokes for the hole. There are a lot of strategies that go into match play, such as putting pressure on your opponent or paying attention to what their weaknesses are. It's important to be mentally strong in match play."

This will be the second time HPU engages with match play as the team played in an exhibition match against backyard rival University of North Carolina Greensboro. Similarly to the match against UNCG, all eight Panthers on the women's golf roster will be participating in the Cutter Creek Tournament.

"I'm excited about match play," Chen said. "We have been working hard to get to where we are so I am confident that we will do well. I think everyone's excited because it's the first time in a while where everyone is traveling so it's nice to have the whole team at a tournament."

High Point will first be matched up against Georgia State University. Danielle Suh takes the one spot and will be matched up against GSU's Sritha Vemuri. Anna Howerton holds the number two spot and is matched up against Noemie Boulbes. Ella Perna is next and will play against Padgett Chitty, Julia McLaughlin will face off against Mahina Levea, and Maddie Hensley rounds out the lineup against Pariya Sanpanawa. Ana-Elena Kusters, Darianys Guzman, and Chen attend the tournament as individuals. Kusters will compete against Radford University's Mckenzie Weddle. Guzman will go up against a Radford Highlander as well, Jimenna Ramirez, and Chen will take on ECU's Zoé Allaux.

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Winston-Salem, N.C. – The North Carolina High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame announced the 2024 class, naming High Point University Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach to the honors. The N.C. High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and officials who have significantly impacted the sports on the high school level and beyond.

"I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition and would like to thank the committee for choosing me among the many equally qualified coaches throughout North Carolina," Coach Esposito commented. "Thirty-plus years ago, I walked into a gold mine at Mount Tabor High School. I was blessed to be surrounded by talented and high character student-athletes in a setting with tremendous administrative support. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be assisted by passionate coaches who were in the sport for all the right reasons. The parental support I received throughout the the years was phenomenal as well.

"What success I have achieved would not have been possible without my amazing parents, rock star wife, and all those who believed in our vision for the greatest sport in the world. A special thank you to Dr. Vert, whose support helped me take the next step in my career. Most importantly, I would like to thank all of the student-athletes who I have been fortunate to work with over the years. This award is due to their hard work, dedication, and willingness to be coached. This Hall of Fame recognition is due to all of the above."

Coach Esposito coached at Mount Tabor High in Winston-Salem for 17 years (1988-2005) before coming to High Point. He guided the program to 11 state championship titles, developed four individual national champions and was an eight-time North Carolina Coach of the Year.

"In 2005, I decided to enter the collegiate ranks at a small, quiet university in High Point," Esposito said. "At our first staff meeting, I heard Dr. Qubein speak of his vision for the university. To say what has transpired since then is amazing would be an understatement. All I can say is 'Wow!' The track and field/cross country programs have grown to our current prominence due to the incredible support of the administration, alumni, parents, and friends of the program. In addition, I have the best coaching staff in America and we have some very lofty goals for the future of this program."

During his time at High Point, Esposito has continued his tradition of excellence, producing three All-Americans, eight qualifying student-athletes for NCAA championships and 64 qualifying for regional championships.

Esposito has led the Panthers to two Big South Conference cross country championships, six Big South outdoor track and field championships and four Big South indoor track and field championships. He was named conference track and field coach of the year 10 times and cross country coach of the year twice.

"Coach Esposito loves the sport of track and field with a passion that is impossible to match and he is incredibly deserved of his place in North Carolina track and field history," HPU Deputy AD Drew Sanchez said. "He is a valuable addition to High Point University track and field staff and has cultivated a great experience for all the student-athletes who have competed for him. We are proud of all his success at the high school level and at High Point University. We look forward to his continued leadership directing our cross country and track and field programs to conference and national prestige."

A statewide committee of 22 track and field and cross country coaches, officials and media representatives who cover the sport extensively nominated and elected the class.

The induction ceremony will be Feb. 3, 2024, in Winston-Salem during the Mondo Elite High School Invitational at the JDL Fast Track, which will house the Hall of Fame. Each elected class has been honored at the meet, which is the premier indoor meet in North Carolina each season.

"High school track and field has existed in North Carolina for more than 100 years, with the first outdoor state championship held in 1913, the first indoor track meet held in 1922, and the first high school cross country meet held in 1929," Brett Honeycutt, N.C. High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame Founder," said "and North Carolinas has a strong history of national success, dating to the 1930s when High Point High competed at cross country nationals in New Jersey. It is our goal to honor those who have helped make this sport so great in our state, and these first five classes are a great start at letting people know how much talent has come through North Carolina."

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HIGH POINT, N.C. — Most people are aware of the Woolworth sit-in in downtown Greensboro that sparked a nationwide movement, but there is another civil rights first that happened less than 15 minutes away.

What You Need To Know

It’s the annual celebration of Feb. 11 for the Penn Griffin School for the Arts, a program put on by the dance teacher, Amelia Byrd, for the last eight years.

“I am passionate about this because I am pro-Black history. I feel like it should be taught any and everywhere,” Byrd said.

Students are paying homage to 26 former courageous Pen Griffith students, who conducted their own sit-in in 1960 at the High Point Woolworth store. They were the first high school students in the country to stage a sit-in. It was their way to help change things during that time.

The high schoolers' sit-in was inspired by the four North Carolina A&T students who held a sit-in at the downtown Greensboro Woolworth store two weeks prior, which helped start the sit-in movement across the country.

Now, Byrd is working to keep this history alive.

“Because it is. We all know this being banned and books are being banned everywhere. So the only way to keep it alive is through performances and talking about it,” Byrd said.

Nearing the end of the program, they conduct a rose ceremony on stage remembering and recognizing the 26 who helped make a change during the Civil Rights Movement. In the audience were family members of the 26 and a surviving member, Mary Lou Andrews Blankeney.

“I am so happy to have been a part. And I told my sons from the time they were younger, that is one of the best things I've ever done, I think,” Blankeney said.

She remembers what that time was like was 64 years ago.

“It was a little bit scary. I cannot deny that, you know, and we had each other's backs. I loved that part. We just kept trying and kept praying and kept singing,” Blankeney said.

She say’s even though that time was scary, their strength came from God.

“And I remember praying before we started the marching that no Black or white parents would try to assault us. I said, 'Lord, please let them not try to hurt us. Because they have to know inside that what they're doing is wrong and what they need for their children is what we are trying to help get,'” Blankeney said.

The school has dedicated the first floor in their honor, with a painted rendition of the High Point Woolworth’s lunch counter. It also includes pictures from that day.

“I'm proud. I'm very proud that we did. He allowed us to be a part of that and to see. And we still, a lot of us live long enough to see the change. And we still got some work to do. But I mean, it just to know that there were people backing us that didn't even look like us, and that wasn't always the case. So, you know, we pray like an awful lot,” Blankeney said.