The Watauga Medal Award Ceremony and the annual Founders Day Dinner took place on Tuesday Night in the newly opened Talley Ballroom.

The Founders Day Dinner allows N.C. State alumni and supporters to come together for a dinner to honor the legacy of N.C. States’ founders, and to witness the presentation of the Watauga Medal Award.

The award, established in 1975, is an award given to honor people who make great contributions to N.C. State, according to the University’s webpage. 

Ben Jenkins, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, as well as Chancellor Randy Woodson

presented the medal to two people.

 The first award was presented to Peaches G. Blank, who Woodson referred to as a “trailblazer.”

Among Blank’s many contributions to the university are her 10 years as a member on the Board of Trustees, where she was the first woman chairman, her eight years on the Wolf Pack Club Board of Directors and a chair of the Endowment Board.

“This is not a good university, Chancellor,” Blank said. “It is a great university, and as we work together we can continue her greatness.”

Chief Justice Burley B. Mitchell Jr. received the second award.

Mitchell also had many contributions to N.C. State.  For example, he was a former president of the Alumni Association Board and a founding member of the State club.

“This university made me who I am today,” Mitchell said.

The dinner featured parts of the performance “Chicago,” a piece about the roaring 20’s, by the University’s Theatre program.

Alyssa Padmos, a freshman in animal science, said performing in events like this one is a great way to bring students from all different majors together to enjoy their love for performing.

“It’s good to have a creative outlet,” Padmos said.

Jenkins gave a speech praising the performers on their hard work as well as explaining the importance of the Watauga Medal Award at N.C. State.

“This is one of the most special nights of the year for N.C. State,” Jenkins said.

Carlo Laurore, a guest of the event, also shared his excitement for being able to witness the presentation of the award.

“It is a great event to celebrate the most faithful alumni of the university,” Laurore said.

Among the many guests of the event were Susan Nutter, vice chancellor and director of NCSU Libraries and a member of the Friends of Library Board, and Charlotte Martin, the wife of an N.C. State faculty member, who have both been attending this event for many years.

“Anybody who is anybody would love to receive this award,” Nutter said. “The receivers are distinguished in the eyes of the university.” 

Nutter and Martin said how the event is always fun to attend and see who receives the award.

“This evening is no exception,” Martin said.

Woodson ended the event with allowing all of the previous winners of the Watauga Medal who were present stand in front and be recognized.

His concluding words explained the importance of NC state supporters and their contributions to the University. He also recognized the continuation of the hard work done at N.C. State.

“At N.C. State, we don’t just think,” Woodson said. “We do.”