Nonprofit CEO urges grads to rely on strengths, not best laid plans

Wearing caps and gowns and nervous smiles and surrounded by family and friends, nearly 500 Wingate University graduates gathered in the Academic Quad Saturday to pick up their bachelor's degrees, eager to put their newfound knowledge to work. But Laura Yates Clark, chief operating officer of the Foundation for the Carolinas, warned members of the class of 2026 not to get so attached to their plans that they miss out on new discoveries and unexpected ways to make a difference.

"If there's one takeaway from my story, it's that it's OK to not know," Clark said. "When I was sitting where you are now … I thought I had my life planned. I was wrong. And that ended up being the best thing that could have happened to me."

Clark addressed graduates hailing from 26 states and 20 countries on a cool and cloudy spring morning under the oaks. A total of 537 students qualified to pick up degrees today. Clark, who studied psychology as an undergraduate, spoke to a class in which 72 psychology majors received their degrees, making it by far the largest group in attendance. Other popular majors among the class of 2026 include biology, exercise science, nursing and finance, followed closely by marketing, communication, criminal justice and management.

Clark told graduates that, entering college, she had been intent on becoming a clinician, even after personality tests revealed that it was not the career for her. She excelled in her grad school classes and forged ahead to a practicum at a veteran's hospital only to realize that serving in the role she had always envisioned was not the best way to make a difference in the lives of others. It was when she pivoted to community psychology, shifting her focus to social systems, environments, structure and culture, that she found her calling.

Even so, when she took a job with United Way as a temporary contractor doing community research, Clark never imagined that she would later serve as CEO of the huge nonprofit.

"I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to lead a neighborhood revitalization, helping to change the trajectory of a long-underinvested corridor in Charlotte. I never dreamed I would now lead the fifth-largest community foundation in the nation," she told graduates, urging them to go beyond their current dreams by being open to possibilities, working hard and saying yes to things that seem daunting.

Weaving her personal story and Wingate's "Faith, Knowledge, Service" motto into a message of encouragement, Clark assured graduates that they don't have to have their futures mapped out.

"You've spent the last several years exploring your strengths, talents and passions," she said. "No one knows how you will use these skills - and that is the point. Trust in the knowledge you've acquired. Believe in the things you're passionate about. Explore your talents. Rely on your strengths."

Finally, she reminded grads of the value of serving others: "The world needs you - good people, armed with knowledge and empathy, to leave your mark and make a difference."

The words were not lost on bachelor of liberal studies graduate Gabriele Andrews, a mother of five from Indian Trail, N.C., who earned her degree in human services and graduated summa cum laude. She chose her major because of her experience working with nonprofits.

"I've seen firsthand how valuable higher education can be in this field. It opens the door to leadership roles where real change can happen," Andrews said. "In those positions, you have the ability to improve fundraising efforts, increase outreach, and create more volunteer opportunities to better serve the community."

She said earning her degree has given her a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and the importance of empathy, advocacy and effective support systems.

Clark's message also resonated with Karla Yesenia Grande Sanchez, one of those 72 graduates earning psychology degrees. Grande Sanchez is headed into Wingate's master of science program in clinical mental health. A native of El Salvador now living in Charlotte, she says growing up Hispanic in a Christian household where mental health was often stigmatized inspired her to advocate for greater awareness.

"While I deeply value the strength that faith provides, I also believe that God gives us resources, knowledge and professionals to help us be well so that we can serve Him fully and effectively," she said. Grande Sanchez is among 30 students graduating from Wingate's Honors College this spring.

Like Grande Sanchez, Honors College classmate Josiah Down says he feels well prepared to step into professional environments and contribute meaningfully wherever he goes. A homeschooled student who describes himself as "very structured and process-oriented," Down majored in management with a minor in marketing and said his time at Wingate helped him develop his skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving, ultimately teaching him the importance of "combining analytical thinking with genuine care for people."

"One experience that especially impacted me was representing Wingate at Truist's Immersive Innovation Event in collaboration with Atrium Health," Down said. His team worked under pressure to design an AI-powered workforce solution, a challenge that he says taught him how to collaborate effectively, adapt quickly and communicate clearly.

"Seeing our ideas come to life and presenting them to industry leaders reminded me how much growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone," he said.

Down, who lives in Waxhaw, N.C., is a Gateway Scholar, having earned his associate degree from South Piedmont Community College before transferring to Wingate as a junior. He plans to spend the summer serving at a camp in Robbinsville, N.C., before beginning full-time work in the fall.

In addition to Down and Andrews the following 31 graduates were honored with the H.K. Helms Award for obtaining a 4.0 grade point average: Kristen Baucom, Laney Beale, Colin Bulla, Leah Burleson, Nicol Bellardi Colmenares, Annabel Cousins, Kaydence Daughtrey, Maïssane Aliya Jouen Frenel, Kyle Grant, Kaelynn Guyette, Christopher Holmes, Victoria Hoyos, Cora Ingle, Grace Anne King, Katja Krenn, Amber Lawless, Kevin Mos, Haley O'Donoghue, Heather O'Leary, Lani Pope, Morgan Redfearn, Janeth D. Rocio Ramirez Reyes, Andrea Schiapucci Valenzuela, Kristina Sidorin, Brooke Strong, Samuel Tallman, Chelsea Tarte, Caroline Thacker, Hailey Tucker, Samuel Wilkins and Cheyliece Wilson.

The following five students received special recognition during commencement:

• Andrea Valenzuela: C.C. Burris Award, which goes to the graduating senior woman who represents the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service.
• Tyleek Williams: The A.F. Hendricks Award, presented annually to the graduating senior man who represents the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service.
• Brunella Saavedra: Budd E. and Ethel K. Smith Award, given to the graduate judged to have made an outstanding contribution through leadership of fellow students.
• Gabriela Raga: Fred H. Allen Award, for exhibiting outstanding Christian leadership and being involved in significant Christian service projects.
• Csenge Gyomber: Jerry and Alice Surratt Award, presented to the graduating senior who has made the most significant contributions in the area of international education through scholarship and service.

Two faculty members were also recognized: Dr. Brie Johnson, assistant professor of education, received the Debra M. O'Neal Award for Excellence in Teaching, which is presented to a faculty member who has served with distinction in the classroom and who has been a member of the faculty for eight years or less. Dr. Kristin Stowe, professor of economics and finance, received the Charles and Hazel Corts Award for Excellence in Teaching, presented to a faculty member for meritorious teaching and who has been a member of the faculty for a minimum of five years.

Saturday's ceremony was also a chance for Wingate to celebrate Reghan Clark, the first Julia's Learning student to earn a certificate of career and community studies. Julia's Learning, launched at Wingate in 2024 in partnership with the nonprofit Julia's Community, is an on-campus program for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, offering inclusive classes and residential life.

Also, during commencement ceremonies, Wes and Deidre Vick, longtime supporters of the University, were awarded honorary degrees. Dr. Wes Vick is a physician-scientist at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine and the son of former Wingate faculty members Frances Cuthbertson Vick and Major Giles Vick Jr. He has contributed to the development of many echocardiographic and magnetic resonance imaging methods now in common use. His wife, Deidre, is retired after four decades with Regional Councils of Government in Texas, where she partnered with local governments in the U.S., Europe and the U.K. to strengthen emergency services, communications systems, disaster recovery efforts, and homeland security initiatives. She served as a Wingate trustee from 2009 to 2021, before moving to lifetime status.

University President Rhett Brown also took time out Saturday to honor the memory of Kyle Honore, an outstanding high school basketball player who was set to join the Wingate basketball team his freshman year.

"His life ended far too soon, before he had the opportunity to begin what we know would have been a remarkable college experience," Brown said. Honore's parents, Keith and Nichole, accepted a commemorative certificate in his memory.

Saturday's commencement was the second for Wingate in two days. Graduate students picked up their degrees on Friday. Among the 677 graduates in both ceremonies, 31 states and 37 countries were represented.

May 9, 2026