NC State Feature Stories

Recent Alumni Stories — Page 5

A Pack’s Eye View of the West Wing

Eighteen months into his stint as President Barack Obama's press secretary and confidante, former Wolfpack soccer goalie Robert Gibbs ('92) is one of the most recognizable faces in the administration. A lightning rod figure, Gibbs takes more shots today than he ever did at NC State - and is enjoying every minute of it.

Following His Star

For Alumni Association executive director Benny Suggs ('69), it's all about doing the right thing - and having fun along the way. Suggs, who served 30 years in the U.S. Navy and was deputy commander in chief, U.S. Special Operations Command, upon his retirement in 2000, was most recently general manager of the Harley Owners Group and Rider Services at Harley-Davidson Motor Co.

Keepin’ it Green

As the summer sun bears down on the lush grasses blanketing some of our nation's top athletic facilities, it's NC State graduates like John Turnour ('01) who are getting the call in hopes of keeping what's green from turning brown - saving their bosses considerable green of their own in the process.

Flying High

When the world's most fuel-efficient commercial airliner was introduced late last year, it was only fitting that an NC State alumnus was on hand to celebrate alongside industry leaders. Zachery Jones ('08), said his accomplishments in the workplace can be directly attributed to the educational opportunities he found at NC State.

Leading by Example

An athletics fundraiser, professor emeritus and agribusiness leader have received the prestigious Watauga Medal for distinguished service to NC State. Kenneth M. "Charlie" Bryant, Dr. Hou-min Chang and H. Frank Grainger received NC State's highest nonacademic honor at the Founders' Day Dinner, held Monday, March 8.

Making a Connection

The massive earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12 devastated the country, leading to an estimated 150,000 deaths. Now, an NC State alumnus and Haiti native has employed his talents to help people get in touch with friends and loved ones using social networking technology.

Animated Alumni

Animation entrepreneurs Jason ('97) and Michael ('99) Carpenter believe NC State's College of Design is the "greatest place ever," and the two brothers credit the College for giving their careers a successful start.

Keeter Time

Friday’s Red Rally event signifies more than the beginning of another season of NC State basketball – it’s a time for the NC State community to rally together and support one of its own. Former walk-on and four-year letterman Brian Keeter (’99-’02), who endeared himself to Wolfpack fans through hard work and a knack for piling up the points late in NC State victories, plans to return to campus for the first time since a December 2008, single-car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

On the Rise

If you watch Grey’s Anatomy or Ghost Whisperer, chances are you’ve heard the music of Kyler England (’98). Since her days as a Caldwell Fellow, England has flourished in the alternative rock music scene in Los Angeles and was named one of Music Connection’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artist of 2007. Her songs from her latest album, Simple Machine—her fifth studio release—have popped up on numerous TV shows and earned her a spot as a finalist for Indie Acoustic Project’s 2008 Best Female Songwriter. She’s also a member of The Rescues, a band that the California-based Easy Reader independent newspaper described as the “first Indie supergroup.”

Cousins Who Serve

First Lieutenant Christopher Young has never needed to write a letter to the parents of one of his Marines, explaining why their son won't be coming home from Afghanistan. And that's why the former NC State football player from Raleigh was recently awarded the Bronze Star for bravery – protecting his platoon during a hellacious month in Afghanistan's southern Helmand Province. Some of the support Young received while in the field came from a squadron of Cobra attack helicopters – just like the one his cousin, Captain Drew Wimsatt, was flying over the region. Wimsatt, a defensive end for the Wolfpack from 2000-02, has completed several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and recently sent NC State head football coach Tom O'Brien, a former Marine officer, a flag that Wimsatt kept in the cockpit of his helicopter.

About NC State Feature Stories

Whether developing technological breakthroughs or shaping the leaders of tomorrow, NC State is a transformational university. Learn more about the impact our work has on the world.