BOT Chair Leads Philanthropic Effort to Honor Woodson
Chair of the Board of Trustees Ed Weisiger Jr. ’82 and his wife Betsy Fleming have made two lead gifts to launch a philanthropic effort honoring NC State’s transformation under Chancellor Randy Woodson.
Two recent lead gifts from Ed Weisiger Jr., a 1982 alum who currently serves as chair of the NC State Board of Trustees, and his wife Betsy Fleming have launched a new philanthropic effort to honor the university’s transformation under Chancellor Randy Woodson.
Woodson recently announced his intent to retire at the conclusion of this academic year. Weisiger Jr. and Fleming are the first among a group of dedicated alumni and friends who are supporting Celebrating Transformation — an initiative to recognize the chancellor’s accomplishments by continuing to invest in NC State’s success.
A longtime donor to NC State, Weisiger Jr.’s latest commitments support Woodson Hall, a cutting-edge building formerly known as the Integrative Sciences Building that will make the Brickyard a hub of scientific innovation and education, and the Chancellor’s Transformational Endowment, which will fuel NC State’s momentum by ensuring university leadership has the flexibility to direct resources to new and emerging priorities in perpetuity.
Weisiger Jr.’s goal was to honor the difference Woodson has made by giving to the areas that would make the most impact: Woodson’s most urgent capital priority and unrestricted, endowed funds that will support future NC State chancellors.
“Randy’s leadership is selfless. He seeks to do the right thing for the university and for the greatest number of people involved, “ Weisiger Jr. said.
“Great leaders set their successors up for success. Part of Celebrating Transformation is to place resources in the hands of our next chancellor so that we can and will go from strength to strength.”
Since Woodson was named NC State’s 14th chancellor, its physical campus has undergone significant changes, while the university’s local, national and global reputation has continued to grow stronger. Donor investment has enhanced the university’s work and accelerated its upward trajectory, with the Woodsons setting a strong example of giving back themselves.
“I am so grateful for Ed’s vision and generosity. He and Betsy view Celebrating Transformation not only as a way to recognize the Woodsons and what they mean to our community, but also as an opportunity to demonstrate support for future leaders,” said Brian C. Sischo, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I’m pleased to work alongside the Weisiger family as we celebrate our successes and set the stage for an even more extraordinary future.”
Weisiger Jr. graduated from NC State with a degree in mechanical engineering. His father, Ed Weisiger Sr., is an alum of the same program, graduating in 1954. In addition to their philanthropic service, both Weisigers have established a deep legacy of giving back to NC State, supporting efforts that lay a strong foundation for the future, such as the construction of Fitts-Woolard Hall, while honoring the university’s rich history, like the dedication of the James T. Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum.
“Randy has made NC State better, and he deserves recognition for that, which informs our giving,” Weisiger Jr. said. “He leaves us on a great trajectory for the future, guiding those who follow him in leadership to take us to even greater heights. What a legacy!”
Celebrating Transformation
Chancellor and Mrs. Woodson have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to NC State through their leadership. As Chancellor Woodson’s tenure as chancellor comes to a close, we are committed to sustaining our momentum and celebrating our transformation by investing in his strategic priorities. We have so much more to think and do, and invite you to join us.
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