Class Notes
1975–
1975 | Nancy Webster
Achievement or Award
Mebane, NC
In honor of the remarkable legacy Nancy Webster ’75 has created as a seasoned service leader, she was named the recipient of the 2024 Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III. Since graduating in 1975, her influence includes over four decades of experience in key leadership roles at prominent textile corporations, including Target, Springs Global and Thomasville Furniture. Today, Nancy serves as the CEO of Nancy Webster, LLC.
1980–
1980 | Allen Thompson
Achievement or Award
Mount Gilead, NC
As co-founder of COLOURizd, Allen Thompson’s groundbreaking yarn coloring technology was a finalist for the prestigious Global Change Award by the H&M Foundation. With a commitment to innovation and environmental leadership, COLOURizd is not just shaping the future of fashion; they’re igniting a global movement. COLOURizd uses innovation and sustainable technologies that prioritize the health of our planet and communities.
1992–
1992 | Charles Heilig, III
Achievement or Award
Gastonia, NC
Charles Heilig, III, an esteemed leader in textile manufacturing, was elected chairman of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO). NCTO represents the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products. Heilig serves as the president and CEO of Parkdale Mills, Inc., and he is a proud member of the North Carolina Textile Foundation Board of Directors.
1996–
1996 | John Crocker
Achievement or Award
Greensboro, NC
John Crocker received the 2021 Henry E. Milan Award for Invention from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. He worked alongside Rick Stanford to develop a standardized washing machine designed for testing textiles. Their standardized washing machine enables custom programming, and it can run a continuous wash cycle, saving water and detergent for special retailer tests that call for more washings.
2015–
2015 | Jefferson Ellison
New Job / New Business
Asheville, NC
Since graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles in 2015, Jefferson DePriest Ellison’s influence in the fashion industry includes his experience as creative director of Jawbreaking, a contemporary street-wear fashion brand. Today, he is the founder and principal for JD Ellison, a creative company that specializes in strategy, communication and events.
2016–
2016 | Madeline Stewart
Achievement or Award
Blowing Rock, NC
Madeline Stewart was crowned the 2024 Mrs. North Carolina American and will compete in the Mrs. American national pageant in Las Vegas, NV, in August 2024. She is the director of marketing and merchandising at the Mustard Seed Market and Home in Blowing Rock, NC. She is also an ASID certified interior designer, hip-hop teacher, student mentor and Project HEAL ambassador. Madeline received the Future Leader Award in 2020 from WithIt and was recognized in 2023 as a Retail Star, as well as a leading executive in the People To Watch edition of Home Accents Today Magazine.
2019–
2019 | Drew Schweikert
Marriage
Raleigh, NC
On June 18, 2022, Drew Schweikert married McKenzie Weed, who is a fifth-grade teacher in the Wake County School District. After graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles in 2019, Schweikert started his career at Cotton Inc. as a project coordinator in their department of product development. He now works as a fiber processing lab technician at the company.
Memorial Tributes
Through their leadership, achievements and service, Wilson College of Textiles alumni create an enduring legacy that lasts far beyond their lifetime. Click below to learn more.