1950 | Harriet Bender

Memorial Tribute
Naples, FL

On August 19th, Harriet (Clem) Bender succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on August 16, 2024. She lived independently close to her only child, Jill Bender Schwartz. She married her husband, William, in 1950, and they retired to Florida in the 1980s. She adored her granddaughter, Kathryn. Later, she welcomed Sumeet, her husband, to the family. She was head over heels when her great-grandchildren, Hailey and Anderson, arrived.

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1951 | Kenneth Winston, Jr.

Memorial Tribute
Bermuda Run, NC

Kenneth Winston, Jr. built a life defined by meaningful relationships. He graduated from NC State with a degree in textile chemistry in 1951. He remained a devoted supporter of NC State throughout his life. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He went on to build a distinguished career in textiles, working with DuPont and American & Efird Mills before founding his own company, Winston Yarns, which later became Southeastern Yarn Sales. His legacy reflects lasting contributions to both the textile community and the university he proudly supported. He passed away on November 23, 2020, at the age of 91.

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1953 | Robert Wiggins

Memorial Tribute
Greensboro, NC

Robert Wiggins’ commitment to excellence has left an enduring legacy in the educational realm and the realm of military service. He was awarded the Wilson College of Textiles Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017, in honor of his impressive career that included executive positions at Pioneer Yarn Mills and Frontier Spinning Mills. Following his graduation, Wiggins embarked on a journey as an educator, imparting his knowledge as a professor from 1956 to 1965. Beyond his academic endeavors, Wiggins demonstrated courage by proudly serving in the Korean War. Additionally, he served on the North Carolina Textile Foundation’s Board of Directors.

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1959 | Willie Bowen

Memorial Tribute
Rhine, GA

Willie Bowen’s life was marked by service, dedication and a lasting impact on those around him. After proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Bowen earned a degree in textile engineering from NC State. He built a successful 28-year career at Eastman Kodak before founding his own chemical sales company, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and leadership in sales. His enduring ties to NC State established a lifelong bond with the university and its textile program. He passed away on July 12, 2025, at age 93.

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1992 | Torri Trexler

Memorial Tribute
Denver, NC

Torri Georgetta Evans Trexler passed away on January 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage four metastatic melanoma. Born on March 14, 1970, Torri enjoyed fashion and became interested in apparel manufacturing, which led her to graduate from NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles in 1992. Her bachelor’s degree in textile and apparel management led to exciting and successful employment ventures in apparel manufacturing sourcing, product development and sales. Torri is survived by her loving husband, Matthew Alan Trexler, and her two talented daughters, Madelyn Palmer Trexler and Georgia Ellen Trexler.

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Robert Barnhardt

Memorial Tribute
Raleigh, NC

Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt’s leadership and vision helped transform the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University into a globally recognized hub for textiles education, research and innovation. Serving as dean from 1987 to 1999, he guided the college through a period of remarkable growth, including its move to Centennial Campus, expansion into emerging fields such as nonwovens and biomedical textiles, and a significant increase in research activity and industry collaboration. A dedicated educator, Dr. Barnhardt taught at least one college course every year for 44 consecutive years, reflecting his deep commitment to students and mentorship. Additionally, he held key leadership roles at NC State, including as interim provost and interim chancellor, and he played a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships between academia and the global textile industry. Dr. Barnhardt’s distinguished career also included leadership positions at the Institute of Textile Technology and recognition through numerous honors, including the Watauga Medal. Remembered as a collaborator, mentor and innovator, Dr. Barnhardt left a lasting legacy on the textile field and the NC State community. He passed away on December 23 at the age of 87.

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