A legacy supports student artist-engineers

David and Judi Wilkinson have been members of the Arts NC State community for decades. Before Arts NC State’s programs existed as we know them today, David was attending Friends of the College performances with his parents, and several years later, Judi attended performances from that same series. While the arts at NC State have changed considerably since the Friends of the College days, David and Judi’s commitment to attending performances and supporting the arts on campus is constant. In 2018, after their many years of involvement, David and Judi chose to establish the Pearsall-Wilkinson Scholarship Endowment with a major gift.

Honoring family and creating a legacy

The Pearsall-Wilkinson Endowment name recognizes their legacy of support for Arts NC State and their family ties to the university. Judi is a graduate of NC State, and David’s family has been part of the Wolfpack for generations. David’s grandfather, Robert J. Pearsall, was a student at NC State and an instructor in electrical engineering for over 30 years. His father, Samuel R. Wilkinson, graduated as a mechanical engineer, his mother, Jean P. Wilkinson, worked at NC State for over 20 years, and an uncle, Jere Pearsall, graduated as an industrial engineer. The Pearsall-Wilkinson Endowment honors these connections.

Supporting engineer artists

David and Judi’s endowment supports College of Engineering students’ participation in Arts NC State, prioritizing students with financial need. Funds from the endowment will, they hope, ensure that engineering students can become and stay involved in the arts. They believe the arts are necessary to a vibrant, complete, and creative life. While their coursework will prepare engineering students for a successful career, being part of the arts community will lead to personal fulfillment. The Pearsall-Wilkinson Scholarship Endowment will make it easier for more College of Engineering students to be a part of Arts NC State.