Four-Year Baccalaureate University To Host U.S. Representative
For North Carolina’s 4^th Congressional District For Discussion Of Legislative Issues

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the university will host a town hall meeting with U.S. Rep. David Price (D) on Monday, April 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kenan Hall. The event is free and open to the public and members of the media. It will include discussions between the congressman and his constituents about general legislative issues and updates, current events and other topics of concern. Members of Price’s staff will also be on hand at the Town Hall Meeting to help constituents dealing with federal agencies. Seats are given on a first come first serve basis, as space is limited.

From 1987 to 1995 and from 1997 onward, Price has served in the U.S. Congress as the representative for the 4^th District, which includes parts of Wake, Alamance, Orange, Durham, Harnett, Chatham and Cumberland counties. He is a strong supporter of education, accessible health care, affordable housing, clean air and water, and improved transportation alternatives. Price is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as the ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, he serves on the Appropriations Subcommittees and is responsible for housing, transportation, military construction and veterans affairs appropriations. As the ranking member of the House Democracy Partnership and an outspoken advocate for Middle East peace, Price is a recognized leader on foreign policy issues. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a Bachelor of Divinity as well as a Ph.D. in political science at Yale University.

“It is an honor to have Rep. David Price visit the William Peace University campus to provide us with his insight and perspective on the latest developments occurring in the U.S. Congress,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “This is a great opportunity for everyone from our students to the general public to interact with and learn from this veteran congressman the status of pressing issues, including the progress of proposed legislation. We encourage anyone interested in our democratic process to arrive early, as this is sure to be a heavily attended event of interest.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

 Four-Year Baccalaureate University To Host Inaugural Spoken Word Artist Performance  With Abyss, UpRite Lions And William Peace University Students

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the university will host a live performance by the famous spoken word artist Abyss on Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the university’s Belk Dining Hall. In addition to Abyss, UpRite Lions, a hip hop vocal group that formed in 2008, will perform at the event. Students of William Peace University will have the chance to perform alongside Abyss and UpRite Lions as they recite their own poetry and musical talents. Following the performance, a meet and greet with the artists will held.

Abyss, whose name stands for A Bright Young Soul Searching, is a self-taught musician and has defined the realms of spoken word artistry since first entering the poetry arena. An award-winning artist, Abyss has appeared on Home Box Offices’ (HBO) Def Poetry and Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) 106 & Park, and performed at the 12^th Annual Gospel Choice Awards. Additionally, Abyss was one of the original cast members of Somebodies, the first scripted sitcom in BET history. A published author, musician, community activist, actor and motivational speaker, Abyss is committed to supporting community initiatives and equally focused on developing the talent of bright young musical artists of tomorrow.

“We are proud to announce the inaugural spoken artist performance of William Peace University and are honored to mark this occasion with a live performance by Abyss, who is revitalizing the art of the spoken word,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “One of the greatest things we can do as educators is to provide our students with experiences and opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. The live performance on March 14 will give WPU students the chance to showcase their own talents alongside an award-winning multi-talented artist, and we invite all to attend what is expected to be an excellent evening.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that its third Manning Chamber Music Series Concerts of the 2012-2013 season will be held at the Browne McPherson Performing Arts Center on Monday, March 11 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free to this musical collaboration between the university and the North Carolina Symphony, but reservations are recommended.

A partnership between the university and the North Carolina Symphony, the Manning Chamber Music Series Concert will display some of classical music’s greatest masterworks of all time as the concerts 2012-2013 season draws to a close. Members of the North Carolina Symphony are expected to showcase their talents, including individual performances by Chris Caudill, Dovid Friedlander, Jeremy Thompson, David Marschall, Peng Li and Leonid Finkelshteyn. For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://bit.ly/TB1rUr.

The Manning Chamber Music Series Fund was established in 2006 by Sara Jo Allen Manning, a 1958 Peace Prep school graduate and 1960 Peace College graduate, as a gift to the university during its Promise of Peace campaign. Manning has a longstanding record of service to William Peace University, including her participation in the Sesquicentennial Commemoration Committee, the Board of Visitors, the alumni board and her work as a class agent, where she assisted in securing alumnae donations. Civicly minded and deeply rooted in the local community, Manning received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award for her service on the United Arts Council Board of Directors, the North Carolina Prevention of Blindness and her presidential role for the Junior League of Raleigh.

“The Manning Chamber Music Series performed by the North Carolina Symphony members has been a wonderful gift for the university and our community at large,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “We have greatly appreciated this opportunity to enjoy some of the area’s top musical performers as they have performed for our students and the local community. Everyone interested in an evening of great music should make their reservations now for this popular event.”

For a complete list of North Carolina Symphony ensembles performed year round, visit http://www.ncsymphony.org/.

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

 RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that it will present as part of its speaker series a screening and discussion of Father Spirit with filmmaker Jonathan Dickinson on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kenan Auditorium, located at 15 E. Peace St. Father Spirit presents the story of Dickinson and his hopeful effort to connect with his terminally ill father as the latter contends the late stages of the brutal, degenerative effects of Huntington’s disease. The screening is made possible through the Betty Lou Fletcher Goodmon Visiting Scholars Fund of William Peace University. Afterward, Dickinson will discuss the film and his story with attendees present. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and must be made by Sunday, Feb. 10. For more information or to reserve a ticket, visit https://wpeaceu.wufoo.com/forms/wpu-speaker-series-father-spirit/.

“As a university, we always seek opportunities to find unique arts and entertainment events to share with our students and the local community,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “Jonathan Dickinson’s film is a heart-wrenching portrayal of the love and unwavering bond between a father and son that will touch hearts and minds of all who see it. We are proud to host the screening of this film and hope that the community comes out to join in our viewing.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

 RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced it will hold a special sneak peek media night performance of Into the Woods on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Leggett Theatre, located in the university’s Main Building at 15 E. Peace St. The performance will offer local-area media and news organizations the opportunity to photograph and interview the cast and directors of the musical. While the videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited, video interviews with cast members are permitted. A reception will follow. To attend the special media night performance, RSVP by Monday, Feb. 11 to BoxOffice@peace.edu with “Media Night” in the subject line.

Presented through special arrangement with the Musical Theatre International (MTI), Into The Woods features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim a book by James Lapine, and is directed by Jason Dula, assistant professor of musical theatre for William Peace University. The original Broadway production in 1987 won three Tony Awards, including for Best Score and Best Book.

“The William Peace University Theatre is delighted to present Into The Woods to local media, as we are sure that all will be enthralled by this imaginative take on classic fairy tale characters,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “Our sneak peak performance will provide attendees with not only a close-up look to astounding theatrics, but an opportunity to gain personal, in-depth interviews with the cast and directors that bring this show to life.”

Into The Woods was originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine. The original Broadway production was by Heidi Landesman, Rocco Landesman, Rick Steiner, M. Anthony Fisher, Frederick H. Mayerson and Jujamcyn Theatres. Jonathan Tunick led the orchestrations, and the musical was originally produced by the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the university will participate in a benefit concert at Trinity United Methodist Church at 824 N. Bloodworth St. on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. to support Jason and Jessica Beyer, recent victims of violence that took place on Jan. 7. The university will participate in the concert alongside Trinity United Methodist Church, Mordecai Historic Park and Historic Oakwood. The William Peace University Singers, an 18-member student vocal ensemble, will lead the concert with a variety of both sacred and secular music. The concert is free and open to the public, but donations are welcomed, as all proceeds will go directly to the JJB Medical Fund.

The JJB Medical Fund was established in honor of the Beyers to assist with the medical costs and residential renovations that they incurred due to their recent home invasion. On Jan. 7, the Beyers’ home was invaded, which resulted in Jason Beyer sustaining a spinal injury from a gunshot wound in his back. The benefit concert will support the couple and lessen the financial hardships they are facing. With the agreement of Cornerstone Therapeutics, an account has been established to receive donations which will be delivered directly to the Beyers. Additionally, contributions can also be sent to the Cornerstone Therapeutics office, at 1255 Crescent Green Drive, Suite 250, Cary, NC 27518.

“We cannot begin to imagine the pain, trauma and challenges Jason and Jessica Beyer have endured in the wake of their recent home invasion,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “All we can do at this point is come together as a community and support them through this time of transition. We hope that everyone in the community joins us for the benefit concert and donate what they can to assist this wonderful couple.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced its Manning Chamber Music Series Concert, which marks the second of three performances for the 2012-2013 season held on the institution’s campus in conjunction with the North Carolina Symphony. The event will be held on Monday, Jan. 21 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium, located at 15 E. Peace St. The concert series is a musical collaboration between symphony musicians, artists and the university’s student vocalists.

The Manning Chamber Music Series Concert will host performances of first-rank musical compilations from both new and classical genres and will showcase talents from individual members of the symphony, including Mary E. Boone, Jonathan Moyer, Lisa Shaughnessy, Rebekah Binford, Mike Cyzewski, Victor Benedict and Timothy Stewart. William Peace University student vocalists Melvin Gray, class of 2016, D.J. Curtis, class of 2016, and Maigan Kennedy, class of 2014, will accompany the symphony and perform selections by Cole Porter. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/RXOLGo.

The Manning Chamber Music Series Fund was established in 2006 by Sara Jo Allen Manning, a 1958 Peace Prep school graduate and 1960 Peace College graduate, as a gift to the university during its Promise of Peace campaign. Manning has a longstanding record of service to William Peace University, including her participation in the Sesquicentennial Commemoration Committee, the Board of Visitors, the alumnae board and her work as a class agent, where she assisted in securing alumnae donations. Civic minded and deeply rooted in the local community, Manning received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award for her service on the United Arts Council Board of Directors, the North Carolina Prevention of Blindness and her presidential role for the Junior League of Raleigh.

“Concerts in the Manning Chamber Music Series are events that the university and our students eagerly anticipate, as they bring together some of the most talented musical professionals of our community,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “We truly value the partnership shared with the North Carolina Symphony and opportunities it provides for our students to perform alongside these leading musical professionals, and we invite all interested members of the community to attend.”

For a complete list of North Carolina Symphony ensembles performed year round, visit http://www.ncsymphony.org/.

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the William Peace University Singers will perform at Governor Pat McCrory’s inauguration ball on Friday, Jan 11. The vocal group will lead in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the event, which is set to run from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. An 18-member vocal ensemble, the William Peace University Singers are a musical staple of William Peace University and have performed across the Triangle in a variety of showcases including the ABC11, AT&T Heritage Calendar event and at a Wake County Law Enforcement Ceremony.

“One of the longest standing traditions of William Peace University has been the outstanding musical talents of our Peace Singers, which truly highlights some of the greatest collegiate vocal talent today,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “We are proud that the Peace Singers will participate in the inaugural ball as they sing the national anthem for our newly appointed governor.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced the winter performance schedule for the Peace Singers, an 18-member vocal ensemble of university students. The season began Saturday, Dec. 1, with caroling at Lafayette Village. On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the singers will participate in the WPU Holiday Chapel Service: A Traditional Moravian Lovefeast at Dinwiddie Chapel on campus from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 8 starting at 10 a.m., the vocalists will present “Santa Comes to Peace,” a free event open to the public featuring a visit by St. Nick and Mrs. Claus and a story hour with William Peace President Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., in the Main Building on campus. The next day, Sunday, Dec. 9, the Peace Singers will carol at the Treyburn Country Club in Durham from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. They will conclude its performances for the fall 2012 semester on Monday, Dec. 10 at noon at the White Memorial Presbyterian Church Christmas Luncheon at 1704 Oberlin Road.

For more information on these events, visit http://www.peace.edu/events/arts-and-events.

“The Peace Singers have served for years as ambassadors of goodwill for William Peace University with their adept handling and vocalizing of all styles of music, and their performances during the holiday season are especially appreciated by the community,” said Townsley. “I eagerly await to join them when Santa Claus comes to our campus and listen to their excellent presentation of Christmas favorites for everyone to enjoy.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced its upcoming holiday events for families and the local community to enjoy during the holiday season. The university will host its annual chapel service, a traditional Moravian Lovefeast, with the Rev. Dr. R. Lee Carter, Bennett Chaplain, on Tuesday Dec. 4 at 6:15 p.m. in Dinwiddie Chapel. The event will feature the William Peace University singers and conclude with holiday carols around the fountain, which stands in the front of the campus’ Main Building. The event is free of charge, but reservations are recommended. For reservations, visit https://wpeaceu.wufoo.com/forms/holiday-chapel-service/

On Saturday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m., William Peace University will host its third annual Children’s Holiday Story Hour in the Main Building. Joined by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, children are invited to listen to two holiday stories read by a special guest, have their photo taken and receive a surprise gift from Santa Claus himself. Refreshments will be served in the university’s Main Parlor, where guests will enjoy carols sung by William Peace University Singers. Admissions to the Children’s Holiday Story Hour is free, but registration is required. For registration, visit https://wpeaceu.wufoo.com/forms/childrens-holiday-story-hour/

“As we look forward to the holiday season, what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by hosting events on campus that bring together the local Raleigh community,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “Our Children’s Holiday Story Hour is becoming a growing seasonal tradition, and we hope parents, students and families alike come join us as we celebrate over our favorite stories, desserts and holiday carols from our university singers.”