Fayetteville State Honors John and Louise Wilson Legacy with 2026-27 Family of the Year Recognition
Through an endowed scholarship and an annual community fundraiser, the Wilsons continue creating opportunities for FSU students.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – When John and Louise Wilson's family took the stage during Fayetteville State University’s Fall Convocation on Sept. 18, they kept coming.
More than 20 relatives made their way forward, filling the stage as the audience erupted in applause. The moment captured what FSU’s 2026–27 Family of the Year recognition is really about.
The Wilson family’s connection to Fayetteville State began with two graduates. Over the years, it has grown into a family commitment that is helping another generation of Broncos pursue their education. At the center of that commitment is the John and Louise Wilson Endowed Scholarship.
The family established the scholarship after losing John and Louise Wilson and one of their sons within less than three years. Their 10 children and grandchildren decided to honor the family patriarch and matriarch in a way that would preserve their memory while supporting Broncos.
For their granddaughter Belinda Pugh ’91, giving back to Fayetteville State was a natural part of that decision.
“It was actually an idea that I thought about to give back to the students of FSU as well and to remember them,” Pugh said. “So, we established the John and Louise Wilson, now endowed scholarship.”
From Family Tradition to Student Support
Since 2013, the family has supported the scholarship through an annual fish fry in Windsor, North Carolina. Family members donate food and supplies, and the proceeds go toward the scholarship. The event paused for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic but has otherwise become an annual tradition.
The nomination reports that the fish fry has grown from approximately 300 tickets sold in its early years to about 800 this year. Pugh said community members now know when the annual fundraiser is coming and make a point to support it, sometimes donating even when they do not purchase food.
That growth has meant more money for FSU students. Pugh estimates the family raised approximately $5,000 to $6,000 through its early efforts. Last year, she said, the fundraiser generated nearly $20,000.
For Chancellor Darrell T. Allison, the Wilson family represents a relationship with FSU that continues long after graduation.
“Their relationship with Fayetteville State University is not limited to past attendance nor financial giving alone,” Allison said during convocation. “Rather, it is an active and enduring partnership rooted in service, pride, and a deep commitment to preserving and advancing the university’s legacy.”
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
Two of John and Louise Wilson’s daughters are Fayetteville State graduates.
Pugh earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting in 1991. She later earned a master’s degree from Bowie State University and retired from federal government service. She remains connected to FSU through the Anne Arundel Alumni Chapter, where she serves as treasurer.
Her sister, Patricia Wilson Greene ’76, earned her degree in education and spent decades as an educator in Bertie County before retiring. She later became an entrepreneur.
Their family’s story reflects the broader role alumni can play in the university's life, said Wesley Fountain, vice chancellor of External Affairs and University Advancement.
“The Wilson family shows how a connection to Fayetteville State can grow across generations,” Fountain said. “They took something deeply personal to their family and turned it into an investment in students. Years later, their children and grandchildren are still part of that work. That is how a family legacy becomes part of FSU’s legacy.”
For Pugh, the Family of the Year recognition brings the story back to where it started. “It’s an honor and privilege to have received the Family of the Year Award,” she said.
“We’re really appreciative of Fayetteville State University for honoring us with the Family of the Year and seeing our efforts actually contribute back to the school.”
Alumni Awards and Recognitions
For nearly 40 years, the Family of the Year honor recognizes families with multiple FSU graduates whose connection to the university continues through giving and active engagement.
FSU accepts nominations each year and announces the honoree during Fall Convocation. Alumni interested in nominating a family for the 2027-28 recognition should look for the next nomination period from the Office of Alumni Relations.