Grateful for the Pack
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what comes next? We all seek community — somewhere to belong, people who believe in us, help and support us. If you’re looking for all of those things, might we recommend joining the Wolfpack?
NC State is represented by a Wolfpack rather than a wolf, because we know we’re stronger together. Our research is often collaborative and interdisciplinary. Our events and community spaces are open and welcoming. Our campus resources, like the Counseling Center, Pack Essentials and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, make sure no one faces hard times alone.
All across our campus, you’ll find helpers, mentors, collaborators, friends, confidantes, partners, counselors and teammates. They’re the people we meet at NC State whose support makes the hard days easier, the good times memorable and the most complex challenges solvable.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we turned to members of our community looking for stories of gratitude for the Wolfpack.
These are just a few of them.
Stevie Kimmet
Pack Essentials Program Director for Resiliency and Community Support
Ph.D. in Sociology ’27
“I met Dave Johnson (associate director of student success initiatives) at a College of Veterinary Medicine outreach event while I was still serving as the graduate assistant for Pack Essentials. What struck me at the time was how approachable, warm and authentic Dave is. He really left an impression on me in that short interaction because he was one of the first people I turned to when I moved into my current role.
I was new to higher education administration, and Dave was a safe person to ask for advice or feedback. That remains true to this day. Dave is generous with his time, thoughtful in his interactions, and a champion of both students and colleagues. I also see him as a role model because he steps up to support so many different departments, groups and initiatives on campus. Dave supports the whole student and our entire campus community, and I really admire that!”
Cody Elsen
Esports Program Director
“Colin Nickels (lead librarian for experiential learning services for NC State University Libraries) was the person who onboarded me at NC State and has truly not stopped supporting me since!
The biggest impact Colin has made for me is the reassurance that no idea is crazy and the willingness to jump right in and figure things out. What we are building at NC State, in regards to the Esports program, truly takes a supportive supervisor, and I feel like I have been able to push the limits of this program because of Colin’s support. I also moved from Michigan to take this job and Colin supported that journey as well, with always being able to recommend anything needed and help outside of work.”
Abigail Mulry
Biological Sciences and International Studies ’26
“I met Mike Giancola (assistant vice chancellor and student ombuds) on my Alternative Service Break (ASB) trip to the Dominican Republic during my freshman year of college. Mike was the advisor for that trip and taught me a lot of important lessons I brought home with me.
He showed me what it meant to be a responsible global citizen, a lifelong learner, and an effective leader. But more than anything, he showed me the impact of being an active listener. Mike’s ability to listen encompasses more than making me feel supported — he has shown me the value of considering alternative perspectives, giving others the benefit of the doubt, challenging your perspective and always choosing kindness.
To bring it full circle, it is only fitting that now, during my senior year, Mike is advising an ASB trip that I am leading to Chile!”
Aaron Thomas
Anchor/Reporter for WLWT-TV
Communication ’14
“Dr. Paul Garcia, known amongst band students as ‘Dr. G,’ was my marching band instructor for four years (2010-2014). I remember auditioning as a nervous incoming freshman in 2010 and, after providing helpful feedback, he said, “We’ll work with you.”
As a musician and drum major of the Power Sound of the South, Dr. G held high expectations [of me] and taught me about leadership. I’m grateful for the full-circle moment he offered me as the voice announcer of the marching band from 2022-2024. On behalf of the many students under Dr. Garcia’s leadership, we appreciate him for fostering our skills and discipline beyond music.”
Jamie Pendergrass
Associate Director, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
“The staff of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is made up of dedicated, student-focused individuals who consistently support one another in their mission to serve NC State students. Every day, I am inspired by their commitment to putting students’ needs first and their willingness to support each other in ensuring both office and student needs are met.
I am incredibly proud to work alongside such a talented and hardworking team, and I am deeply grateful and thankful for all they do.”
Amanda Baright
B.S. in Statistics ’24 and Master of Statistics ’26
“The member of the Wolfpack whose support has had a meaningful impact on me is Dr. Jamila Simpson. I first met Dr. Simpson on a Zoom call during my freshman year while interviewing to become a College of Sciences Student Ambassador, and she’s been a role model and mentor to me ever since.
Throughout my undergraduate years, she not only led the ambassador program and helped me build my own Pack within the larger NC State community, but also shaped me into the leader I am today. She was always someone I could turn to for guidance, encouragement or honest advice.
Even now, as a master’s student, I still look forward to walking into the Bureau of Mines, getting a warm hug from her and catching up. Her support has been a constant throughout my time at NC State, and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact she’s had on both my journey and the person I’ve grown to be.”
This post was originally published in NC State News.