"This momentous gift, together with a state match, enabled us to hire Dr. Mary Nyangweso as a third full-time faculty member in our program," said Dr. Derek Maher, associate professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies.
"It was propitious that her research touched on issues in religion relating to gender, health care, and diversity, all things that are close to Jesse's heart."
A $500,000 gift from Peel's estate will establish the Dr. Jesse R. Peel Distinguished Professorship in LGBTQ Studies in the Department of Sociology.
"The Department of Sociology has benefitted greatly from Jesse Peel's generosity and faith in us," said Dr. Kristen Myers, professor and chair of the department.
"In his devotion to the well-being and educational advancement of LGBTQ+ students at ECU, Dr. Peel trusted the Department of Sociology to educate the next generation of students about social issues related to LGBTQ+ identities, rights and contributions to society."
Through his estate, Peel also provided a gift to create an REI endowment to support programs and partnerships to engage regional communities. Peel wanted to provide support for the College of Education to bring topics and programs to the region that address the unique issues and challenges related to social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in rural schools.
"Dr. Peel was raised and educated in rural schools and believed in the work of the College of Education through REI as we seek to improve educational outcomes for rural children, schools and communities," said Dr. Kristen Cuthrell, director of REI and professor in the College of Education.
"He knew we would continue to collaborate with and empower school stakeholders to positively influence the lives of students."
Because of Peel's support, the College of Education's REI will be able to provide training, opportunities for scholarship and collaborations for professional development focused on social justice and inclusion in education.
The voice on the line
Beyond the organized philanthropy, event participation and volunteering, Peel frequently showed up unexpectedly to support students and friends. He relished dropping in at the Peel Center and visiting students, and often he was the first to call when someone needed help or was working on a cause.
Two months after arriving at ECU, Rasdorf received the first of many calls from Peel. He was calling to propose that the two of them hit the road to visit LGBTQ programs in the Triangle. The time together began their collaboration and friendship and kicked off planning for the new center at ECU.
ECU first founded the LGBT resource office in 2011. The Peel Center opened in January 2019 in the new Main Campus Student Center.
"The grand opening was momentous and unforgettable. That evening, we held a dinner that we called PRIDE. We had hoped for about 125 people and we had to cut off ticket sales at 330," Rasdorf said.
"It was an ecstatic, celebratory evening and Jesse could not have been happier as he was surrounded by close friends and family, as well as ECU faculty and staff and community members."
Bethann Casey Wilkie, of Grifton, and her family were the recipients of many Peel phone calls and visits. Wilkie met Peel through the center, where her family had turned for support when her child came out. The family found safety, love and acceptance in Peel and in the center at ECU. Wilkie has a treasured photograph of Peel at the Love Wins wings mural she painted at her farm. She painted a similar mural at the Peel Center.
"When Jesse Peel showed up at my house at a Love Wins fundraiser, you would have thought Harry Potter himself was standing in front of me," Wilkie recalled.
"I am so blessed to have known such an amazing and inspiring soul."
The support from Peel didn't stop at the center. Peel was the first person who called when Wilkie's son was struggling with his mental health.
"Being that he was an expert in the field, his support meant so much to us and he talked us through our next steps and even called (him) in the hospital and gave him the reassurance he needed," Wilkie said.
In a November social media post, Wilkie shared the story of one of her elementary school students who was having peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Thanksgiving. In short order there was a voicemail,
"Hello Bethann, this is Jesse. PB&Js on Thanksgiving! Well, this just can't be. Call me back so we can make this right."
A legacy of compassion
Denning saw how Peel's vision and actions reflect closely with the missions of ECU and the Brody School of Medicine.
"He cared for those who were often unseen, unheard and forgotten," Denning said.
"He ensured that his knowledge was not used only within the confines of the clinic walls, but out in the community via advocacy and support of laymen. He answered the call to serve when others were weary and afraid to. From my time at ECU and Brody, these qualities of care, grit, resilience and service are instilled in us as Pirates, so it is no surprise that Dr. Peel also cherished this institution."
Shanne McPherson '18 learned the value of listening from Peel.
McPherson, assistant district attorney for the Pitt County District Attorney's Office, met Peel when McPherson was an undergraduate at ECU, and valued their conversations about life and the world around them.
McPherson became involved with the LGBT center during his undergraduate years and got to know Peel as a mentor and friend, relationships that extended beyond graduation.
"He was always willing to not only talk but listen," McPherson said.
"He was always there for people and was one of the kindest people I ever met. He always wanted to do something, always wanted to chat, sitting in the center and talking about life."
McPherson also earned a scholarship through the Peel Center's LGBTQ Priority Fund, a development that changed his life and continued to affect his future and career.
"He wrote one of my letters of recommendation for law school," he said,
"and that was definitely something I'm extremely grateful for to this day."
McPherson said the center that bears his name will be part of Peel's legacy for years and decades to come - and even beyond.
"He's not going to be soon forgotten," McPherson said.
"The students who come especially in the next couple of years but even beyond will be told about the guy who used to come to the office and make everyone laugh. He'll be remembered as someone who cared deeply about a community and place where he didn't really need to. He was an extremely philanthropic person who was an amazing and remarkable example of what the community has come to be at ECU."
Rose Bogue, program coordinator for the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center, was a student volunteer as the LGBTQ resource office was moving to its new space in the Main Campus Student Center. They remember the immense change from the small resource office in Brewster to the large, bright space in MCSC.
"Seeing the public reaction to the center made me realize that this was not just an upgrade for ECU students, but a historic move to advance access to LGBTQ resources and education for the people of eastern North Carolina," Bogue said.
"Through this evolution, my volunteering went from something I did to find community to something I did to provide community."
Bogue said interacting with first-time visitors is one of the most rewarding parts of their job at the Peel Center.
"Some first-year students walk in with a stunning amount confidence, having done the research, calling ahead, choosing ECU specifically because we have this center and they know they belong here," they said.
"Perhaps just as often, we get students who have been at ECU for some time who knew the center existed, but never made it in for some reason or another. They tend to be surprised by the sheer volume of our offerings."
The center will host
"Hey Sweetie," a celebration of life for Dr. Peel on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. in the ballrooms of ECU's Main Campus Student Center. A meal will be served following the program. The public is invited to attend. RSVP is requested.
