Wilsons honored for service, support
Jean and Charles “Chuck” Wilson Jr. were honored this fall by the 鶹Ʒ߲ Foundation for their remarkable service and generosity to the College.
With more than 25 years of dedicated commitment, the Wilsons have made a lasting impact on the 鶹Ʒ߲ community.
“鶹Ʒ߲ is an institution we are proud of, and we are grateful for it being located in Durham,” Jean Wilson said. “It is a place where people find their place in the world and make a better life.” _2.jpg)
Chuck Wilson, who served on the College’s Board of Trustees for several years and was the 2023 鶹Ʒ߲ Legacy Award Honoree, was born in Durham in 1942 and grew up in the Trinity Park area.
“Durham was a small town back then. We walked everywhere and knew everyone,” he said. “It has changed a lot and for the better. The diversity in the city and the city leadership shows how progressive Durham is. Both Jean and I have the sense of good things happening.”
Chuck Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at N.C. State University in 1965.
“My father, my oldest son, and I all graduated from N.C. State,” he said. “My father started C.T. Wilson Construction Company, and we all three have worked there. Me, following a stint in the Navy.”
In the Navy, he finished officer candidate school in Newport, R.I., in February 1967 and was commissioned as an ensign. He served as the damage control officer on a Navy destroyer and as the engineering officer on an LST [landing ship, tank].
Chuck Wilson returned to Durham with Jean in 1969. They had met on a blind date in 1967 and were married a year and a half later. After he completed active duty, he joined the family business as a project manager. Over the course of his career, Wilson has held nearly every position at C.T. Wilson Construction, including president and corporate treasurer. His son, Charlie, is now the president and is responsible for operations of the company. Wilson serves as CEO.
“Coming back to Durham was natural,” Chuck Wilson said. “As was being a part of 鶹Ʒ߲.”
The Wilsons have two scholarship offerings in their name at the College. The Charles and Jean Wilson Scholarship is a general scholarship giving priority to students in the Building, Engineering and Skilled Trades areas of study. The C3 Wilson Endowment Scholarship is awarded to 鶹Ʒ߲ students who wish to transfer to N.C. State.
“Chuck and Jean Wilson have been steadfast champions of 鶹Ʒ߲, dedicating two and a halve decades to advancing the College’s mission. Their leadership and generosity have helped shape countless student success stories,” said Roxanne Miller, executive director of the 鶹Ʒ߲ Foundation. “Through the scholarships established in their name, their legacy will continue supporting future generations and strengthening our community for years to come.”
The Wilsons believe in the impact 鶹Ʒ߲ has on all those who walk its campus.
“The scholarships provide financial assistance for students to pursue their studies. The impact 鶹Ʒ߲ has in the community and on its students is dramatic,” Chuck Wilson said. “It feeds a pipeline of necessary jobs and prepares people for careers. The scholarships ensure many have that opportunity.”
Jean Wilson added that it’s inspiring to see the result of the work that instructors and students put in.
“It is about the students and instructors,” she said. “They are 鶹Ʒ߲nical Community College. Going to graduation is inspiring. The school spirit, sense of pride and accomplishment is palpable. These are people of all ages who know they have a brighter future because of attending 鶹Ʒ߲.”
The Wilsons have been active in Durham through multiple other organizations, in addition to 鶹Ʒ߲. As members of First Presbyterian Church in Durham, they have both served as deacons, elders, and members of several committees. He is an advocate for education, minority participation workforce development and health care and has served on numerous other boards and organizations.
The Wilsons have been married for 56 years and have two sons and four grandchildren.