Royal Weekend

Our highest honor, the Sed Ministrare Award is given to an alumna or alumnus who exemplifies our motto—”Not to be served, but to serve”—through a life dedicated to service.

2025’s esteemed recipient is Claire Trexler, a proud member of the Class of 1975. Claire’s unwavering commitment to service and her profound impact on both our university and the broader community make her a truly deserving honoree. Claire’s journey of service began during her time at Queens, where she embraced the values of leadership and community engagement. Her dedication to our institution has been evident through her consistent involvement and support over the years.

Beyond her contributions to Queens, Claire has been an active and influential figure in the Charlotte community. Her professional achievements and philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark, embodying the spirit of service that our motto champions.

Claire’s dedication to affordable housing is particularly noteworthy. Since the 1980s, she has been a steadfast volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, playing a pivotal role in establishing the organization in the Charlotte region. In 1987, Claire was instrumental in the Jimmy Carter Work Project, where 14 homes were built in the Optimist Park neighborhood, an initiative fondly remembered as the “Miracle on 19th Street.” Her faith-based approach and ability to mobilize volunteers have transformed countless lives and communities.

Claire’s life of service stands as a testament to the ideals we hold dear at Queens. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference inspire us all.

The Honorary Alumni Award is given to an individual who, while not a graduate of Queens, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our university and its mission. The 2025 recipient, Joan Zimmerman, is a name synonymous with leadership, philanthropy, and community impact. Joan’s deep and enduring support of Queens University has shaped countless opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader Charlotte community.

As a Trustee Emerita, Joan has been a visionary force behind several transformative initiatives at Queens. She is a founding donor of both the Women Leaders Program at McColl and the Joan H. Zimmerman Entrepreneurial Scholarship, championing the advancement of women in leadership and entrepreneurship. Her generosity extends to capital projects as well, including support for the Gambrell Center, ensuring future generations of students have access to world-class facilities.

Her impact extends far beyond Queens. Joan has held key roles on numerous boards, including The Mint Museum, Discovery Place, the Junior League, United Way, Dress for Success, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and Hound Ears in Boone, where she has a home. She has also served as Entrepreneur in Residence at the McColl School of Business, sharing her expertise with aspiring business leaders.

Joan has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being the very first recipient of the Charlotte Business Owner of the Year Award in 1986 and an inductee into the Charlotte Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame Class of 2012.

Joan’s unwavering dedication to education, entrepreneurship, and the arts has left a mark on Queens and the greater Charlotte community.

Michael Murphy ’95 was recognized with the Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2025—an award that celebrates a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and professional excellence. Since graduating with a degree in Communications, Michael has lived the Queens motto, dedicating himself to making a lasting impact on the Charlotte community through his professional success in real estate, civic engagement, and dedication to service.

Michael’s career has flourished in real estate, where he has been recognized as a Top Producer for Dickens Mitchener from 2021 to 2024, serving as a licensed REALTOR® and broker in both North Carolina and South Carolina. His leadership extends beyond his profession, as he has played an integral role in numerous community organizations, including the NBC newsroom, the Canopy REALTOR® Association Leadership Academy, and the MLS Advisory Board.

His dedication to service is evident in his work with Christ Episcopal Church, where he currently serves as Head of Altar Guild for All Saints Hall, a Liturgical Commission member, a member of the Spiritual Formation Committee, and a Lay Chaplain. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the Red Cross of the Charlotte Metro Area and is an advocate for community development through the Homeowners Impact Fund.

Beyond his professional and volunteer efforts, Michael is deeply passionate about the Charlotte community. A self-described foodie and passionate cook, he can often be found supporting local restaurants and bringing people together through his love of food and hospitality.

Michael’s commitment to excellence, service, and community engagement exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Queens University alumnus.

Patrick Crockett’s dedication to service extends far beyond campus involvement. His work at Atrium Health is not just a profession—it’s a calling. He has made it his mission to enhance the quality of life for both patients and colleagues, ensuring that compassionate care is at the heart of everything he does.

Beyond the walls of Atrium Health, Patrick has been a driving force in community outreach initiatives, including health fairs, patient education workshops, and programs aimed at bridging healthcare disparities—particularly in underserved communities. His efforts have empowered countless individuals to take control of their health and navigate complex healthcare systems with confidence.

In January 2025, Patrick traveled to California to help wildfire victims. He volunteered with Pasadena Church East by serving as the team captain to lead food distribution efforts for thousands of individuals in need.

Patrick’s dedication to service showcases the very best of what it means to be an alumnus of Queens University. His work has made a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Ronnie Compton ’15 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, including his impactful leadership at Communities In Schools as the Director of Program Operations, where he works with over 1,000 students in the TRIO program. In addition to his full-time role, Ronnie dedicates his time to the Stratford Richardson YMCA and his church, selflessly making a lasting difference in his community.

Nelsy Affoum ’16 has made exceptional strides in international development, currently serving as an Analyst at the World Bank Africa Region Gender Innovation Lab. Her work, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, highlights her dedication to advancing economic affairs and her leadership in shaping innovative solutions for global challenges.

Chris Tolbert ’16 graduated from Queens in 2016 as part of the first class to major in Journalism and Digital Media. Since then, Chris has turned bold risks into huge career achievements, including founding a successful marketing brand and collaborating with major brands like Warner Bros and McDonald’s. Currently a Senior Social Media Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Chris has leveraged his Queens education to build a thriving career in social media, including managing Tasty’s 45.8 million followers at Buzzfeed and creating a TikTok filter with over 300 million views.

Jasmine Woods ’18 was recognized for her academic and professional accomplishments in pharmaceutical sciences. Recently earning her PhD from the University of Kentucky, Jasmine now works as a Scientist at Procter & Gamble and continues to contribute to the Queens community through her role on the Alumni Association Board.

Paula Azuaje ’20 has made exceptional contributions to the film industry as an Associate Producer at Susie Films. Paula’s work on the documentary Crisis of Substance earned a Southeast Emmy in June 2024, showcasing her skill in impactful storytelling and her dedication to addressing important social issues.

JD Mazuera Arias ’20 was recognized for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. From his impactful work on Capitol Hill to his focus on advancing equitable policy solutions in areas like economic justice and immigrant rights, JD has demonstrated a deep dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, both in Washington, D.C., and back home in North Carolina.

Deanna Rohrer ’20 shows an exceptional dedication to education and service as a 3rd grade teacher, embodying Queens’ motto of “Not to be served, but to serve.” From teaching in Baltimore City Schools to achieving the highest English test scores at her current school in Alexandria, VA, Deanna continues to make a lasting impact by empowering students and advocating for underserved communities.

Ashli White ’20 is a Business Program Manager at Microsoft. Ashli has driven impactful initiatives and created a thriving community within the Atlanta Finance hub, supporting strategic execution and cultural development for employees reporting to the CFO. Beyond her professional achievements, Ashli is deeply committed to community service, with a focus on food security, education, and affordable housing, while continuing her growth through an Evening MBA program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Ashli is also a generous supporter of Queens as a young alumna.

Natalie Van Noy Cook-Weeks ’22 recently earned her M.Ed. in Child Studies from Vanderbilt University, specializing in Pediatric Healthcare and Developmental Disabilities, and completed a child life internship at Norton Children’s Hospital. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, she is dedicated to improving outcomes for pediatric patients with developmental disabilities, drawing from her extensive research experience and passion for supporting families facing medical complexities.

Jan Delkeskamp ’23 was honored for his remarkable achievements as an MBA candidate at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. In addition to his roles at Duke as an Admissions Ambassador, TA for Business Analytics, and Gameday Assistant for Corporate Partnerships, Jan has secured a position as a Finance & Accounting Manager at Procter & Gamble upon graduation, all while being a passionate advocate for Queens swimming and his alma mater.