Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) held a special dedication ceremony on October 3, 2025, to honor the lives and legacies of Wyett H. Colclasure II and Loma and Ella Hassell. Family members and friends gathered in Heritage Hall for the unveiling of two newly named spaces that celebrate decades of Christian service, leadership, and unwavering faith.
The families of both honorees were present to commemorate the occasion. The naming of these spaces in Heritage Hall is a tribute to the impact these individuals had on the church, Christian education, and the MACU community.
Honoring Loma and Ella Hassell
Loma and Ella Hassell, both North Carolina natives, were among the first students at Roanoke Bible College (now MACU) in 1948. Grounded in their faith and devoted to the mission of the Church of Christ, they lived lives marked by hospitality, leadership, and service.
Loma became an elder at age 21 while attending the Elizabeth City Church of Christ. He was active in teaching, leading, and using his beautiful tenor voice to sing in choirs, duets, quartets, and solos. He owned a small grocery store in Elizabeth City until he sold it to pursue a long career with Pilot Life Insurance Company. He retired with them after 30 years of employment. Ella was deeply involved in local church life, teaching, organizing Vacation Bible Schools, starting area women’s fellowships, and community outreach. She was especially known for her gift of hospitality, her famous Southern cooking which graced countless Sunday dinner tables and church events, her creative ability with crafts, and her exquisite mastery of sewing.
The Hassells were instrumental in establishing and strengthening churches across North Carolina and Virginia, including South Mills Church of Christ, where Loma was a charter elder until his passing in 2000. Ella continued leading senior fellowship programs such as “The Day Apart” at South Mills Church of Christ, “The Gathering Place” at Elizabeth City Church of Christ and later “The Potter’s Hands” at Great Bridge Church of Christ, cooking and coordinating monthly gatherings for nearly 30 years. Her final act of service bringing her signature chicken and dumplings and 10-layer chocolate cake to a meeting of The Potter’s Hands came just months before her death in August 2024.
As guests toured Heritage Hall and paused for photos beside the newly dedicated spaces, heartfelt stories were shared from every generation great-grandchildren, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, children, and close family friends, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives and legacy of those honored.
Ella’s impact continues through ministries like The Potter’s Hands, still hosted by churches such as Towne South Church of Christ. Her dear friend Faye Cardenas captured Ella’s spirit best with these simple, heartfelt words: “She was the easiest person to love.”
Honoring Wyett H. Colclasure II
Also honored was Wyett H. Colclasure II, a U.S. Army veteran who served faithfully for 30 years before retiring in Maryland. While there he joined the Board of Eastern Christian College. When the college closed, Wyett played a pivotal role in transferring its assets to Roanoke Bible College, helping preserve its mission through MACU.
Wyett later joined the MACU Board of Trustees, serving with distinction for 22 years, including as Vice Chairman and Secretary even after he turned to his native Illinois in 2015. His tireless support of Christian education and leadership development helped guide the university through seasons of growth and change.
A classroom in Heritage Hall now bears his name, in recognition of a life lived in faithful stewardship. Wyett’s personal guiding Scripture, displayed prominently in the space, reflects his character and calling: “I will not… sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” — 1 Chronicles 21:24 (NIV)
Attending the dedication on his behalf were Steve and Dianna Colclasure, cousins of Wyett, who spoke of his enduring commitment to MACU. In honor of his exemplary service, Wyett was previously awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the university.