Four Distinguished Seahawks Receive UNCW's Highest Honor

UNCW’s Distinguished Awards are presented to selected alumni each year in recognition of extraordinary achievement, outstanding character, and exemplary service to the university and community.

“This year's distinguished honorees demonstrate tenacity and selflessness for the greater good in their professional and personal lives,” said Lindsay LeRoy, executive director of the UNCW Alumni Association. “They have overcome barriers and brought others along in the wake of their success. Their Seahawk pride is like no other.”

"When I received the call that I was the recipient of the Diversity Award, I thought, ‘Do I deserve this? Have I done enough, and could I have done more?’ I've tried to make a difference, and something like this helps validate the things the police agency and the city does to include everyone and make sure everybody's voices are heard."

“The Distinguished Alumna of the Year award from UNC Wilmington is one of the greatest honors of my life. I will treasure the memories from Homecoming 2023, our 75th anniversary of the university and the 40th for my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. Best of all was the opportunity to reconnect with my long-time friends and fellow alumni.”

“There are so many amazing people who do such great work in our community, so to even be thought of as distinguished citizen is truly an honor.”

Lauren

“Receiving a distinguished alumni award is a great honor and one of my proudest accomplishments. This community has given me so much, including a phenomenal education and career that I love. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication I have poured into what I do.”

Riley A. Stephenson ’15 Distinguished Young Alumnus of the Year