ALUMNI LIKE NO OTHER

by Lindsay A.T. LeRoy

UNCW alumni know that indescribable feeling when they think about what it means to be a Seahawk. As the alumni body approaches 100,000, the stories and memories can be characterized as experiences like no other.

Margo ‘25, Rhonda ‘88 & Lloyd Hinnant ‘88

It’s the feeling that Rhonda ’88 and Lloyd ’88 Hinnant felt when they moved daughter Margo ’25 into her new residence hall. Lloyd, a longtime active member of the Triangle Alumni Chapter, boasts that having his daughter attend the university where he and his wife met is “nearly beyond words.” Over the past 18 years, all their visits to campus include a stop at the spot where he and Rhonda met – a reminder of where their family started. Now, Margo will create her own story as part of their family legacy at UNCW.

“Along with joyful moments, past years have tested us,” said Stephanie Lanier ’03. “UNCW alumni are resilient and will undoubtedly be at the forefront of each challenge, sharing wisdom and tirelessly working together to build a stronger UNCW.”

Stephanie Lanier ’03, ’07M

Listening. Organizing. Supporting YOU.

Alison English ’04

The UNCW Alumni Association, chaired by Alison English ’04, serves all Seahawks and is the lead supporter of the university’s strategic vision with a purpose to connect and involve alumni, students and friends in promoting and advancing the university. The association is comprised of hundreds of alumni leaders across the nation through a network of chapters designed to engage alumni interests based on location, affinity and academic passion.

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Lynn Whitesell ‘97M

After six years of service, Lynn Whitesell ’97M serves as the past chair of the association. As managing partner of her consulting firm, she recognizes that time is precious.

“It is a joy to volunteer alongside so many passionate alumni. We support one another as the “busyness” of life ebbs and flows for everyone,” Whitesell said.

Arie Gee ’12

Close to 80% of alumni are under the age of 50 and many have cited time and

proximity as the largest barriers to engagement with the university. Whether supporting a career or taking care of family, time and energy are limited.

Assistant director of alumni relations, Arie Gee ’12, and the alumni relations team are working to transition each chapter to a new model, making it even easier to get involved whether you have a moment or an hour. Every Seahawk can make a difference and support what they care about most.

Making it easy for Seahawks of a feather to flock together.

Join us! For a full list of chapters, visit alumni.uncw.edu/chapters

Ebony Bryant ’01

ACTIVISM THROUGH ACTION

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, the African American Graduate Association helped university administrators identify important issues imperative to moving UNCW forward. Their tool – a series of webinars designed to engage and inform the Seahawk community.

“The AAGA leadership team felt a deep responsibility to those who paved the way as alumni and to those who are still on the journey as students to amplify the Black voice and remind UNCW of the power, passion and value of Black students, staff, faculty and alumni. Teal Tuesday Takeovers was one way to meet that goal,” shared Ebony Bryant ’01, AAGA chapter president.

From conference tables to couches, AAGA’s influence has been immense. The chapter helped to organize programs during UNCW’s first-ever virtual homecoming – including an at-home dance party hosted by DJ Scratch, and the chapter also worked to raise funds for diversity scholarships.

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STUDENT-FOCUSED

The Cape Fear Area Alumni Chapter naturally has a connection to campus and supporting students. In a year like no other, alumni worked to ensure our newest graduates felt celebrated. Volunteers sent text messages to the Class of 2021 welcoming them into the association and inviting them to a special event on Chancellor’s Walk. Shelley Blake Curran ’96 lives in the Triangle but wanted to help from afar. She had a great time fielding questions and making connections with new alumni. The chapter also hosted a Fill the Freezer Drive, collecting 345 pounds of food for UNCW’s food pantry, Hawk’s Harvest.

Shelley Blake Curran ’96

Visit alumni.uncw.edu/virtual to enjoy online programs

“Time, talent, treasures and testimonies. It’s really that simple. We can’t move from good to great without strong alumni partnerships like we had this year,” said Rick Olsen ’87, faculty advisor to the Communication Studies Alumni Chapter.

Rick Olsen ’87

Martin Jarmond ’01

MENTORSHIP MATTERS

Partnerships are essential, like those with Martin Jarmond ’01, who credits his degree for helping shape his ascent to athletic director at UCLA. During an interactive online event, current students and alumni heard from the former men’s basketball player, who said “refining your purpose, passion and perspective can keep your mind and game right!’”

During Seahawks Give, a 24-hour giving challenge, Damon Lilly ’15, gave $50 for every donor to Communication Studies. “I wanted to do something that I knew would directly impact those who are following in my footsteps,” he said.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Alumni are the most significant element to an institution’s success. Because of the support of alumni donors, UNCW has met the ambitious goal of 50,000 alumni gifts ahead of schedule. As the university strives to raise a record $100 million for UNCW, the alumni gift goal has been stretched to 60,000 by the conclusion of Like No Other: The Campaign for UNCW.

Lindsay LeRoy

“We continue to be humbled and inspired by the many ways our alumni use their talents to advance their alma mater,” said Lindsay LeRoy, director of alumni relations. “If we can galvanize that support during this campaign, we know we can create a future at UNCW like no other.”

Get involved and make your gift at alumni.uncw.edu/give

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