University of North Carolina at Wilmington

ALUMNI GIVING REACHES GOAL
Thanks to you, our generous alumni, we have met Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo’s goal of 10 percent alumni participation in annual giving for 2003-04. She continues to challenge us as the new fiscal year gets underway with a participation goal of 12 percent for 2004-05. Your gift of $25 or more to UNCW each fiscal year (between July 1-June 30) gives you status as an "active alumnus" and supports the many programs provided to alumni and students. For more information, please call 910.962.3626 or 800.596.2880 or visit http://www.uncw.edu/uniadv/.

ALUMNI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN
After more than 11 years of service to UNCW as the executive director of alumni relations, Patricia Corcoran Smith ’72, is stepping down, effective June 30. Under her leadership, the alumni association experienced tremendous growth and increased support. As the number of alumni rose from 19,000 to approximately 40,000, the number of chartered and affiliate alumni chapters increased from five to 20, and a council was formed to serve the growing number of young alumni.

The association raised more than $800,000 to transform Wise Alumni House from a derelict structure to a grand historic home; established four endowed scholarships bringing the total number to 15; instituted distinguished faculty, outstanding young alumnus, soaring chapter and Rookie of the Year awards; erected historic road markers for Wilmington College and Wise/Kenan houses; celebrated its 30th anniversary; conducted numerous regional alumni outreach programs, some in collaboration with other university programs/offices; raffled a boat, two vehicles and a motorcycle; won an international CASE award; reengaged Wilmington College alumni; got the UNCW Seahawk collegiate license plate on the road; had the first alumni directory published; hosted successful fundraising events like the Designers Showcase and Fantasy Auction; set up a credit card program benefiting the alumni association; and worked to engage students through Ambassadors, Senior Salute and other programs.

Smith, who was recently certified as a North Carolina public manager, said she is proud of the association’s many accomplishments and looks forward to seeing the organization experience continued support from its ever-growing alumni base.

VOSNOCK ’71 IS NEW BOARD CHAIR
Ed Vosnock ’71 has taken the reins as the UNCW Alumni Association board chair, effective July 1. He has been an active board member having served as vice chair and treasurer as well as member of the Internal Relations Committee. He is retired from the Wilmington Fire Department. Ray Cockrell ’88, ’96M has stepped down after serving two years as chair. The association thanks him for strong commitment and tireless support of the organization. MORE

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The June spotlight brightly shines on Dru Farrar '73, a superior alumni volunteer and association board member. This summer she is at Wise Alumni House assisting with the planning of alumni events and activities during the search for the association’s next executive director and assistant director. Dru brings valuable working skills and knowledge. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from UNCW and has taught elementary music for 24 years in New Hanover County Schools. She is the proud mother of Blair, 26, and Natalie, 22. Dru enjoys spending a lot of her spare time with her granddaughter Katelyn, 6, and attending UNCW athletic and alumni events. The UNCW Alumni Association's first Soaring Chapter Award went to the Cape Fear Alumni Chapter in 1999, which was under her leadership at that time. She set the standard for other chapter representatives to follow. She has served on the association's executive committee as secretary and on most alumni board committees during her tenure. She exemplifies a dynamic alumni volunteer by her broad-based service to UNCW.

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Chancellor DePaolo responds to deaths of UNCW students.
More information can be found at http://appserv02.uncw.edu/news/headlines.asp.

“PAINT THE TOWN” TEAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
UNCW and the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce officially kicked off a “Paint the Town Teal” campaign with a press conference June 23 at the FNB Southeast Bank on South College Road. The joint effort is expected to generate enthusiasm for the students, faculty, staff, families and alumni associated with UNCW and the Wilmington business community. Paul McCombie ’86, executive of FNB Southeast Bank, was master of ceremonies. The “Paint the Town Teal” campaign gives local businesses the chance to show off their Seahawk pride in their establishments. Download a brochure showing Seahawk items available for purchase.

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK IS NEWEST DEGREE OFFERING
UNCW will offer a Master of Social Work degree beginning in the 2004-05 academic year. The degree, focusing on preparation for advanced clinical practice, will be offered through the university’s Department of Social Work. News release

UNCW RECEIVES MAJOR GRID COMPUTING GRANT
Undergraduate computer science students at UNCW will be conducting research that will significantly benefit faculty scientists and businesses thanks to a two-year, $557,634 grid computing grant from the UNC Office of the President. News release

SBTDC MOVES TO CAMERON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Both students and small businesses will benefit from an organizational restructuring at UNCW that reflects the university’s increased emphasis on the economic development of Southeastern North Carolina. News release

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FORMER SEAHAWK HEADS TO OLYMPIC TRIALS
Former UNC Wilmington sprinter Dan Gallagher has waited and trained five years for this moment, and it has finally come. He hopes to land a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team when he competes July 12 in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Long Beach Stadium in Long Beach, Calif. News release

SEAHAWKS ADD BOSTON TO ITINERARY
For the second time in the last two months, UNC Wilmington has added new rival in the Colonial Athletic Association. CAA Commissioner Thomas E. Yeager announced June 23 that Northeastern University will become the league’s 12th member on July 1, 2006. News release

DIAMOND HAWKS COME UP SHORT AGAINST PIRATES
ECU starter Greg Bunn struck out 11 as East Carolina won the Kinston Regional at Grainger Stadium June 7 with a 7-0 victory over UNCW. News release

ATHLETICS FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION MAKING PROGRESS
Construction is well underway on two major projects for the athletic campus. The $500,000 renovation of the strength and conditioning facility in Hanover Hall is 30 percent finished, with completion scheduled for mid-August. The $2.2 million Almkuist-Nixon Sports Medicine Complex is taking shape near the varsity tennis courts. The 10,000-square foot building will feature a hydrotherapy pool, large classrooms, conference room, three locker rooms and 13 offices. Occupancy is slated for next spring.

FORMER STANDOUT INKS FREE AGENT CONTRACT WITH BRAVES
Blake Cross, the CAA and UNCW's all-time saves leader, has signed a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Braves and will report to the organization's spring training home in Orlando, Fla.

MORE Seahawk Athletics news.

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Lectures
No lectures are scheduled at this time.

Performances
Unless otherwise indicated, all performances are in Kenan Auditorium. For ticket information, please call the box office at 910.962.3000 or 800.732.3643.

Dean Ripa Orchestra, 7 p.m. Friday, July 2.

Joffrey Ballet, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 24

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Exhibits
UNCW Student Creations 2004, through July 31, Randall Library, first floor art wall. Exhibit features the studios of Ann Conner and Aaron Wilcox and students from the UNCW Department of Art and Theatre. Read the press release.

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Calendar
July 27 – Past Chairs’ Council, 6 p.m. Wise Alumni House

July 29 – Summer Session II ends

Aug. 14 – Freshman Move-In Day

Aug. 18 – Fall semester begins

Aug. 6 - UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors dinner and orientation

Aug. 7 – Alumni Board Meeting, 9 a.m. Madeline Suite

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Campus News – Read more of the latest news and events happening across campus.

UNCW Alumni Association – Your alumni association has grown to more than 38,000 members. We invite you to become an active member of the organization by making a gift to the university, joining a chapter, attending events or serving on the board of directors.

Admissions – UNCW is one of the South’s best public undergraduate teaching institutions as evidenced by a high demand from talented students seeking admission, national recognition and growth in regionally relevant programs such as gerontology, public administration and film studies.

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Ways to support UNCW

This electronic newsletter is produced by the UNCW Office of University Relations in cooperation with the UNCW Alumni Association and Advancement Services Office.

Send all questions, comments and other feedback to bianchim@uncw.edu.

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© University of North Carolina at Wilmington, June 2004