Our Local and Global Communities: Three Seahawks Making a Difference

Success isn’t something that just happens to you one day. It takes work, dedication and perseverance; traits that our alumni take pride in and ones we love to celebrate.

Our 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients have seen how passion can pay off. The top honor for the university, the Distinguished Alumnus of the year, has been awarded to a man who is not afraid to spread his wings to make a difference in our global community. Dr. Anthony Cavalieri '75 celebrated his graduation from UNCW when our university was just a 3,200-student commuter school, but even then he knew his journey was just beginning.

Dr. Tony Cavalieri '75
Distinguished Alumnus
Award Recipient

Familiar with the importance of a rigorous and immersive academic journey, Dr. Cavalieri continued his education at the University of South Carolina to earn his Ph.D. in biology and completed his postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois. His passion for learning and support of the College of Arts & Sciences as a UNCW Society member has provided momentum behind UNCW’s commitment to excellence.

In true Seahawk fashion, Dr. Cavalieri dares to ask questions and break down international barriers. His research in biotechnology and sustainability in agriculture during his 22 years with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a DuPont Company, led to international consulting roles with USAID in Africa and The Nature Conservancy.

In 2012, Dr. Cavalieri became a senior program officer for the Melinda & Bill Gates Foundation, working to provide grants for research organizations who are improving the productivity and incomes of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. His previous work also includes advising the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on science and technology issues in South Asia and the US Agency for International Development.

Not only is UNCW's foundation rooted in the accomplishments of our students and alumni, but also the commitment of our community. The 2014 Citizen Award goes to a man who has shown a lifelong devotion to the quest for education.

Dr. Richard Corbett
Citizen Award Recipient

A retired naval officer, Dr. Richard Corbett is a man who has never stopped pursuing his passion for medicine. Although he retired from the New Hanover Medical Group in 1999, he continues to practice medicine today.

Dr. Corbett has shown his love for our university by establishing scholarships and funds for faculty research, and by serving on the Nurse Advocate Board to address the nursing shortage in our region and help UNCW remain a leader in the southeastern region for nursing education. His commitments to the university also extend beyond the classroom. His commitment to the journey of learning, and knowing that it does not stop at graduation, led to his support of alumni programming and creating opportunities for alumni to reconnect and share career advice.

Young alumna of the year, Susan Chandler Webb ’07 is a Cameron School of Business (CSB) graduate who has advocated for our coastal community since her student years when she helped coordinate the most successful Pi Sigma Epsilon Wing Fling fundraiser to date, earning $37,000 for local charities.

Susan Chandler Webb '07
Young Alumna Award Recipient

Providing tremendous support to the business school and its students since graduation, Susan has served as both an internship advisor and a member of the Cameron Executive Network, however, her involvement doesn’t end with her academic interests. She also actively volunteers for the Cape Fear and CSB alumni chapters and is a former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Crossing the finish line takes energy, a concept that our young alumna and marathon runner embraces in her career as well. A quick peek at her resume shows her willingness to excel has led to multiple promotions. After a few years as an executive recruiter for the Wilmington Group, Susan is now the Area Vice President of Sales for the Coverbind Corporation in Wilmington.

The UNCW Alumni Association, Board of Trustees and Chancellor Gary Miller welcomed the award recipients at a reception at the Chancellor's residence during Homecoming weekend. Join us as we congratulate these outstanding Seahawks!