Tales of Seahawk Love: Seahawk Sweethearts 2014

“If it wasn’t for UNCW I would have never met my soul mate,” shared Ivy McCreary Barefoot 11’ and Kyle Barefoot 09’ in the Seahawk Sweethearts contest last year.

David Hoxie '06, '08M and Sarah Peterson Hoxie '07 

Is your sweetheart a fellow UNCW alumnus? If so, we invite you to share your story with us for a chance to win a fabulous getaway package during Homecoming Weekend, February 21-23, 2014! This package includes a two-night stay at, the brand new Courtyard by Marriot in beautiful downtown Wilmington, two alumni TEALgate tickets and two homecoming basketball tickets!

Check out this year’s contest on Facebook. Entries will be accepted through Friday, January 31 at noon and voting ends Monday, February 3 at noon.  For complete rules and details, please visit the contest webpage.

View the alumni love stories from last year in the Storify slideshow below. #uncwsweethearts #UNCWHC14

Seahawk Sweethearts

A degree isn't the only thing that Seahawks walk away with after their final days of class. Aside from the lifelong friendships, many also find their soul mate, the one person who knows them better than anyone else and stands by their side through it all.

In celebration Homecoming 2013, which falls on Valentine's weekend, alumni couples are invited to submit their photos and stories for a chance to win a fantastic getaway package. This video is a product of the submissions received so far. Interested in entering the contest? Entries will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2013 and the final votes will be counted on Feb. 1, 2013. Find contest rules and details!

Young Entrepreneur Corey Heim '06 to Speak at CSB Alumni Breakfast Series

Corey Heim ’06, co-founder of DryCASE, is the youngest alumnus to date chosen to speak at the Cameron School of Business Alumni Chapter Breakfast series. Based on his career experience, Corey will be presenting on “The Power of Ideas and Entrepreneurship” with other co-founder, Dr. Roy “Arch” Archambault.

Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, Corey graduated with a B.A. in Spanish and B.S in International Business. “A marketing class with Professor Wes Berlin was the first time I had a professor that was telling stories from real life experience about business and the ‘art of the deal’.” Corey said, reflecting on his time at UNCW and how it has influenced his profession.  Later on, during his involvement with the Cameron Executive Network, he was “paired with a mentor that helped me nail an internship that eventually led to my current business.”

Since 2007 Corey has been serving as Chief Operating Officer of Dry Corp, LLC. Dry Corp is a medical distribution company headquartered in Wilmington, NC that sells waterproof body protection for wound care, casts, bandages, prosthesis, PICC lines and Ostomy in over 32 countries.

In the summer of 2009 he became co-founder of DryCASE, a company that uses patented vacuum seal technology to make waterproof cases for phones, cameras and MP3 players. Since its conception Corey has helped to make DryCASE a recognized and world distributed brand in outdoor/consumer electronic markets.

The CSB Alumni Breakfast series is open to both alumni and community members. It will be held Tuesday, October 23 and $5.00 tickets can be purchased online prior to October 18.

UNCW Alumni Relations/Caroline Robinson, Intern

UNCW Alumni Deliver Quality Education During Tough Economy

During the past few years, we have all been forced to see the bright side in an economic recession. Few have done this as well as two of our Watson School of Education alumni, Julie Sartorius ’08,’10M and Sarah Payne ’08. These passionate educators have been able to maintain a positive attitude and love for teaching even during the tough times of an economic downturn.

Both educators are currently in Wilmington. Julie works at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry (CFCI) as a third grade teacher. Sarah works at Wrightsville Beach Elementary as a first, fourth and fifth grade pull-out teacher who helps struggling students through working in small groups.

Julie with the founders of KIPP, a group of
charter schools that empowers students
to go to and through college. 

Julie advocates for providing quality education by sharing. She states that instead of viewing education as a competition, “it’s about a shared understanding,” and that all teachers should work together to share resources. Julie adds, "I saw it in undergrad when we would create a lesson or unit plan and the professors would put them on blackboard or discs for everyone in the class to utilize and benefit. I saw it at KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) when they created an online web sharing database for teachers at their 100 schools and I see it now at CFCI."

Throughout the challenges in her career she has continued to stay positive. “One of my favorite things about teaching is the smiles on the faces of the children when they walk in the door in the morning, eager to seek what they day has to offer.”

Sarah with some of her students.

Sarah has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was in third grade, when she presented a mini lesson to her class. She still loves being an educator and recommends that new teachers stay organized, track receipts and find the benefits in tutoring struggling students. Sarah works hard to create a bond with students and states, “I love to take a concept that’s difficult and find a way to make my students understand it. I love that ‘light bulb’ moment when you can see that the concept final clicks in their minds.”

Just a few weeks away is the WSE Alumni Chapter Spring Dinner where guest speaker, Dr. Cathy Barlow, will address “Providing a Quality Education During Challenging Economic Times.” Alumni will have an opportunity to mingle with friends and fellow educators while enjoying dinner and the presentation. "I loved my time at UNCW. Thinking about college, I remember all the fun I had with friends." said Sarah. "I look forward to events like these to share with alumni who have similar experiences in their careers."

UNCW Alumni Relations/ Tori Hamed

Alumna with a Career in Media Keeps a Fast Pace

Returning to Wilmington after living in Greensboro for a few years may have been an adjustment for Chrissy Coor '01 due to the casual nature of our coastal city, but she quickly saw the perks. Along with the progression she's earned in her career since her arrival, she has come to savor the relaxed environment. "I enjoy living where people want to vacation and where flip flops are a staple nearly every month of the year." states Chrissy.

Most people who know Chrissy agree that relaxing is not something she takes lightly. Working in the media industry, currently as the Local Sales Manager for FOX Wilmington, means long days. Before making her way to the office, it's not uncommon for her to fit in a nine mile run. "It's my outlet from whatever I have going on." Chrissy shares. As a goal oriented person, even her method of stress relief has an agenda. "Running has turned into half marathons, full marathons, triathlons and this year will be another bucket list item marked off -- a half ironman!"

Goal setting and competition is familiar territory for Chrissy. When she first toured UNCW, it was during the time she was being recruited by multiple universities for full scholarships in basketball or volleyball. After seeing the campus, she committed to becoming a Seahawk and played on the Women's Basketball team for three years.

After graduating, Chrissy worked in media buying with the national firm Blair TV, and later as an account executive with WFMY in Greensboro before making her way back to Wilmington. "I have been on the national side, local side, internet world, advertising agency side and now back to local TV sales." Chrissy reflects. " I really enjoy being a resource for our clients and working with them on their marketing plans."

Chrissy also volunteers for the Alumni Association and is currently serving as president of the Cape Fear Alumni Chapter. The chapter hosts multiple events throughout the year, including the Alumni After Work coming up on April 12 at Dockside. "It's such a fun, relaxing time when we get together for the social. I enjoy meeting local alumni and sharing stories about UNCW."

Congratulations Outstanding UNCW Cameron School of Business Alumni

The 2012 recipients are Carlton Fisher ’83; Jim Parker ’98 and Jason Wheeler ’99, ’03M. Each one has been chosen based on his successes following graduation from UNCW.

Carlton Fisher ’83 graduated with a degree in business. He now works at the family business, Coastal Realty Co. Carlton and his family have strong ties to the university in that both his parents and wife are graduates and his son is soon to be enrolled. Carlton is the past chair of UNCW Foundation Board of Directors and currently serves on the UNCW Board of Trustees.

Jim Parker ’98M graduated with a Master of Business Administration after receiving his undergraduate degree from University of Maryland College Park in accounting. He currently serves as the director of finance- internal audit with ConAgra Foods in Omaha, Neb. Jim has facilitated internal audit courses for the Institute of Auditors for more than 14 years. He started his career in audit by working for the Marine Corps Nonappropriated Fund Audit Service.

Jason Wheeler ’99, ’03M is CEO and wealth consultant for Pathfinder Wealth Consulting in Wilmington. He is very involved in the UNCW and Wilmington communities. He serves as an associate professor of corporate finance in the Cameron School of Business and is also a member of the UNCW Foundation Board of Directors. Jason is a member of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was elected to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation Board in 2012. He also received the 2004 UNCW Young Alumnus of the Year Award.

The three 2012 Outstanding UNCW Cameron School of Business alumni will be recognized and participate as the panel speakers during the CSB Alumni Speaker Breakfast & Panel Discussion. The event will be on Wednesday, March 28 in Madeline Suite at 7:00 am and is part of Business Week.

Tori Hamed/UNCW Alumni Relations Intern

Former UNCW Student Body President Supporting Entire N.C. University System from Nation’s Capital

Bradley Ballou ’06 did not stop his political career in student government. Originally coming to UNCW for the smaller Southern hospitality atmosphere of the university, he has found himself in the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C.

His education and experience as Student Body President and a member of the Board of Trustees, taught him “more about politics and policy than any other prior experience,” said Bradley. To have “studied politics before practicing it has been enormously beneficial to me.”

Upon graduation from UNCW and after receiving his master’s degree in Political Management from George Washington University, Bradley worked for Senator Elizabeth Dole. He served as her scheduler and later an advisor on Energy and Environmental policy. After the 2008 election and end of the campaign, Bradley experienced an especially difficult time finding another job, like other Republicans in Washington D.C. His persistence and experience earned him an opportunity with the American Council of Life Insurers as part of their government relations team for a year following the election. From there Bradley started his current role for the University of North Carolina system.

Currently the Director of Federal Relations for the University of North Carolina, Bradley acts as a lobbyist for all 17 UNC system campuses and as a liaison between the University and Congress as well as all branches of the Federal government.

Bradley enjoys having networking opportunities with other alumni during events in D.C. as well coming back to visit Wilmington. “Living in this concrete jungle, I really miss the fresh sea air,” says Bradley, who goes to the south end of Wrightsville Beach every chance he gets. Visit Bradley and other alumni in the area at the Washington D.C. Area Alumni Reception on December 1 for a chance to welcome Chancellor Gary Miller and Mrs. Georgia Miller to UNCW.

UNCW Alumni Relations/Hannah Miller

Alumna with Heart of Teal Excited for UNCW Event in Triad

Julie with her daughter on campus in August.

If you have ever been to Wilmington, NC you have been on I-40. Starting in California, there are hundreds of beautiful stops from coast to coast, but none are as beautiful as the city where I-40 ends: Wilmington. Julie Landen '02 feels that same way. UNCW’s eye candy campus and renowned academic departments stole her heart the fall of 1997.

Her love of the university and passion to stay connected is so strong that Julie is the UNCW Triad Area Chapter President. She works in Greensboro as the Alumni House Manager and Assistant Director of Local Alumni Programming for UNCG. Prior to this position, Julie worked in minor league baseball as a Director of Community Relations.

 As UNCW Triad Area Chapter President she chairs the steering committee, the chapter's group of alumni volunteers, and hosts events such as the Triad Area Chapter Fall Reception, on October 27. Not only is Julie excited about talking to other alumni in the area, but she is also looking forward to welcoming Chancellor Miller and the opportunity to “hear from him what the future holds for UNCW.”

Julie’s favorite part about being the chapter’s president is staying in touch with UNCW and finding out what is happening on campus. Visiting Wilmington every chance she has, that drive on I-40 instantly brings back memories of her college days.

Hannah Miller, UNCW Alumni Relations Intern

Technology Entrepreneur Next CSB Alumni Breakfast Speaker

Shaun Olsen '02 is the owner of Olsen Enterprises, which established its first company, BBXComputers, in 2002. Shaun later created AcoustiCreations, Inc. and Opterex, Inc., Cape Fear businesses focused on network administration, systems integration and product management. In 2009, Shaun won both a Coastal Entrepreneur Award and a UNCW Entrepreneurship Award in the category of technology. Shaun graduated from UNCW with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Information Systems.

The Alumni Association selected this dynamic entrepreneur as the 2011 Young Alumnus of the Year due to his successful launch and management of three growing businesses and passion for helping students excel in the Cameron School of Business. As a successful business owner, mentor within the Cameron Executive Network and recipient of numerous entrepreneurship awards, Shaun has quickly become one of the area’s most up-and-coming young professionals.

Shaun will be speaking at the next CSB Alumni Chapter Breakfast on Thursday, October 26. His presentation, "The New Epoch of Technology and Entrepreneurship" is sure to be informational and inspiring. The CSB Alumni Speaker Breakfast series, which started in 2010, has grown in popularity over the last year and is open to both alumni and community members.

Melissa Mackay, UNCW Alumni Relations Intern

Study Abroad Opportunity Leads to Life of Travel

When he came to UNCW as a transfer student, Adam Matthews ’04 looked forward to attending a university that fit his academic aspirations as well as fulfill his need for an invigorating sea breeze. What he didn’t expect; however, was that an opportunity to study in Europe would spark a momentous desire for experiential learning. “Every waking moment in a foreign country is a learning experience. I now have an insatiable lust for the unknown,” Adam shares.

While he continued his studies as a business student, Adam focused on technology courses knowing this training would empower him to work strategically and become a multipurpose asset to future employers. This mindset paid off, affording him a position with IBM, also working with Lenovo, during one of the largest U.S. acquisitions by a foreign company. During this time, he developed an interest in the Asia and Pacific marketplace and later traveled to Australia to earn his master’s degree.

Adam at Machu Picchu, Peru

Stamps in Adam’s passport reflect times of adventure, such as Interlaken, Switzerland or Queenstown, New Zealand. Thailand was remarkable due in part to its navigation challenges. When asked about the one he enjoyed most: “My favorite country is always the one I haven’t been to yet. I like to focus on where I am going next.”

Recently Adam returned from South Africa and is back home working with the Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte. He’s looking forward to seeing fellow alumni at the Charlotte Area Alumni Fall Dinner at the City Club on November 3. “You have this connection that makes it easy to engage in conversation. I enjoy reminiscing about the memories I have from Wilmington,” he states.

Family & Alumni Weekend 2011 Highlights Video

Alumni and families of current students came to campus to participate in Family & Alumni Weekend on September 23-25. The university hosted nearly 30 events that showcased the UNCW experience, including social gatherings, musical performances, academic discussions, tours and recreation. Alumni attendees included the first students of Wilmington College in 1947 to our most recent 2011 graduates.

Family & Alumni Weekend 2011

Alumni of all ages, family and friends are invited to celebrate the UNCW experience on September 23 & 24! Make plans now to take advantage of hotel discounts and pre-registration benefits!

New for 2011, Wrightsville Beach will be swarming with teal on Saturday, September 24 at the UNCW Alumni Day at the Beach. Pack your blanket and cooler and come join us! Worried about parking? Pre-register to enjoy a convenient trolley ride. Guests will relax on the sand with games, snacks, refreshments and live jams from Sai Collins! Matt Glova '07 shares, "This is going to be one of most popular events of the weekend!  I have attended several alumni events at UNCW since I graduated and this is one that you will not want to miss!".

“I loved my time at UNCW." reflects Matt Hinnant '95. "As an alumnus, I have been jealous of friends from other universities who get together every season for a football game.  Well, now we have our chance!  We don’t have football, but we do have the BEACH! I plan to make this an annual tradition and hope my Seahawk friends will too."

During the weekend's festivities, two special groups will also be honored. On Saturday morning, the Golden Wing Society Reunion will be held for alumni who attended Wilmington College 50 or more years ago. They'll share stories as they savor a delicious brunch and then take part in trolley tours around campus, seeing the newest developments for current UNCW students.

Late in the afternoon, alumni whose families are making UNCW a tradition are invited to the annual Legacy Pinning Ceremony. Those who have a sibling, son, daughter, parent or grandparent who are attending UNCW this fall as a new student will treasure the heartfelt ceremony and opportunity to meet other Seahawk families.

The weekend's activities also include a Music Department Alumni Concert & Reception, Seahawk Athletics, Kayak Tours and more! Take a look at the full schedule and share the news with friends!

Growing with our University, Reflecting on 55 Years of Memories

Each fall during Family & Alumni Weekend, alumni who attended Wilmington College 50 or more years ago are invited back to campus to celebrate at the Golden Wing Society Reunion. During the brunch, alumni share stories and reminisce about days when the university was Wilmington College and held classes in the Isaac Bear building on Market Street. After relaying fond memories, the group enjoys a trolley tour of the campus as it stands today, nearly 650 beautiful acres on College Road.

Bettie Strickland '56 and her husband Tom '57, attended the event last year and look forward to the upcoming reunion in September. While they have such sweet memories of dances in Isaac Bear gym, where Bettie served as Social Chair, and cheering during basketball games with Coach Bill Brooks, the couple is proud of the university's progress. Since their graduation, the university moved and vastly expanded, integrated into the North Carolina state system for higher education, and became UNC Wilmington.

Bettie and Tom, who are Wilmington natives, bought their house in the Myrtle Grove area of Wilmington before the university's renowned Center for Marine Science was in existence. They love touring the neighboring facility almost as much as watching the developments to the main campus.

Reflecting, Bettie states, "...Shorthand and Typing with Dorothy Marshall, Biology with Zebrowski (known to us as Uncle Zeb), English Lit with Catherine Noyes, and also English with Shannon Morton - all played a huge part in giving us the skills we would need in our careers and life and bless us even today!". She used her experience to work as a legal secretary and then with Wachovia. Tom worked in the insurance field, first as a salesman, then manager and later as an instructor.

As they are now both retired, they enjoy attending the monthly Wilmington College luncheon at Jackson's BBQ, cheering on Seahawk athletes in Trask, and watching shows and plays in Kenan Auditorium. Bettie and Tom are excited to reconnect with fellow graduates from the class of 1961 and earlier, at the Golden Wing Society Reunion on September 24.

Bloodlines of Teal, the Seahawk Legacy

UNCW has become a tradition for many families. Sharing teal pride as UNCW imprints its legacy on their family. Each year, the alumni association invites freshmen and transfer students, along with a parent, grandparent or sibling who attended UNCW, to join us for the Legacy Pinning Ceremony to celebrate generations of Seahawks.

Among those we honored last year, Susan and Rachel Smyer have a twist on the traditional legacy. Rachel was able to experience the honor of pinning her mother, Susan, as her academic legacy. "I am her biological legacy. So getting to pin her as my academic legacy was an honor. She has always been there for me, no matter what and getting to honor her this way was a big deal not just for the two of us, but for the rest of our family as well."

Rachel Smyer '07 came to UNCW as a transfer student after attending community college. Like many students, she instantly fell in love with the university on her first visit. Rachel graduated with a degree in Communication Studies and now works with the Cape Fear Museum. "UNCW has been good to me, and I feel that it has helped me to grow monumentally as a person. Because of my experiences at UNCW I have learned to trust in my abilities. I studied abroad in Swansea, Wales and I am contemplating getting my Masters Degree in English at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland."

Soon after Rachel began classes, her mother, Susan, made the decision to extend her education and attend UNCW as well. "It took me 35 years to get from New Bern Senior High School to UNCW, but I got here." Through her professors and classmates, she learned that it is never too late to go back to school.  “I learned that knowledge is fun and began to see things from a different point of view.” In 2010, Susan graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies and has plans to work towards a master's degree in Liberal Studies.

The mother and daughter team enjoy visiting campus to watch movies at Lumina Theatre, having coffee with friends in Randall Library and attending alumni events to meet new people. Rachel adds, "Even though I have graduated, I still feel a part of the UNCW family.".

Get Ready for the Durham Bulls Picnic on July 8!

The UNCW Triangle Area Alumni Chapter will host the annual Durham Bulls Picnic on Friday, July 8. Tickets are now available online until July 4. See you at the ball park!

Share Your Memories for the Alumni Beach Day Video!

Johnnie Mercer's Pier, MOI, Surfing Before Class, K-38, 4-wheelin', Friends with Beach Houses, Fishing on the South End Jetty, .....Your Story Goes Here!.... Crystal Pier, Mad Monk, Blockade Runner, The Crest, Catching rays behind the Dunes, Studying late at Pizza Hut on WB....


On UNCW's campus you worked hard, chatted with professors and helped remind your roommates to get to class on time (or they were the ones reminding you!). What about during your downtime? Days without classes and breaks between semesters?

We want to hear about your memories on the southeastern NC coast! What was your favorite hang-out? Where did you always bring out of town friends when they came to visit? When school had you stressed where would you go to unwind?

Post your favorite photos and videos on the Alumni Facebook Page by July 8 for a chance to be included in the Video!!

Share this with friends and to see what old photos they can dig up too!

Alumni Welcome Largest Class to Graduate from UNCW

As students across campus spend hours preparing for final exams, 2,100 of our Seahawks are only steps away from an achievement of a lifetime—college graduation. Four departmental commencement ceremonies, honoring more than 1,800 undergraduate students and nearly 300 graduate students, will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 in Trask Coliseum. For graduates that are interested in purchasing a keepsake of their ceremony, DVDs are available from the alumni office.

The Alumni Association will be starting off this exciting weekend by hosting a Commencement Celebration at the Wise Alumni House on Thursday, May 12. The graduates, along with family and friends, are invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and tour the historic mansion while getting to know Alumni Association Board Members.

We are proud to welcome the Class of 2011 as they join the ranks of over 57,000 UNCW alumni and look forward to seeing each of these new faces at upcoming events!

Business Executive and Civic Leader Shares Insight on How We Can Impact Our Local Economy

Vice president at John S. Clark Co., Livian Jones '95M, believes in giving back to her community. The Charlotte native earned a criminal justice and pre-law degree from Appalachian State University before moving to Wilmington to complete an MBA from UNCW. Livian has been in the construction and engineering industry for more than 20 years and stays actively involved in numerous community and civic organizations.

Alumni and members of the community will have an opportunity to hear Livian present on our individual impact on local economic development at the next CSB Alumni Chapter Speaker Breakfast on April 7. Guests will enjoy a networking breakfast before the presentation in the Burney Center on UNCW's campus. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online prior to April 3.

Livian has stayed connected with UNCW as a former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Foundation Board. Locally she has helped lead two "Women's Build" Habitat Houses, served as a commissioner on the Wilmington Housing Authority and on the commissioning committee of both the SSN North Carolina Submarine and USS Gravely Destroyer. In addition to serving on many local organizations' board of directors, such as the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Child Advocacy (CAPP), and the Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts, she founded and operates her own non-profit, Furniture Finders, which provides basic furnishings for underprivileged families. 

Announcing the 2011 CSB Outstanding Alumni of the Year

Business Week is an exciting and informational annual event hosted by UNCW’s Cameron School of Business. One of the most significant aspects of the week is the Alumni & Retired Faculty Mixer on Tuesday, March 1st at 5:30 pm in the CIS Lobby. The mixer will include complimentary food and drinks while guests network and celebrate the 2011 CSB Outstanding Alumni of the Year honorees.

The 2011 recipients are Donis Noe Smith '86, '94M; Gareth Montague-Smith '96, '97M; and Judy R. Tharp '78. Each one has been chosen because of their successes following graduation from UNCW.

Donis Noe Smith has been a wealth advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney for 15 years. She graduated from UNCW in 1986 with a B.S. in marketing and then received her MBA from UNCW in 1994. Donis earned the Certified Financial Planner^TM Practitioner designation in 2003 and Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Advisor designation in 2007. Donis is a member of the New Hanover County Estate Planning Council and the Investors Roundtable of Wilmington. Donis is a past chair of the UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors and also served on the CSB Alumni Chapter Board of Directors. She currently mentors business students as a member of the Cameron Executive Network.

Gareth Montague-Smith is an Audit Senior Manager with KPMG’s Raleigh, NC office. Gareth joined KPMG in September 1997, after completing an undergraduate degree and Masters of Science in Accounting in 1997. Gareth spent 11 years with KPMG in Raleigh working on some of the firms largest global public and non-public companies. More recently, he was nominated to spend two years working in one of KPMG’s national offices. Gareth is a CPA in both North Carolina and New Jersey and holds membership in the UNCW Accounting & Business Law/Master of Science in Accounting Advisory Board, the American Institute of CPA's, the New Jersey Society of CPA's, the North Carolina Association of CPA's, the North Carolina Association of CPA's Accounting and Attestation Board, and is a board member of Be Active NC.

Judy Tharp's career in credit unions began in Wilmington in 1979 after her graduation from UNCW in 1978. She started Cape Fear Employees' Credit Union, for the employees of the E.I. duPont deNemours plant. Judy served as the first President/CEO of the credit union until 1994. In the years since, she has served in executive positions for two credit unions in South Carolina. Additionally, she served as an officer of CUNA Mutual Group, a national multi-billion dollar financial products and insurance company, where she oversaw lending strategy and solution development for the company. Judy has been very active in the Credit Union Executive Society, the NC Credit Union League, First Carolina Corporate Credit Union and Credit Union National Association. Currently, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, and serves on the Board of the Carolinas Credit Union Service Corporation. Judy was voted North Carolina’s ‘Credit Union Person of the Year’ in 1994 and is currently the President/CEO of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union.

To meet these outstanding alumni, register for the mixer online at www.uncw.edu/csbtix.

UNCW’s Cameron School of Business Hosts 29th Annual Business Week

It’s that time again! UNCW’s Cameron School of Business holds the 29^th annual Business Week. Alumni are invited to take part in events on March 1st and 2nd. The highlight of the week is the Alumni and Retired Faculty Mixer on Tuesday, March 1 at 5:30pm in the Computer Information Systems lobby. This event will be lots of fun and a great opportunity for alumni to catch up with former CSB friends and professors! The night will also include the presentation of the 2011 Outstanding Business Alumni of the Year awards.

The week-long event features a bevy of speakers who have experience in the fields of business, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, information technologies, and more. As a current student, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing,  I have come to realize the importance of Business Week. My classmates and I will be given the opportunity to learn about many facets of the business world and all that we have to look forward to. My time in the Cameron School of Business has been tremendously positive and I look to Business Week as another insightful experience that will aid and carry me into my future.

When I asked Meghan MacDonald ‘09  how she felt about being one of this year's speakers, she responded with, "Business Week is a great opportunity for the community and the university. As a student I was able to attend seminars that were of interest to my career path, be a student host, and foster relationships that continue to be an important part of my life today. As an alumna of the business school and participant of business week, I hope to be able to assist and guide students as other business leaders did for me."

Kristen Beckmeyer ’01, former CSB student and owner of Coastal Cupcakes, puts it nicely, “I first spoke at Business Week in 2009 and really enjoyed getting back on campus and interacting with the students. It was amazing to see how things have changed since I was a student. One of the great things about living in Wilmington is the ability to get and stay involved with UNCW. Giving back to your alma mater isn't just about writing a check. Sometimes your time and experience means the most."

- Krista Little, Business Student & Alumni Relations Intern