Alumna's Sight Set on Optometry

Madison Dunning’s mom had crystal-clear vision when she saw her daughter’s potential as an optometrist, even before Madison herself knew what her passion was.

“I always knew I liked science, but I also knew that I really wanted to work with people,” Dunning said.

She attended UNCW to participate in research opportunities for biology and marine biology students, but at her mom’s suggestion, Dunning also looked outside the campus to explore her interests. After being introduced to optometrist Tracey Glendenning through the Catholic Campus Ministry, Dunning saw that she was indeed on the right path. She shadowed Glendenning at the MyEyeDr. office on Racine Drive during the spring 2015 semester and was hired as an optometric technician that summer.

Last fall, Dunning was accepted to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, the same school that the doctors she works with attended.

“Optometry is a challenging yet extremely rewarding career, and I can’t wait to restore, preserve and maintain the gift of sight for my future patients.”

Read more at We Are UNCW.

A Couple in Life & Professional Colleagues

Becky and Brad Walker have helped mold many a teacher – in Southeastern North Carolina and beyond. The Watson College of Education faculty members, a couple in life and professional colleagues at work, never tire of guiding their students on the journey toward a challenging and rewarding career.

“I love working at UNCW,” said Brad, an associate professor in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy and Special Education. “It’s been a dream job for me. Everyone works hard to make sure our students have the best experience possible."

Becky Walker ’97M is an instructor often found working with WCE students in the Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory. The “Ed Lab” supports elementary and middle-grade instruction, special education and graduate courses and enables education majors to hone their teaching skills by working with children.

Working together has been a blessing, the Walkers say, and they’ve been spotted holding hands as they walk through the Education Building. One of their favorite spots is in North Carolina Teachers Legacy Hall, the large atrium that includes a glimpse of education history as well as recognitions of top teachers and principals in the region. To them, it is a constant reminder of the colleagues they have worked with over the years and that education is a collaborative effort.

Read more at We Are UNCW.

Congratulations 2017 Alumni Award Winners

Darion Jeralds ’10, ’14M; Chad Porter ’98; and Chip Mahan have demonstrated personal commitment to community engagement while achieving outstanding professional success. In recognition of their accomplishments, the UNCW Alumni Association presented them with awards on Feb. 3, 2017. Jeralds was named Distinguished Young Alumnus of the Year; Porter, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; and Mahan, Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

For Darion Jeralds, the senior sourcing manager for Global Nuclear Fuel, his UNCW experience prepared him for a smooth transition into the corporate world. His career path started with a class in business operations. After the final project, his professor invited Jeralds to interview for an internship with GE. The internship led to an entry-level opportunity. Jerald’s time on the men’s basketball team helped him develop the character, work ethic and determination to thrive during early career roles, he said.

Chad Porter, a motivational speaker and trainer who works with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies across the nation, also donates countless hours as a mentor to students of all ages. Porter earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UNCW and a graduate degree in physical therapy from East Carolina University. His professional experience includes roles in real estate, at the Coastal Rehabilitation Hospital and as the founder of Porter Financial Group. Today, Porter is a member of the Zig Ziglar International Team, an elite group of highly skilled and knowledgeable corporate trainers.

For more than a decade, Chip Mahan has supported UNCW through service and giving. He has served as a member of the UNCW Board of Visitors, the Foundation Endowment Board and the Cameron School of Business Advisory Board. Mahan, founder, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Live Oak Bank, is also a founding member of nCino and serves on its board of directors. Prior to his work with Live Oak Bank, he served as CEO and chairman of the board for S1 Corporation and founder of Security First Network Bank, the world’s first internet bank.

Read more about these award recipients at We Are UNCW.

Making a Career of Counseling

His family had some reservations about him studying psychology. “They saw it as a fringe career path – one that was reserved ‘for others,’” James Zanker '01 said.

He worked and paid for all of his schooling without having to take out any student loans. In addition to earning a bachelor’s in psychology from UNCW, he received a Master of Arts Service Agency Counseling Degree from UNC Pembroke and is now the proud owner of Zanker Counseling Services, located in downtown Wilmington, NC.


“I had known for my entire cognizant life that I was talented at subjects related to human services and psychology,” he said. “I chose UNCW because of its fine reputation, the fact that is was part of the reputable UNC system and because of UNCW’s excellent psychology department.”

While at UNCW, he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Psi Chi Psychology National Honor Society. He also served as a Student Ambassador and was a member of the UNCW Crew Team.

A licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor and licensed clinical addiction specialist, Zanker loves what he is able to give others through mental health counseling, life coaching or music arts therapy through a related business, Zanker Music Arts Therapy.

“They are all a continual thrill for me and I am working on improving and increasing the level of services that I can provide within each format,” he says.


Read more at We Are UNCW.

Building UNCW's Culture of Philanthropy

Keith Fraser ’13, assistant director of annual giving, has the privilege of helping build a culture of philanthropy among the UNCW community.

“As a proud alumnus, I understand the importance of investing in UNCW,” he said. “Our investment in one another sends an important message to the Wilmington community, alumni and the state that we are accomplishing great things here.”

Prior to his current role, he served as a first-year admissions coordinator. While traveling and meeting prospective students and parents, he learned firsthand the importance of educational access and affordability for all students, regardless of their background or financial situation, which provides a rich context for his role in the Division for University Advancement.

“UNCW had a record-breaking year in fundraising. Nearly $15 million in gifts and commitments were made during 2015-16. Of those gifts made, 50 percent were less than $50. This is an incredible reminder that no gift is too small to make a big impact for our current and future students.”

Read more at We Are UNCW.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards for Excellence in Teaching

A passion for teaching and a desire to help future educators are two things Frances Bessellieu ’82, ’99M and Sueanne McKinney ’82 have in common. The lifelong educators spent much of their careers helping at-risk or special needs children and preparing teachers.

They were honored by the Watson College of Education for their efforts to make a difference in the lives of young people and the advancement of teacher education. Bessellieu, a former teacher and consultant with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and McKinney, an associate professor of elementary education at Old Dominion University, were recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.

“I was well-prepared for the classroom and working with diverse populations,” McKinney said. “The number and quality of my field experiences gave me a realistic picture of the demands of teaching.”

Read more about Frances and Susanna at We Are UNCW.

Researching Issues Close to Home

Mount Everest may draw hundreds, if not thousands of people to Nepal each year, but it was the more remote regions that influenced Janardan Mainali '16M to study earth sciences. Nepal’s treacherous terrain affects more than just mountain climbers; it also impedes villagers’ access to basic elements like water. For his studies, Mainali was specifically interested in dynamics of natural resources and their inherent link to the people who live in the place he calls home.

Mainali, a Fulbright Scholar, began his master’s studies at UNCW in August 2014, and received a grant from the International Foundation for Science to fund his fieldwork in Nepal. “I was born and raised in a remote, hilly region of Nepal in an agrarian family,” he said, “and grew up observing change in the forests and farms around my house.” Following landslides, he said, “those barren lands were protected under the community forest regime and they are now full-fledged forests. That helped local people as they no longer had to walk long distances to collect forest products.”

As part of his master’s thesis in geoscience, Mainali collected data from 10 villages in his native Nepal to assess socioeconomic drivers of drought vulnerability in the Ramechhap district. “Thank you so much, UNCW and Wilmington, for being so accommodating to international students,” he said. “Thank you for making this journey so memorable. I will miss UNCW and Wilmington.”

Read more about Janardan at We Are UNCW.

Learning to Keep Going: Alumni Authors

It is increasingly difficult for writers to stand out from the crowd as publishing agents receive thousands of letters each month from aspiring authors. Writers try different tactics such as sending in query letters, including past publications and awards, or directly submitting pieces to editors with the hope of being discovered. Out of hundreds of submissions, an agent will only consider two or three to take on as clients. What, then, makes a writer stand out from a sea of other talented individuals? Emma Bolden ’05M, Jason Mott ’06, ’08M, and Carmen Rodrigues ’10M offer insight into what has made a difference in making it to bookshelves.

Emma Bolden

The primary support for young writers at UNCW is its stellar faculty who can teach by example. Emma Bolden ’05M, author of the chapbooks The Sad Epistles and The Mariner’s Wife, in addition to the book length series of poems Maleficae, was first attracted to UNCW to study writing in multiple genres, but fell in love with the program when she saw one of her favorite authors, Mark Cox, on the faculty list. Emma first began publishing in high school but still worries every day that her work will go unpublished, saying that “even now, when I see my books on shelves, I’m not certain that I entirely believe it."

Though Emma has never used an agent to publish, she shares that the biggest obstacles for any writer to overcome are internal: “learning when work is ready to be sent out, learning when work needs to be put aside, and learning to keep going – and going and going and going.” Recently published in The Rumpus, Emma explains that she is most proud of her essay “About The Human Hymen Membrane (Disambiguation)” which discusses her twenty-two year struggle with endometriosis and was especially difficult for her to write. As an assistant professor of Creative Writing at Georgia Southern University, Emma continues to pass along the determination, perseverance and support she was shown at UNCW.

Jason Mott

Like Emma, Jason Mott ’06, ’08M shares an appreciation for the faculty and was first attracted to UNCW when poetry lecturer and MFA coordinator Lavonne Adams visited Jason's class at a community college. Jason, author of The Returned, graduated magna cum laude and is one of only 683 students to earn both a BFA as well as an MFA in Creative Writing at UNCW. His hard work as a student earned Jason the Margaret Shannon Morton Fellowship and the Philip Gerard Graduate Fellowship.

Though Jason’s first published novel The Returned has recently been adapted into the critically acclaimed television series The Resurrected, this accomplishment was preceded with unfruitful endeavors. In addition to collections of poetry, Jason wrote several manuscripts that went unpublished and The Returned, a NY Times Bestseller, received its fair share of rejection letters before it was picked up by an agent.

Working on his writing projects during evenings, after returning home from his full-time job at a Verizon call center, Jason had to stay organized and focused. It was this diligence paired with his literary talents that eventually landed him a contract with a major publishing house and he is grateful for his good fortune. “As a writer, you dream of a publisher who is over the moon for your project,” he said in an interview with the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts.  Jason will be sharing about these experiences and more at the Summer Writer's Conference this weekend at UNCW where he will be a keynote speaker and workshop leader.

Carmen Rodrigues

Carmen Rodrigues ’10M is a Seahawk who believes her writing was strengthened by the “fluidity between disciplines” offered at UNCW. Carmen has published two well-received young adult novels, Not Anything and 34 Pieces of You, and is currently working on her upcoming novel Carry You With Me. While Carmen’s novels have been quickly picked up after being seen by several publishing houses, she struggled to find the right agents for her projects. Her experience taught her that agents consider multiple factors before signing a new client, including market trends, the writer's compatibility with the current roster, the project's immediate viability, and their passion for the manuscript. "They may still choose to pass on it," which Rodrigues takes in stride because, "that same agent will provide you with valuable feedback. A wise writer considers that feedback carefully."

Carmen recommends using the rule of five when deciding what to revise. “If five people you trust—agent, editor, teacher, fellow writer, or astute reader - express the same concerns about any part of your project, then listen and understand that some of what you’re trying to do isn’t working…yet.” She urges young writers to overcome rejection and keep working on their craft.

Emma’s professors at UNCW instilled in her what she considers very wise and true advice when it came to publishing her work. “When I was in graduate school, Professor Messer told us that she approached sending out submissions as a job.  You just have to keep going, to keep believing in your work, and to keep working!”

UNCW Alumni Relations/Chris McCall '14

Alumnae Reshape Their Bodies, Careers and Communities

When alumnae Katelyn Lippert '08 and Brook Nash '03 discovered that they could combine their love of dancing with physical fitness, they knew they had to bring Pure Barre franchises to their cities.

Pure Barre is a total body workout using the ballet bar. Students use isometric movements to quickly and safely reshape the body, creating, long lean muscles. The workout is known to lift your seat, tone your thighs, and burn fat impressively fast, all to great music.

Brook, who worked in public health, discovered the workout after the birth of her children. “I needed to shed the baby weight. I was no longer able to jog [due to a knee injury] and needed something low impact,” she said. From her first workout, she fell in love with Pure Barre, “nothing has transformed my body as much as Pure Barre,” she said.

Katelyn Lippert '08 with her sister, Alex,
at their Pure Barre in Wilmington, NC

Katelyn, a recruiter with a human resources background, was introduced to Pure Barre by her sister and business partner, Alexandra O'Rourke. “We both danced for most of our lives, and the workout was addicting,” said Katelyn. “We quickly fell in love and thought Wilmington would be the perfect location for a Pure Barre.”

Both Brook and Katelyn took leaps into becoming small business owners and opened their own Pure Barre locations in Savannah, GA and Wilmington, NC, respectively. “I saw a gap in the Savannah fitness community and thought the women here would really appreciate the workout,” said Brook.

“Opening your own business is a huge venture, it will consume your life but if you have a strong plan and good support you will be successful,” said Katelyn.

Brook Nash '03 in front of her Pure Barre
in Savannah, GA

“First, make sure you love it,” said Brook. “As an owner, even with the help of many, it is totally consuming, but the passion you have for your business or product will get you through the 14 hour days.”

Brook and Katelyn also carried many lessons and experiences from UNCW through their journey to become entrepreneurs. Katelyn ’08 used the Cameron School of Business’s annual Business Week to practice her networking skills and give back to the university. “I enjoy coming back to Cameron and speaking with the students about life after the classroom," she said. "I actually received my first job as a result of Business Week.”

Brook had a mentor, UNCW professor Dr. Michael Perko, whose lessons translated well into her efforts as new business woman. “What I learned from him is more of a life lesson on overcoming perfectionism. No one’s perfect and as long as you try your hardest that is all anyone can ask for,” she said.

UNCW Alumni Relations/Shannon Rodenheiser '11

Alumna Heads to India to Fight Sex Trade

Megan Keels '08 has a goal. She has a vision. She has passion. (She's a Seahawk, of course she does!)

Drawing from personal experiences, Megan has a desire to help people who can't always help themselves. While earning her degrees in sociology, she learned about problems people faced across the globe. One that she couldn't look past was the issue of human sex trafficking.

While reading "Half the Sky," Megan learned about Apne Aap Women Worldwide, whose focus is ending sex trafficking in India. Reading about the issues facing women in this part of the world motivated Megan to reach out to the organization. She found that they needed help in an area of their operations that perfectly suited her acquired skill set: collecting, analyzing and reporting on the most recent data surrounding the trade.

Remembering what a fellow UNCW classmate told her, "to be physically present in a place (as a volunteer) is indispensable," confirmed Megan's decision to head to India; a trip that she will be making next month.

To prepare for her six-month stay, Megan has contacted past volunteers and frequently communicates with a current volunteer to inquire about their lives in India. She put together a website which talks about the issues and the support she needs for the trip. She is looking forward to the experience and "becoming an integral part of a volunteer project that will truly make a difference in the world."

UNCW/Crystal George

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."

UNCW Alumna One of Charlotte's Most Influential Women

Each year since 2009, the Mecklenburg Times names 50 of the most influential women in the Charlotte area. Honorees represent women in business, government, education and the nonprofit fields, and are selected based on professional accomplishments and community involvement. UNCW alumna Shawn King ‘99M, has been a recipient of this award.

Shawn, recently promoted to Sales Vice President at Wastequip in Charlotte, reflects back on her experience through the MBA program at UNCW. “I learned a lot from my classmates on the benefits of having a diversity of viewpoints and skill sets from the team projects we worked on together. The faculty, Dr. Becky Porterfield, Dr. Claude Farrell and Dr. Howard Rockness, always encouraged students to stretch goals and [taught] the benefits of continual learning on the job. “ stated Shawn.

She believes that working in her chosen career prior to and while pursuing her MBA has taught her valuable time management as well as life balance skills. “I encourage people to have a few year’s working experience before pursuing their MBA – it will just mean more to them going through it.” Shawn’s diligence and a referral from Dr. Porterfield and Rick Sears, a member of Cameron’s Executive Advisory Board, earned her a new position at Precision Fabrics in Greensboro, just before graduating. She later moved on to hold two additional director roles at different companies before joining Wastequip in 2009 as the Marketing Vice President.

When Shawn is not traveling for her new position as Sales Vice President or working on local nonprofit projects, she enjoys coming back to Wilmington with her son and spending time on their boat, Blue Magic, on the Bradley Creek Marina.

As evident by the progression of her career and being honored as a woman of influence, Shawn keeps an extensive professional network. “I appreciated the recognition as well as being in the company of other fantastic women here in Charlotte. Many are women I have worked with on local nonprofit projects, have met through the Charlotte Women Executives’ group and others are leaders from whom I learned something new.”

UNCW Alumni Relations/ Kirsten Matz

FORMER SEAHAWK INSPIRES STUDENTS

Kindergarteners at nearby College Park Elementary School recently raced to good health with help and inspiration from their teacher, former UNCW swimming and diving standout Melissa Milstead.

Milstead, the Colonial Athletic Association’s Swimming and Diving Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year for two straight years in 2006 and 2007, encouraged her class to exercise by running for two years in a row.

Last year, Milstead’s first grade class ran a 26.2-mile marathon and this year, her kindergarteners have done the same. Milstead’s class of five and six-year-olds started their marathon in January and kept count of their laps around the track until they reached the distance of a full marathon.

“If you ask them, they’ll tell you ‘I’m exercising my heart,’” said Milstead of her kindergarten class. “They even ask to run laps.”

Milstead, who has run competitively in marathons and tackled triathlons, was also the recipient of the school’s Chancellor’s Cup Award for Academic Excellence following her senior year at UNCW.

“She’s having a tremendous influence on the lives of her students and enabling them to feel good about themselves,” said UNCW Head Swimming and Diving Coach Dave Allen of his former student-athlete. “She’s giving them a head start on learning a healthy lifestyle, which can carry them through the rest of their lives.”

The College Park Elementary students even helped pass out medals to this year’s 2011 Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon winners. In fact, Milstead’s class received identical medals to reward them on completion of their own marathon.

Milstead was excited to get her class involved and was proud to watch her students complete their goal for the second year in a row.

“Doing this is really great because it gets them excited about exercising and having a healthy lifestyle, while promoting cooperation and support for one another.”

Submitted by UNCW Athletics Intern, Erin Hamil

Young Alumnae See No Limits, Open Cupcake Store and Start Local Adventure Race

What's the connection between delicious cupcakes and the addictive sport of adventure racing? Well, there's actually two- Kristen Beckmeyer '01 and Meredith Sullivan '01. The Cameron School of Business graduates opened their first cupcake store, Coastal Cupcakes in downtown Wilmington in July, 2008. Fueled by its success, a second store opened in Wrightsville Beach in May, 2009. Now, ready to take on more of the local action, the pair teamed up with fellow alumnus, Jason Wheeler '99, '03M, to form the Sandman Adventure Race.

Much like when they realized that Wilmington had a shortage of designer, quality-made cupcakes, the women saw a gap in the market and started the local "sprint" race. "Many of our friends were interested in doing an adventure race but were intimidated by the 8-12 hour races that we compete in," explained Kristen.

The pair has their share of experience on and off the field. Kristen worked for the Wilmington Hammerheads, while Meredith was on the UNCW Cross Country and Track & Field teams and held an internship with both Seahawk Athletics and the Boston Celtics.

While the two stay focused on their business, Kristen agrees with Meredith about the importance of networking. "My time at UNCW was a great foundation but the university has become an even more valuable resource for us since graduating," she stated.

They continue to be members of the Seahawk Club and enjoy watching games on campus. Staying connected with the business school, they are mentors and share their journey to becoming business owners with current students.

Alumna Manages National Marketing Firm and Big Name Accounts From the Port City

"We all have limited time and limited energy - put yours where it matters most." This lesson that Trudy Maus '91, '97M learned from one of her business courses at UNCW has made a big impact on her career. Using a cost-benefit comparison when faced with decisions and tasks has led Trudy to become a co-owner of BannerDirect, a New York City based marketing agency.

When Trudy reflects back on why she decided to attend UNCW she states, "I wanted my professors to know my name - I didn't want to be just a number. I researched several "smaller" universities in North Carolina and toured a few campuses. When I arrived at UNCW, I immediately fell in love."

Starting as a Psychology major, then switching to Mathematics and later Finance, Trudy realized her passion lies in Marketing after taking a required course. "It combined all the majors I was considering... Psychology (what makes consumers tick), Mathematics and Finance (sales/budgets/ROI)." Shortly after receiving her undergraduate degree, she began working with BannerDirect, out of their Wilmington office. "It was the best of both worlds - I worked on large accounts in New York City, while being able to stay in Wilmington."

When addressing challenges in her field Trudy states, "Marketing agency work involves long hours, tight deadlines and a lot of travel. It gets the adrenaline going, but you need to be prepared to re-schedule vacations and spend Christmas Eve snowed in at the airport. Flexibility is key to surviving and thriving in marketing."

Trudy enjoys coming back to campus to see its growth while still maintaining the "most beautiful campus in North Carolina". She's actively involved on the Alumni Board of Directors and encourages others to stay engaged with the university. "UNCW gave me a great education in which to build my career. I enjoy seeing this impact on future graduates."

Recent Graduate Works to Help Create Local Jobs, Enhance K-12 Education and Foster an Entrepreneurial Environment

Fresh out of labs and study sessions, Sallie Smyth '08, '10M who received her MPA from UNCW last May, is putting her knowledge to good use for our region. As program coordinator for Cape Fear Future, Sallie describes it as a natural fit, "Cape Fear Future is about job creation, business and employee retention, K-12 education enhancement, quality of life, and fostering an entrepreneurial environment. I collaborate with local, state, and federal government, the private sector, the community, tri-county school systems and other nonprofits. My education integrated these different sectors into our studies because when it comes to policy, management, and economic development, all these components come together and play a part."

Sallie came to UNCW to study political science. By the second week of classes she had attended her first City Council meeting and made plans to buy a home in Wilmington. Working on campus and also interning with the City of Wilmington, she admittedly developed a, "lifetime commitment to a community I have fallen in love with".

Sallie deems networking as one of the things she learned at UNCW that has most benefitted the start of her career. She continues to grow her networks at events hosted by UNCW's Entrepreneurship Center. "The director, Jonathan Rowe Ph.D, hosts multiple events for young entrepreneurs and business students. It’s great to get out there and see their youthfulness, enthusiasm and hard work rolled into a professional business model." Another way she enjoys staying connected to UNCW is by, "going back  to Leutze Hall and visiting with my professors—they really helped shape me as a person and have continued to reach out during my post-graduate career. I cannot thank them enough for their ongoing support and guidance."

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. 

1986 Class President excited for return to UNCW at 25 Year Reunion

When Tim Dellinger ’86 was growing up in Durham, NC in the early 1980’s he knew that he wanted to go to college at the beach. What he found upon his arrival at UNCW was so much more. He found a world of learning, both academically and personally, that made him the man he is today. The close knit community of Galloway Hall was a place where he made lifelong friendships that helped him to realize that “there was a lot more going on in the world than what I had previously imagined.”

During his time at UNCW, Tim says that with the help of his friends, advisors and professors he grew up. He was elected and served as Senior Class President in 1986 where he learned that “surrounding yourself with great people helps you make the right decisions” and has carried that with him throughout his life.

Today Tim lives in Durham, NC with his wife Jeanne and their three children and is the President of Advantage Newspaper Consultants. His company is a full service marketing firm that works with both independent publishers and major newspapers across the country.

Tim and his family often return to their beach condo in Wrightsville Beach and are looking forward to coming back to UNCW for Homecoming. On Saturday, February 19, 2011, the UNCW Alumni Association will host numerous events for alumni to enjoy. He plans to attend the Cameron School of Business Alumni Breakfast and see how the program has changed. He has fond memories of his entrepreneurship classes with Dr. Harper and hopes to catch up with him and other professors when he is back on campus.

In anticipation of the 25 Year Reunion for the Class of 1986, during the Alumni Homecoming Celebration, Tim stated, "Homecoming 2011 is more than just the chance to see all of the changes at UNCW.  It is more than just a time to visit old haunts and hangouts. (This) Homecoming is a milestone opportunity to reconnect with old friends, and together remember the fun, the excitement, the activities of being a Seahawk during (our) college years, and explore how UNCW has defined us over the past 25 years."

Join Tim and fellow Seahawks for the Homecoming festivities and register today!

Seahawk makes an impact on Wrightsville Beach and across the nation

Think you found a great spot to lay your towel on the beach just to realize that there’s trash peeking out from the sand and shells? Do you just keep walking, ignoring the fact that what was only a nuisance to you is actually a hazard to animals and wildlife on our beaches? Danielle Richardet ‘01, has begun an awareness campaign on the effects of trash, focusing on cigarette butts. Her efforts achieved national recognition and she won the Brita FilterforGood Film Project qualifying for a film to be created and screened during the Sundance Film Festival at the Brita FilterForGood Event.

While at UNCW, Danielle took interest in becoming an avid recycler. During a visit to long-time friend and past college roommate, Danielle and her family met Sara Bayles of “The Daily Ocean Blog”. While on the beach in Santa Monica, Danielle noticed that all of the trashcans had a photo of a palm tree, surf board, and cigarette with the words, “One of these don’t belong here.” Instantly, Danielle was inspired to return home and help clean up Wrightsville Beach.

Beginning August 9, 2010 Danielle, along with her husband and three young children, started taking 20 minute trips to pick up cigarette butts and other trash along various accesses on Wrightsville Beach. Her blog, “It Starts with Me”, reflects the cigarette count and weight of the litter collected each day. Since August, friends and community members have also helped Danielle collect 13,771 cigarette butts in just 39 days from the beach. In her blog, Danielle writes,"... it doesn't really matter whether or not we live at the beach. We go to the beach to be in the ocean... play in the sand... bask in the sun... there's certainly no reason why we (or anyone else) shouldn't want to head out to the beach and make a difference in a place we LOVE so much.”

Danielle is a devoted Seahawk who truly loves our community and beaches. She encourages everyone to do what they can to make a difference, “It’s simple…what we do (or don’t do) has an impact on the world we live in. It starts with me and ripples to you…”

Graduates come back to UNCW to perform for the First Annual Alumni Music Concert

“I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.” –Virgil Thompson (American Composer 1986-1989)

It seems there is truth to what Thompson believes. Ryan Woodall ‘03 grew up around music but started out majoring in Biology at UNCW before changing over to the Music Department. Woodall says, “Deciding to study bass was probably the wisest decision I've made concerning my musical career as it seems no matter where I go someone always needs a bassist.  It's a decision that [has] taken me all over the world and allowed me many opportunities such as playing in the Cab Calloway band and performing with Lynn Roberts.”

Performing is a huge part of being a musician and many of them live for it. Justin Hoke ‘07 has been playing guitar for 16 years and loves performing. “The best part about performing is being able to share my musical perspective with others. Having the opportunity to share my favorite music with my own unique interpretation is an exciting and personal experience. As a performer, my goal is to share the enjoyment that I have experienced from the music with the audience,” explains Hoke.

Many students have come to UNCW and initially majored in something other than music and then later switched after being exposed to it in different ways. “I had always been in music, but didn't think I wanted to study it full time.  I registered for all of the music courses, thinking I would minor in it, and found myself more and more in the music building and less and less over in the sciences,” says Bridgid Eversole ‘00, referring to her experience of becoming a Music major at UNCW.

These performers, and also Brad Merritt ’97, will share their talents and love of music during the first annual Alumni Music Concert on Saturday, October 23. It will be a special event featuring Department of Music alumni, followed by a dessert reception in the Cultural Arts lobby.  Tickets for the concert are $15 and include the complimentary reception and can be purchased from the Kenan Auditorium Box Office by calling 910.962.3931. All proceeds will go toward UNCW music scholarships.