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.

Introducing UNCW dubrai$er: Chris Shaw ’16

UNCW junior Chris Shaw is perfect proof that the dubrai$ers program can prove useful across a variety of areas. Double-majoring in English and creative writing, Shaw is applying his call center experiences to his life as an aspiring writer.

“Not every person I call is able to say yes, so this job has taught me how to persevere,” he said. “This has helped a lot in my writing.”

His favorite thing about working as a dubrai$er is making connections with the numerous alumni and parents of students he calls every week. On these calls, Shaw encourages them to participate in UNCW’s various fundraising programs. During his time as a dubrai$er, Shaw has secured more than $14,500 in gifts.

Shaw, 21, is a transfer student who was drawn to UNCW because of its successful creative writing department and great location. He joined the dubrai$ers program because he wanted a campus job, but stayed because the position “really helps the university, which makes it more meaningful than other jobs.”

When he’s not in class or at the call center, Shaw enjoys reading, working on his various writing projects and playing basketball. In the future, he plans to attend graduate school in creative writing; his long-term goal is to become an author.

Gifts generated by the dubrai$ers provide funding for equipment and services across campus, including supplies for student research projects; resources for student travel; textbooks for students in financial need; and scholarships for high-performing students.

Fulfill your gift before May 9 help the dubrai$ers make a difference at UNCW. Visit www.uncw.edu/giveonline or call 910.962.7613.

 UNCW/Davis McKinney ’15 

Alumni Make a Difference in Preparing Students for Success

While UNCW has many alumni who move around the globe after they graduate, a lucky few work right here at the university. One in particular, works hard to ensure that our current students have an unforgettable experience and all the tools they need to prepare for success after graduation.

Missy Kennedy  ’01, is UNCW’s Director of Annual Giving. She achieved a position at the university after working for the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach as the Promotions Manager and excelling in her marketing career.

Reflecting on her years as a student she recalls, “The time I spent at UNCW was transformational. My professors were mentors who made course work relevant to our lives, to pop culture and to the working world – preparing us for our future”. A Communication Studies major, she was also involved in ACE (the Association for Campus Entertainment) where her love for music became as varied as the diverse group of student leaders she worked with.  

Missy also joined Alpha Phi sorority, becoming part of a special legacy of young women who are committed to scholarship, service and friendship. “I have shared some of life’s most special moments with these women… vacations, weddings, births and more.”

Now back at the university that gave her so much, she wonders if fellow alumni understand the impact they can make. “I am just one of 57,000 alumni whose life has been influenced by UNCW; yet I am only one of 3,235 alumni who have made a gift to UNCW this year. I have no doubt that most alumni feel the same way I do about UNCW. I see their Seahawk license plates or their “Dub” t-shirts. I cheer alongside them at Trask Coliseum and have drinks with them at alumni socials. I see their posts on the UNCW Alumni facebook page and read their stories in the alumni magazine. As a proud alumna, I know that there’s no better way to show my support for my alma mater than to make an annual gift. As the Director of Annual Giving, I’ve seen just how critical that support is for today’s students. Imagine the possibilities and resources that could be made available for today’s Seahawks if more UNCW alumni joined me in this tradition of giving.”

Reflect on your own UNCW memories and challenge yourself to think how the university is helping you reach your highest potential. Find out how your annual gift can provide funding for scholarships, academic programs, cultural activities, technology upgrades, professorships, and opportunities that foster friendships, develop leaders, change perspectives and inspire greatness.

Alumni can trace so many important achievements in their lives, both personal and professional to their time at UNCW. Give back to be that support for our next generation of Seahawks.