Meet the New Chapter Leadership

Joey Morganthall – Charlotte Area President

Grad Year: 2007

School & Major: Cameron School of Business, Business Administration & College of Arts and Sciences, Communications Studies

Current Employment: Broker, MPV Properties

Activities as a student: Vice President – Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, 4 Years- Club Soccer Team

What motivated you to get involved with the Alumni Association?

I wanted to give back to UNCW because of the quality experience I had at UNCW.  I want to ensure that my education at UNCW is a long term investment, and that Alumni continue to give back and help raise the standards of the University. 

Juliana Nesbit – Watson College of Education President

Grad Year: 2006

School & Major: Watson College of Education, Social Studies Certification,  B. A. in History, 

Current Employment: Social Studies Teacher at Topsail High School

Activities as a student: NC Teaching Fellow

What motivated you to get involved with the Alumni Association? I enjoy being able to give back to the university and the Watson College. I like the networking opportunities, building connections between the university and community, and having an inside look at how certain things at the university are run.

Will Owens – Triangle Area President

Grad Year: 1998

School & Major: College of Arts & Sciences, Sociology and Criminology  

Current Employment: Attorney/Partner, Owens & Miller, PLLC

What motivated you to get involved with the Alumni Association?

I gained a lot from my experience at UNCW, and want to give back to the extent I am capable from 120 miles west of Wilmington.  Through the Alumni Association, I've been able to both reconnect with former classmates, and also meet other alumni from other classes and even other generations.  We've formed good friendships and even a few business relationships.  By volunteering with the alumni association, I'm hopeful of helping other Seahawks foster the same positive experience. 

Jamie Kury Thompson – Communications Studies President

Grad Year: 2003

School & Major: College of Arts & Sciences, Communication Studies and French

Current Employment: Development Director, Coastal Horizons Center

Activities as a student: Alpha Phi, French Club, Study Abroad in Marseille and Paris

What motivated you to get involved with the Alumni Association?

I have had the pleasure of working with interns from the Communications Studies department over the last 8 years. It has been an incredible experience and it made me realize that I really enjoy staying involved with UNCW. It is so wonderful to see how much the department has grown since I was an undergrad and I want to find ways to be of service to a university that did so much for me as a student and now as a professional.   

Discipline and Integrity: Skills from the Ball Field Aid Business Success

How many people do you know that can include teaching actors, Freddie Prince Jr. and Mathew Lilliard, how to play baseball as part of their college experience? If you do know someone, it's likely to be a ball player from UNCW, our camera-friendly university that keeps a lively pulse in the film community.

Former student athlete, Lee Grant '00, can accept this claim to fame, but after the tremendously successful decade he just had, this would be near the bottom of his list of bragging rights.

The grueling schedule of Lee's student years, between practice and classes, taught him discipline and time management. The organization and work ethic, as well as the integrity he infused in every aspect of his business, led Lee to gain fiscal success in his company, Coastal Chemical & Paper.

As owner and president of one of the fastest-growing distribution companies in the Carolinas, he built his business Steve Jobs-style, straight out of his garage. Now with two distribution centers, a sales team and fleet of delivery trucks, Lee sees nothing but growth in the future.

"My goals are to continue on the track I'm on," Lee shared, "adding products and growing until the market dictates otherwise. We're adding two new salespeople in 2013."

Lee, 2010 Young Alumnus of the Year
award recipient and his wife, Sommer 

Beside Lee from the beginning, is his wife Sommer, a 2001 Information Systems graduate who he met at UNCW while they were in their teens. Not only do they work as a team for the business, but they as strive to be role models for their three daughters.

"We know that our kids are watching every thing that we do and say," Lee said. "So we try to show them a good example."

As loyal supporters of numerous community organizations, such as Welcome Home Angel, the Landfall Foundation and the Andy's Foundation, they are role models for more than just their little ones. Lee is currently a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and chairs the Awards & Scholarships Committee. His passion for helping UNCW develop student athletes into professionals fuels his on-going support for the Seahawk Club. "The journey of being a student athlete, competing at a very high level and the lessons learned through that journey is something I really believe in," he said.

UNCW's track record of professional training is what led Lee to commit to being a Seahawk, turning down scholarships offers from UNCG, ECU, Elon and Campbell. However, one thing he'll never forget is how much better he ate while acting as a ball player on screen for "Summer Catch," versus their victory feasts while on the road with UNCW.

"If we lost, we got Wendy's, and if we won, Coach Scalf would splurge and take us to Golden Corral," Lee said. "I think that is still the status quo with him to this day."

UNCW Alumni Relations/Crystal George

Charlotte Alumni Chapter's First President Becomes Member of UNCW Board of Visitors

In the fall of 2010, Charlotte area alumni established their first official UNCW Alumni Chapter. The dedicated efforts of Robert Abbotts ’85, played a big role in making this happen. Robert was the chapter's first president, willing and eager to get alumni in the area reconnected with their alma mater. Now he has been appointed as a new member of the UNCW Board of Visitors, serving as an advocate for the university’s mission, accomplishments and goals for the future.

“Staying involved makes me feels as though I never really left,” Robert said. Along with embracing his new volunteer role, Robert remains an active part of the Charlotte Area Alumni Chapter by serving on the Steering Committee. Although he resides in Charlotte, Robert and his family still attend events on campus and feels a sense of community pride for the growth of UNCW.

“In Charlotte traffic, I get a big kick out of when fellow alumni, or current students, react to the UNCW sticker on the rear window of my car. That always makes my day,” he said.

The love Robert has for UNCW began when he visited campus for the first time. “Everything intrigued me; the history of the university, the town of Wilmington, proximity of the coast, everything,” explains Robert.

Robert’s time at UNCW formed the foundation of his career in Public Service. One of his professors, Dr. Earl Sheridan, further enhanced Robert’s lifelong interest in the American political process. He reminisces about Dr. Syed Ahmad stating, “That man was a genius at running a classroom. I not only looked forward to going to his class, I didn’t want it to end – he was that good.”

Upon graduating, Robert began working in the private sector and later in the government sector which he is currently working for. Robert declares he found his “true calling” working with the NC Medicaid Program, assisting the states’ aged and disabled citizens.

Fellow alumni in the Charlotte area can reconnect at the Charlotte Alumni Chapter Fall Dinner, which Robert has witnessed the impact of since starting this event three years ago. He is looking forward to seeing fellow alumni at the event on Thursday, October 18, at the Charlotte City Club.

UNCW Alumni Relations/Katherine Wroblewski, Intern

New Members Elected to the Alumni Association Board of Directors

The UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors, a group of alumni volunteers who help guide and advise the association, elected six new members who began their terms this month.

"We are excited to welcome the incoming class of alumni board members," said Rob McInturf, Executive Director of the UNCW Alumni Association. "Each new board member has a unique area of expertise and we look forward to their participation."

Elaine Andrews '10M, received her master's degree in accountancy and has lived in Wilmington since 1993. Elaine and her husband John own Big Rock Holdings, which operates South Beach Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Ms. Andrews is very civic minded and takes active roles in numerous community organizations.

Ms. Bryant with current board chair
Sandra McClammy '03, '09M

Lolita Bryant '04, '11M, is a passionate nurse and advocate of life-long learning. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and is currently the Nursing Supervisor & Administrative Operations Officer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Ms. Bryant is also the former president of the African American Graduate Association.

Ken Dieppa '09M, completed his MBA after his retirement from the military. He is currently a Senior Contract Fulfillment Engineer for General Electric - Hitachi Nuclear Energy and manages foreign and domestic projects and contracts. Mr. Dieppa previously spent two years as the Cape Fear Area Alumni Chapter President.

Mr. Gale speaking at a
COM Studies Reception 

Tom Gale '98, has remained in Wilmington since completing his degree in communication studies. Currently a realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty, Mr. Gale is a former Communication Studies Alumni Chapter President.

Bradley Heath '96, '97M, moved back to Dunn, NC after completing his MBA to work in his family's business, Family Medical Supply, of which he is now the President and CEO. He and his wife, Christie, a fellow UNCW graduate, fund a Cameron School of Business scholarship.

Mr. West with the Crews Faculty
Award recipient, Dr. Tammy Hunt

Wallace West '63, received his associate degree in mathematics before attending UNC Chapel Hill to attain his bachelors in the same field. He is President of Coastal Carolina Streetscapes, LLC, a family owned business providing full service site furnishings and neighborhood amenities. Mr. West is beginning his second three-year term and is Vice Chair of the board.

About the UNCW Alumni Association

The mission of the UNCW Alumni Association is to be the lead supporter in the university's strategic vision. It's purpose is to connect and involve alumni, students, and friends in the promotion and advancement of the university.

The UNCW Alumni Association provides free membership to all graduates and to individuals who have completed at least one course at UNCW. Membership includes benefits  as well as chapters and clubs for alumni who are close to campus and around the nation.

Alumna Shares Passion and Life-Long Connection with UNCW

Few have the love for UNCW that Lolita Bryant '04, '11M does. The love stems from the history of her father and his siblings living and growing up on the land that the stately georgian architecture now rests on. The area was quite different then. It was farm land.

Knowing that this land was once owned by her great-great-grandparents, Lolita’s face lights up when she talks about the university she feels so strongly connected to. Ask her about her education and there’s no mistaking the appreciation and fondness in her voice.

After attending classes at Winston-Salem State University she returned home and began taking classes at UNCW in 1983. She then attended James Sprunt Community College and obtained an Associate Degree in Nursing. Lolita returned to UNCW once the university started offering a bachelor’s degree in her passion, nursing. Stemming from courses she took at John T. Hoggard High School, Lolita’s desire became a reality nearly 30 years ago. She has been comforting, nurturing and guiding soon-to-be mothers as they bring their unborn children into the world since.

Working around her busy schedule, Lolita completed her bachelor’s degree, taking one class at a time, in 2004. She participated in the Senior Sankofa Ceremony just prior to graduation. Finding the event to be a very touching experience, Lolita vowed to attend each one since, and she has. Learning about the African American Graduate Association (AAGA), who co-hosts the event, Lolita quickly became involved as an alumni volunteer and later, as chairperson in 2009.

Appreciative of the encouragement and support she received by the faculty while taking classes, Lolita became interested in teaching as well. In conjunction with working towards her master's degree in the nursing education program, Lolita taught students at the hospital where she works and also the university. "If it's in your heart to do it, go for it. No matter what it takes to do it, keep going. Find those mentors that will help you stay focused and stay positive. Don't give up on your goal and you'll do it," she said.

This past May, she completed her master's degree and is looking forward to how she can  continue to inspire students and stay involved with the university.  "Because I love nursing the way that I do and I was so involved with the university, I would love to have a scholarship and be able to award that to a student," Lolita shared.    

Alumnus Takes Ownership in His Community and Alma Mater

Jason Wheeler '99, '03M chose to pursue a career in finance not just because he found the subject matter interesting, he also wanted to help others. Learning to appreciate the value of a dollar at a young age while witnessing his parents scrape by, he acknowledged the lack of personal finance education available in the first 12 years of school. He knew that this was an important subject to learn, and he was good at it.

Jason and his wife, Ashley

Two separate, but consequential events presented themselves while Jason was a student. The first was a job posting through which he met his current business partner at Pathfinder Wealth Consulting. Initially working together at a different firm, the two quickly connected and formed the partnership after Jason had completed his MBA. They committed to serving the local community; a philosophy that is at the core of the company's business model.

The second significant event took place when Jason had nearly completed his MBA. He was approached about joining the alumni Board of Directors. As his first volunteer role with the university, Jason recalls, "I received an education in higher education." His guidance and support proved instrumental with the association, helping it to achieve higher levels of alumni engagement.

Jason, as an alumni leader, was selected to participate on the search committee for not only the Alumni Relations Director in 2007, but also the Athletics Director position in 2010 and recently, the search for UNCW's new Chancellor.

"I think there was around 7,000 or 8,000 students at UNCW when I was an undergrad and then nearly 12,000 students when I was finishing my MBA. You're talking about growing the university by a third. I think people appreciate my history. I've seen the university from an alumni perspective and internally as well." Jason refers to his experience not only as a volunteer, but as a member of the adjunct faculty. He has been teaching finance courses at UNCW for the past three years.

Jason attained a new volunteer role, as a member of the Foundation Board, due to his history and experience providing sound guidance to the university.

When speaking with Jason, it's easy to see his passion for UNCW and its students. "Some of the idea of coming to UNCW not knowing anybody and finding myself is, still today, part of my story. Just being on the board itself, speaking up and meeting people has allowed me to succeed in my own personal mission of becoming a larger part of where I live."

No Feat Too Large for Dedicated Alumnus

Showcased as one of the most beautiful alumni facilities in the south, the Wise Alumni House can attribute its grand appeal, in part, to the passion and dedication of a small group of alumni. Donated to the university by Ms. Jessie Hargrave Kenan Wise's grandchildren, the historic mansion had to undergo considerable renovations in order to become the home of the Alumni Association. Renovations so substantial, that the alumni association secured a $400,000 loan to make them possible. For one of the devoted supporters, Jim Stasios '70, this type of commitment was nothing new. 

Jim's history with UNCW includes many of our most memorable achievements, including the day that the university, then Wilmington College, became part of the UNC system. Jim remembers modifying and combining a few car decals to form UNC Wilmington on the back window of his Volkswagen the day he heard the news.

Jim with his wife, Maria

It wasn't long after graduation that Jim first became involved with the Alumni Association. After attending several events, Jim joined the Board of Directors and later served as chairperson. During Jim's time on the alumni board the association developed the UNCW license plate program, supporting student scholarships. It was also during this time that the Wise Alumni House renovation project took place. Efforts to raise funds to retire the note included a home decorators showcase with celebrity Martha Stewart, automobile auctions and "hard hat parties" where donors would sponsor a particular room or structure of the house.

The volunteers celebrated when they had finally collected all the funds to retire the loan, and then again years later when the house achieved it's centennial. "That was a very proud moment for all of us. To have that come about and having the historical marker put out on the front of the house." Jim stated.

Jim has had an impact in many areas at UNCW, and his volunteer roles weren't always singularly focused or consecutive, sometimes he was juggling multiple organizations. "At one time I sort of overlapped, where I was a member of the alumni board, involved with the Seahawk Club board and I was on the Foundation Board." said Jim. Similar to the duration he was involved with the alumni board, he appreciated the experiences with these organizations immensely. "I met a whole other group of people who had involvement with the university, but in a different perspective. I enjoyed that very much."

UNCW Embraces New Leadership for the Alumni Association

The UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors is an elected group of volunteers that help guide and advise the association. Their goal is to engage alumni in the life of our university.

Sandra with former AAGA President,
Lolita Bryant '04, '11M

We are proud to welcome the new leadership for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Chair, Sandra McClammy '03, '09M, works as an on-air personality for Cumulus Broadcasting, recently taught at UNCW and is now an English Professor at Cape Fear Community College.  Vice Chair, Wallace West '63, is the owner and CEO of Coastal Carolina Streetscapes, LLC. Secretary, Lauren Scott '06, '10M, works at UNCW as the Assistant Director for First Year Admissions. Treasurer,  Jody Burke '85, is a Financial advisor and First Vice President- Investments for Wells Fargo.

Jody with Chelsea McNeil at
UNCW's Campaign Public Launch event

Julie and her husband, Chad, at
the Triad Chapter Fall Dinner

Another key component to the association is chapter and alumni group leadership. These leaders play a major role in keeping alumni informed and connected to others in their respective region or areas of study. The new chapter leaders are: Charlotte Area Alumni President, Robert Abbotts '85; Triad Area Alumni President, Julie Patterson Landon '02; Cape Fear Area Alumni President, Chrissy Coor '01; Cameron School of Business Chapter President, Kevin Fanning '02; and African American Graduate Association (AAGA) President, Linda Rawley '86. To see all the chapter leaders and other members of the board, take a look at the full alumni board list.

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."