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UNCW Magazine

Welcome to UNCW Magazine, your go-to source for captivating stories and updates about our vibrant coastal community. Published quarterly by the Office of University Relations, our magazine is crafted for the curious minds of UNCW alumni, staff, and friends.

Our content is inspired by various sources, including ongoing conversations with alumni, university leaders, faculty, and students. We strive to capture the intellectual pulse of our campus, bringing you the stories that matter most. Dive in and stay connected with the heart and soul of UNCW!

Spring 2025 Issue

About the Photo Above

Ripple Effect

A group of middle school students experience a guided snorkel adventure during an I AM WATER Ocean Guardians Workshop, a two-day immersive experience meant to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Learn how UNCW is supporting this global, youth ocean education initiative in South Africa and South America in the story from the Spring 2025 issue of UNCW Magazine.

Chancellor Volety

Greetings from the Chancellor

This spring has been marked by significant accomplishments at UNCW, highlighted by a historic $25 million philanthropic gift—the largest in our university’s history.

Message from Chancellor Volety
Student at Graduation

Congrats to the Class of 2025

UNCW celebrated the spring Class of 2025 during Commencement in May. The experiences, the friends, the lessons and the degrees earned belong to the more than 3,000 graduates, but we share in the education and joy.

Experience Commencement

Anna Vreeling ’25

Anna Vreeling ’25 is dedicated to studying clinical research at UNCW. Inspired by her personal experiences, she aims to make significant contributions in medicine, particularly in neuro-oncology, hoping to advance treatments and outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

Anna Vreeling ’25

Involving Caregivers in Brain Tumor Clinical Research

Laurie Minns, assistant professor of clinical research in the School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services began her journey into clinical research shortly after earning her PhD in immunology from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

Involving Caregivers in Brain Tumor Clinical Research

Show & Teal

Kaela Coles ’24 Kaela Cole ’24 serves as an outreach and marketing representative for 4 Day Movement, a nonprofit with a mission of helping those who fall through the cracks. Kaela Coles ’24
They Got the Beat with ‘Head Over Heels’ The UNCW Departments of Music and Theatre teamed up for their first musical in 15 years, and audiences fell in love with “Head Over Heels.” They Got the Beat with ‘Head Over Heels’
David Gessner UNCW’s Distinguished Professor in Creative Writing talks how Thoreau “ruined his life,” plans for a new environmental writing program and the world’s most famous bird. David Gessner

Cameron Connections

Bringing industry professionals into the classroom and connecting students with alumni, the Cameron School of Business held its 43rd annual Business Week in March. Speakers included Derek Bomar ’08, head of asset management investment banking, Deutsche Bank; Yaron Brook, chairman, Ayn Rand Institute; and Steve Smits, head of commercial banking, Live Oak Bank.

Where You Belong: UEDA Awards UNCW for Community Impact UNC Wilmington has been recognized by the University Economic Development Association’s 2024 Awards of Excellence, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in environmental innovation and community development. Where You Belong: UEDA Awards UNCW for Community Impact
UNCW Awarded $1.5M for Coastal Research UNCW has received $1.5 million in grant funding to lead the TEAL-SHIPS Transect Expedition, a groundbreaking project aimed at studying coastal land-to-sea habitats. UNCW Awarded $1.5M for Coastal Research
Caison Crossing Connects UNCWs Past and Future In recognition of the steadfast support of Hugh ’85 and Nan ’83 Caison, UNCW students now follow in the pair's footsteps by walking across Caison Crossing. The pedestrian bridge honors the Caisons' loyal leadership and volunteer service. Caison Crossing Connects UNCWs Past and Future

Marine Mammal Stranding Program Helps Rescue Manatee

Alison Loftis ’21, assistant stranding coordinator for UNCW’s Marine Mammal Stranding Program, was part of a team that rescued a manatee in Greenville, NC.

Marine Mammal Stranding Program Helps Rescue Manatee

High-tech Job Opportunities on the Horizon for Students

A partnership with the College of Science and Engineering, Protocase and 45Drives will provide training, research and career opportunities for UNCW students.

High-tech Job Opportunities on the Horizon for Students

CHSSA Celebrates Opening of COM Studies Applied Learning Classroom

The College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts at UNCW celebrated the dedication of the new Applied Learning Classroom supported by the Tom and Mimi Cunningham Support Fund for Communication Studies.

CHSSA Celebrates Opening of COM Studies Applied Learning Classroom
UNCW Baseball field Baseball Unveils Upgrades for 2025 Season With bigger dugouts, fenced-in bullpens, synthetic turf and a newly configured outfield wall, UNCW’s historic Brooks Field upgrades also include a high-definition Daktronics video board. Baseball Unveils Upgrades for 2025 Season
Caden Lang ’23 AKA Teal Suit Guy Caden Lang ’23 AKA Teal Suit Guy For Caden Lang ’23, it all started with a teal suit that became a defining symbol of his passion for UNCW Athletics and has made him a beloved figure among Seahawks fans. Caden Lang ’23 AKA Teal Suit Guy
UNCW basketball player lines up for a shot Men’s Hoops Reach the Big Dance In its first March Madness appearance since 2017, the No. 14 seed UNCW men’s basketball team fell in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Men’s Hoops Reach the Big Dance
Women wear turkey headwear at Wagsgiving at Wagoner Dining Hall

Wagsgiving celebrates 16th anniversary

More than 2,500 students, faculty, staff and alumni joined in the time-honored tradition to show thanks and enjoy good food and good times together at Wagoner Dining Hall. In addition to the Thanksgiving-themed meal, Campus Dining and various partners treated participants to a live DJ, an outdoor involvement fair, the Seahawk Food Wagon, free t-shirts and more.

More UNCW News
A rare blanket of snow covered the UNCW campus on Jan. 22, 2025, with 2-5 inches falling in parts of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.
Snow at the Beach

A rare blanket of snow covered the UNCW campus on Jan. 22, 2025, with 2-5 inches falling in parts of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. According to the National Weather Service, it was the most snow since Jan. 25, 2000. Classes and events were canceled for three and a half days, giving students time for snowball fights, boogie board sledding and some good laughs.

The Sayeds’ Legacy of Generosity

The Sayeds committed $25 million to UNCW to support healthcare initiatives and teacher recruitment, the largest philanthropic commitment in university history.

The Sayeds’ Legacy of Generosity

Planting Seeds for Success

Watson College of Education’s Ability Garden is helping students grow their confidence and independence, creating a community of empowerment and support.

Planting Seeds for Success

Supporting Global Ocean Education

In South Africa, the nonprofit organization I AM WATER Ocean Conservation is making waves in environmental education with the help of a team of UNCW researchers.

Supporting Global Ocean Education

Business students’ cold calling heats up nonprofit efforts

Undergraduates enrolled in Business Development and Account Management gain hands-on training in developing relationships and businesses through outbound cold calling and email. One semester, the class focused on assisting WARM NC.

Business students’ cold calling heats up nonprofit efforts

Seahawk Nation

Erin Gallagher ’15 Erin Gallagher ’15 is currently pursuing a master’s in food studies from the American University of Rome in Italy. She hopes to be part of the movement for climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.  Erin Gallagher ’15
UNCW Announces Alumni Association Distinguished Awards Recipients “These four Seahawks continue to elevate their alma mater.” UNCW Announces Alumni Association Distinguished Awards Recipients
Dylan Bradshaw ’19 UNCW alumnus Dylan Bradshaw ’19 reached a turning point in his film career after winning a million-dollar prize for a TV ad he co-created with his best friend. Dylan Bradshaw ’19
crowd at basketball game holds up letters reading GO SEAHAWKS

Homecoming ’25

UNCW alumni, fans and friends came back to the nest February 13-16 for fun, festivities and boundless Seahawk spirit.

Revisit Homecoming
Alumni Class Notes September 2024-January 2025 Updates on personal and career accomplishments and achievements of UNCW alumni Alumni Class Notes September 2024-January 2025
Alumni Events Year in Review Spring 2025 Updates from the UNCW Alumni Association about local events that both celebrate and serve Alumni Events Year in Review Spring 2025
In Memoriam: October 2024-January 2025 Saying goodbye and remembering UNCW alumni and friends we lost October 2024-January 2025 In Memoriam: October 2024-January 2025

Message from the Chancellor

Dear Seahawk Community,

This spring has been marked by significant accomplishments at UNCW, highlighted by a historic $25 million philanthropic gift—the largest in our university’s history. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare future educators and healthcare professionals, addressing critical workforce development needs in these areas.

Our commitment to community engagement is highlighted throughout this edition. Locally, our students are planting seeds of confidence in themselves and others by growing an ability garden on campus. Globally, UNCW faculty are advancing knowledge and understanding of the world’s oceans through many research projects including the I AM WATER program.

UNCW Athletics brought the Seahawks community together again this year, with several teams winning CAA championships. The university is incredibly proud of their hard work and achievements.

Our alumni continue to make a difference in their communities, exemplified by our Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. We are also proud of Dylan Bradshaw ’19, who won $1 million in a Super Bowl ad contest, showcasing the innovative spirit that thrives at UNCW.

Seahawks everywhere contribute to making UNCW a special place. I want to thank each one of you for being a part of the UNCW experience. Your dedication and support have made this past academic year unforgettable.

Yours in Seahawk Spirit,

Aswani K. Volety
Chancellor

Recent past issues of UNCW Magazine
Fall 2024
Spring/Summer 2024