Alumni and families of current students came to campus from all over the country to take part in Family & Alumni Weekend. The university hosted 25 events beginning on Friday and wrapping up on Sunday. Alumni attendees ranged from the first students of Wilmington College in 1947 to our most recent 2009 graduates. Alumni, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles of current students enjoyed a schedule of events that showcased the UNCW experience ranging from social gatherings, musical performances, academic discussions, tours and sports and recreation.
Wine & Cheese Welcome Reception
Over 100 Seahawk alumni and parents flocked together on October 16, for a wine and cheese welcome reception in the Burney Center to kick off Family and Alumni Weekend. Guests mingled with UNCW faculty and staff while enjoying the refreshments, music and friendly atmosphere. Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo welcomed the group and spoke about the achievements of UNCW. The guests were impressed by the many accomplishments of individual students as well as UNCW as a whole. UNCW’s acappella group, The High Seas performed three different pieces catering to all generations. Many guests joined the crowd later that night in Trask Coliseum for Midnight Madness while others rested up for a weekend ahead of reminiscing with friends and visiting with family. The reception was a fun and relaxing way to bring all Seahawks together. Take a look at photos from this event!
Golden Wing Society Reunion Brunch
On Saturday, October 17, The Alumni Association hosted its first annual Golden Wing Society Reunion to honor those alumni who have reached or surpassed the milestone of their 50 year alumni status. The Golden Wing alumni reconnected during Family and Alumni Weekend for brunch at Madeline Suite followed by a trolley tour of campus with our Student Ambassadors. 35 alumni, who attended Wilmington College between 1947 and 1959, embraced the opportunity to come reminisce with friends and see all the positive changes and additions to UNCW. Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo dropped in to greet and visit with guests during brunch. Rob McInturf, Executive Director of the Alumni Association, welcomed the group and invited them to participate in a trolley tour after brunch to see the transformation of UNCW's campus. The tour was guided by two student ambassadors who spoke about the changes and pointed out new buildings and the beautiful seahawk sculpture at the front of UNCW's campus. The bond between the Golden Wing Society members tightened as they shared memories of college experiences and life in Wilmington. The reunion was a chance for old friends to come together and show their Seahawk pride. Their enthusiasm at the event was rewarding for all. We appreciate all of our Seahawk alumni who have paved the way for future students to soar to success!
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UNCW Past, Present & Future with Ty Rowell
On Saturday afternoon, 50 alumni, parents and students gathered together in Lumina Theatre to hear from campus historian, Ty Rowell. The group enjoyed an afternoon snack as Ty spoke and gave them a glimpse into UNCW’s past. Ty spoke about the founding of Wilmington College through becoming one of the top institutions in the Southeast and everything in-between.
Legacy Pinning Ceremony
The Legacy Pinning Ceremony was held on Saturday, October 17, in the Burney Center on UNCW’s campus. 25 legacy students and their families were greeted in the lobby to have their family portrait taken. Following the portraits the guests enjoyed refreshments amidst conversation about what it means to be a Seahawk. Sandra McClammy, Vice Chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomed everyone to the event and explained the importance of making UNCW a family tradition. Following her remarks, Rob McInturf, Director of Alumni Relations, called all legacy students up to the stage one by one to receive their pin. The alumni were then called up to pin their student. It was a moving ceremony for all who attended as the legacy of UNCW continues.
Class of 1999 Reunion Dinner
On Saturday, October 17, members of the Class of 1999 celebrated their 10 year reunion. The group met in the Masonboro Island room in the Fisher Student Center and enjoyed an intimate setting over a fantastic dinner with wine, beer and other refreshments overlooking the center of campus. The Class of ’99 graduates had a wonderful time reminiscing about their days at UNCW and enjoyed hearing from Mark Blackwell, current UNCW Student Body President. Those with young children took advantage of the complimentary childcare provided by the UNCW Teaching Fellows located conveniently next door to the reception. The group looks forward to more gatherings in the future as they continue to celebrate important milestones while remembering their shared experiences at UNCW.
Class of 1984 Reunion Celebration
On Saturday, October 17, members of the Class of 1984 gathered together to celebrate their 25 year reunion in the Clocktower Lounge in the Fisher Student Center. The group was amazed by all of the changes at the university and had a great time looking out across the campus commons at new buildings while remembering their times together in the buildings that were there when they were students. George Spirakis, Class President in 1984, and attorney in Myrtle Beach, spoke to the group about his memories of UNCW and encouraged them all to stay involved with UNCW and the Alumni Association. Alumni traveled to the reunion from all around the Southeast and throughout the US. One of the class members traveled from California to celebrate the milestone with his class. UNCW student, Nikki Myers, played piano for the celebration with her peers from the group TEMPO: The Empowerment of Musicians through Peer Outreach.
