Wednesday, February 20, 2002

By Kristin Summerford, PR Intern

Wilmington, N.C.- The Hilton Wilmington Riverside and UNC Wilmington today announced the formation of a multi-faceted partnership that will provide a merit scholarship program, joint marketing opportunities, support for UNCW athletic teams through the Seahawk club, in addition to internship and employment listing opportunities.

Highlighting the occasion was the presentation of the first scholarship to Mary Charles “Charley” McArthur daughter of Charles and Brenda McArthur of Chadbourn, N.C., who had the highest GPA and most completed hours of all freshmen. The Hilton Wilmington Riverside Merit Scholarship is awarded to students each semester on the basis of academic excellence and selected by the Financial Aid and Veterans Services Office. The Hilton’s goal for the scholarship is to create greater opportunities for future leaders. The donors have pledged to establish an endowed scholarship but will present a scholarship every semester until it is fully funded.

On hand for the announcement were Chris Sims, executive vice president of sales and marketing for MHI Hotels, representing the owners of the Hilton; Rick Guttenberger, master of ceremonies and general manager of the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, and chancellor of UNC Wilmington, James R. Leutze.

The Hilton Wilmington Riverside also announced an annual gift of $2,500 to the Seahawk Club to support UNCW athletics. Internship and employment listing opportunity details are still being organized, but will provide increased opportunities for UNCW students.

In addition, the Hilton Wilmington Riverside unveiled a display case that will feature university information, admission publications, photos and biographies of scholarship recipients, and upcoming events. “Having UNCW highlighted in the Hilton’s lobby will greatly enhance the visibility of the university to its many visitors and guests. We appreciate this opportunity to increase the public’s knowledge of UNCW and draw attention to our highest academic achievers,” stated Mimi Cunningham, assistant vice chancellor for university relations.