Friday, January 17, 2003

Wilmington, NC -- To thank and honor the contributions of retiring Chancellor James R. Leutze for his 13 years of service to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the UNCW Foundation tonight unveiled its campaign to raise $1 million to establish the James R. Leutze Merit Scholarship Fund.



Capping off the festive dinner and program was the announcement that more than $425,000 has been raised to date in the initial “quiet” phase of the campaign. The foundation board will now undertake a “public” campaign to reach the $1 million level.

Paul Davis Boney, FAIA, immediate past chair of the UNCW Foundation, noted that the foundation’s top fund raising priority for 2002-2003 is to establish more merit scholarships. “This merit scholarship program complements Chancellor Leutze’s emphasis on achieving higher academic excellence for UNCW, so the foundation felt this was the best tribute we could offer to honor his legacy,” said Mr. Boney.

As part of the evening’s festivities, the audience saw an 11-minute video prepared by UNCW-TV that captured some of the highlights of Chancellor Leutze’s tenure. Following that, toasts were presented by individuals representing various segments of the community touched by the university.

Toasters were Estell Lee, Wilmington College class of 1955 and twice alumna of the year, representing alumni and students; Frank Block, current chair of the UNCW Board of Trustees, representing the trustees; Bob Warwick, representing the UNC Board of Governors; Dr. Gretchen Bataille, senior vice president for academic affairs of the University of North Carolina system, representing the Office of the President; Rep. Danny McComas, representing the General Assembly; Bertha Todd, representing the community at large; Dr. Scott Colley, former provost at Hampden Sydney College and now president of Berry College, in Mt. Berry, Ga., representing higher education; and Steve Diab, vice chair of the UNCW Foundation, presenting the foundation toast.

Following the toasts, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Mary Gornto presented Chancellor Leutze with a scrapbook of messages from some members of the audience, friends of the university, and former students noting their thoughts about Chancellor Leutze and what his contributions and career meant to their lives.

Writers commented on how knowing him had enhanced their lives, saluted his vision, valued his being a “passionate spokesman for marine science and the environment,” recalled how he made history “come alive” in the classroom, and noted that “Jim opened up UNCW to the citizens of Wilmington and wedded Town and Gown together.” Another said, “You have not been reticent about issues that should be confronted,” and one called him a “scholar and warrior,” whose “legacy is one of positive social action.”

When fully funded, the Leutze Merit Scholarship Fund is expected to provide five scholarships at $9,000 per person per year. Four scholarships will go to undergraduates and one to a graduate student. Recipients will be chosen based on documented academic ability. Financial need will not be a factor in selection.

Based on guidelines established by the foundation, the director of admissions will determine the undergraduate recipients and use the merit scholarships to assist with recruiting and retaining top academic students. The dean of the Graduate School will select the graduate recipient. All recipients will be known as Leutze Scholars.

Some 160 invited guests attended the event at the Warwick Center ballroom on the UNCW campus. Attendance was $1,000 per person, or $1,500 per couple. Many others who could not attend sent contributions.

For more information about the Leutze Merit Scholarship Fund or to contribute, please call 910/962-3751 or Toll-free at 866/468-6291.