Tuesday, February 11, 2003

WILMINGTON, NC – Lt. Col. Darrell Lee Thacker Jr. ’83 of Surf City and Ronald H. Gumm of Wilmington are the UNCW Alumni Association’s honorees for 2003. Meghan McCleery ’98 of Raleigh is the recipient of the inaugural Young Alumni Award.

Thacker was nominated for the Alumnus of the Year Award by his wife, Vicki, to represent “all those alumni who have served or are serving our country in times of peace and war.” He has served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 20 years.

In September, Thacker completed his sixth overseas deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Lejeune. His unit, which supplies and sustains itself for quick mission accomplishment and clearing the way for follow-on forces, participated in several exercises supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

In January Thacker was to take command of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162, an aviation combat element for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, but was deployed to the Middle East where he is currently serving. His wife accepted the award in his honor at the Feb. 7 dinner.

Thacker’s military honors include the Air Medal with numeral three, the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and the Navy Achievement Medal. He and his wife Vicki Brown Thacker '91 have three children: Larry, Stephen and Katelynn.

Gumm was called the “ultimate community volunteer” by Pat C. Smith ’72, who nominated him for the Distinguished Citizen for Service to the Community and University Award. Special events coordinator for Wilmington International Airport, Gumm is vice president of the N.C. Azalea Festival and has been active with Riverfest since its inception.

He touches the hearts of many through his volunteer efforts with the Salvation Army where for the past 14 years he has helped prepare Thanksgiving dinner for some 200 people.

Although he is not a UNCW alumnus, he supports the university in numerous ways. While advertising and public relations manager for Jackson Beverage, Gumm was instrumental in securing his company’s financial and in-kind contributions to the Seahawk Club and alumni association. He also contributes personally to the Seahawk Club.

A member of the UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors, McCleery is co-chair of the award/nominations committee and has cochaired the alumni development committee which coordinates fund-raising, social/special events and chapter development. She is active with the Triangle Alumni Chapter and was the impetus behind the success of the Brookhill Steeple Chase in Clayton, N.C. She assisted the chapter in making the NFL Adventure and the annual Durham Bulls baseball event a soaring success.

McCleery is director of alumnae affairs at Peace College where she is responsible for building relationships with alumnae, parents and friends through creative programming and management of volunteer networks.

In nominating McCleery for the honor, Shanda Bordeaux Williams ’92 said, “She is well respected by her peers and coworkers. She shows dedication and loyalty and takes the time to make trips from Raleigh to Wilmington to ensure our success at alumni functions.”

“Meghan serves UNCW with grace, knowledge and a unique maturity for her tender age,” said Pat Smith, executive director of alumni relations.