Monday, January 23, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - The University of North Carolina Wilmington Alumni Association has selected the following recipients for the organization's most prestigious annual awards:

• Alumnus of the Year - John Marsh Tyson, Class of 1974, N.C. Court of Appeals judge; Colonel, Staff Judge Advocate with the U.S. Service Command, Division III; adjunct law professor at Campbell University School of Law; previously served as a private attorney and professional mediator/arbitrator

• Young Alumna of the Year - Kristen "Doc" Dunn, Class of 1997, president of the UNCW Cape Fear Alumni Chapter. She has taken on the task of revitalizing the chapter; the members recently organized a successful golf outing and fundraiser to support scholarships sponsored by the Alumni Association.

• Distinguished Citizen of the Year - J. Marshall Crews, a mathematics professor who was one of the institution's original faculty members; former registrar, dean of students, academic dean and director of admissions; author of a history of Wilmington College, as the university was formerly known; namesake for an undergraduate merit science scholarship and the Distinguished Faculty Award presented by the Alumni Association

The Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through their professional success and civic involvement. Men and women who attended and/or graduated from Wilmington College or UNCW are eligible for nomination. The Young Alumnus/Alumna Award has similar criteria but is open only to men and women who attended and/or graduated within the past 10 years. The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes recipients for their exceptional service to the university and the community.

The awards will be presented Jan. 27 during a ceremony and banquet scheduled as part of the university's Homecoming celebration. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Warwick Center Ballroom.

Additional Homecoming events on Jan. 27 include a reception and step show sponsored by the African American Graduate Association (AAGA) and a parade. On Jan. 28, scheduled events include brunch for School of Nursing alumni, a presentation about explorers Lewis and Clark by faculty member Chris Fonvielle, the men's basketball team vs. Northeastern, crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen, half-time festivities in the Golden Hawk Room, and a post-game celebration for alumni and friends at Chili's.

Tickets are required for many events, including the awards banquet, the basketball game and the post-game celebration. A detailed list of events and ticket information is available on the UNCW Alumni Association Web site at http://www.uncw.edu/alumni/homecoming2006.htm or by calling the Wise Alumni House at 800.596-2880 or 910.962.2682.

Note to Media: Media are invited to attend the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. on Jan. 27. Please contact Caroline Norelius at 910.962.2681 or Jamie Moncrief at 910.962.3601 for additional information.

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