Thursday, November 18, 2010

A dedication ceremony for the Fisher Memorial Garden will be held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 19. The majority of the funding for the garden project was provided by UNCW benefactors Herbert and Sylvia Fisher, both Wilmington College alumni, in memory of Herb's late sister Emily Fisher Hunter.

Media are welcome to attend and cover this event.

The garden, located near the Clock Tower, facing the Fisher Student Center and Fisher University Union, is a place of reflection in which to remember and honor students, faculty and staff who have passed away during their time on campus. Bricks engraved with the names of Seahawks lost will be installed annually in conjunction with a university memorial service.

At the dedication ceremony, UNCW Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Pat Leonard will welcome the Fisher family and guests, and Carlton Fisher, Herbert and Sylvia Fisher's son and UNCW Class of 1983, will speak on the family's behalf. Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo will also briefly address the group.

UNCW has established a memorial fund for contributions to cover the cost of engraving the bricks and maintaining the garden. Gifts to the fund may be made online at www.uncw.edu/giveonline or by sending a check to UNCW Memorial Garden Fund, Advancement Services, UNCW, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.

Lifelong Wilmington residents, Herbert and Sylvia Fisher graduated from Wilmington College in 1953 and 1950, respectively. In 2006, they established a $2 million endowed fund to maintain the Fisher Student Center and enhance its programs. It was the largest outright gift from individual donors in the university's history. The Fisher family also established a $1 million endowment to support and name the Fisher University Union.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu