UNCW Seahawks Shine at Wilmington International Airport

Anthony Nixon shines shoes wearing a UNCW apron at Wilmington International Airport.
Anthony Nixon shines shoes at Wilmington International Airport, wearing a Seahawks apron presented to him by UNCW Chancellor Gary L. Miller.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Those stopping in for a shoe shine at Wilmington International Airport will now have a reminder their feet are officially on teal ground. Anthony Nixon, who shines shoes by the passenger gates, was presented with a UNC Wilmington Seahawk apron on Jan. 23 by UNCW Chancellor Gary L. Miller. Miller saw a news photo of Nixon wearing a UNC Tarheels apron and offered to replace it with one supporting the Seahawks.

The gesture is part of an effort to have UNCW memorabilia on display and for sale in the airport. Jenni Harris, assistant to the chancellor for community partnerships, is overseeing this as part of a plan to "Paint the Town Teal."

Nixon, who owns Nix-On Shine with his wife, Latanya, joked that in sporting the apron, members of visiting athletic teams will be reminded of the competition. Harris and Miller also presented airport director Jon Rosborough with a Seahawk flag.

Adds Harris, "UNCW is increasing its presence and support in the community, and taking the lead in innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships and research in our region. Wilmington will be seeing a lot of teal starting this spring, and we certainly appreciate the support of ILM and Nix-On Shine."