Making Waves: UNCW Celebrates a New Tradition of Giving

In its inaugural year, the WaveMakers Society recognizes leadership donors whose generosity creates opportunity, inspires momentum and transforms lives.

UNCW is celebrating a new tradition of philanthropy with the launch of the WaveMakers Society, recognizing donors whose annual generosity demonstrates a leadership commitment to the university and its students.

In its inaugural year, 1,696 donors are recognized as WaveMakers, together providing $33.4 million in gifts and commitments during the 2025-26 academic year. Their generosity reaches across UNCW, supporting scholarships, applied learning experiences, academic programs, faculty, athletics, research and other opportunities that help Seahawks thrive.

Inspired by UNCW’s coastal identity, WaveMakers reflects what happens when individual acts of generosity come together. Like a wave that grows in strength and reaches beyond where it began, each gift can set something in motion and create opportunities for students today while building momentum for the university’s future.

“The WaveMakers Society recognizes donors who believe deeply in the future of UNCW,” said Eddie Stuart, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. “Their leadership support helps students succeed today while giving the university the resources to invest in the future. Every WaveMaker helps build the momentum that moves UNCW forward.”

Donors are recognized as WaveMakers when their cumulative giving reaches $1,000 or more during the fiscal year, regardless of where they choose to direct their support. Graduates of the last five years are recognized at $500 or more. WaveMakers can support the college, program, scholarship, athletic team or other area of UNCW that matters most to them.

Throughout the year, WaveMakers will have opportunities to see their philanthropy in action through special events, student stories and experiences that connect them with the people and programs their generosity supports.

“WaveMakers are leaders not simply because of how much they give, but because of what their generosity sets in motion,” said Ellie Barker, Director of Annual Giving. “Their philanthropy strengthens the student experience, inspires others to invest in UNCW and shows what we can accomplish when people come together around the success of our students.”

Together, UNCW’s inaugural WaveMakers are helping create opportunity, inspire momentum and transform lives — beginning a new tradition of giving that will continue to grow.