History & Traditions

History & Traditions History & Traditions

Former Leaders

In the late 1940s, a group of Wilmington area leaders and citizens recognized that their community needed something that would move them forward into the new world that awaited them after World War II.

From Humble Beginnings to National Research Status

The young men returning home from military service in Europe, Asia and across the United States were eager to build on what they had learned and turn those skills, that knowledge, into something that would improve their lives and the lives of those around them.

What started as a college center in 1947 grew to a two-year junior college in 1952 and a four-year senior college 11 years later. Since that time, Wilmington College, which became the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1969, has emerged as the educational centerpiece of the region. UNCW is poised to take its place among the top research universities in the country.

UNCW has grown from 238 students to nearly 19,000 today. Its commitment to excellence, student-centered experiences, innovation, belonging and community engagement remains strong as the university moves forward to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s society.

Fulfilling Our Founders’ Vision

Academically and culturally, the value that UNCW brings to its students and employees – as well as the region, the state, the nation and the world – has deep roots in the vision of our founders. It is a vision that has been realized again and again by thousands of Seahawks striving to learn more, to be more and to do more for the world around them.

Even in times of upheaval, our institution has been steadfast in its promise to deliver a quality educational experience for our students, who go on to serve as exemplary global citizens after their time with us.

A Brief History

Aerials

Key Dates

Key dates in UNCW history
1947	Wilmington College founded
1949	Held first commencement; awarded associate degrees to 14 graduates
1961	College Road campus opened
1963	Granted four-year status
1965	First four-year class; awarded bachelor's degrees to 49 seniors
1969	Became the 6th university in the UNC System
1972	Opened marine biomedical research institute
1977	Offered first graduate programs
1979	First three students graduated with master's degrees
1985	Became a comprehensive level 1 university
1997	Celebrated 50th anniversary
2000	Opened Center for Marine Science at new Myrtle Grove campus
2006	First student graduated with a doctoral degree
2018	Achieved “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” designation in Carnegie Classification
2022	Celebrated 75th anniversary
2023	Launched two new colleges and campus strategic plan
2024	Concluded $136 million philanthropic campaign, largest in university history
2025	Announced $25 million gift commitment, largest in university history Announced largest enrollment in university history

Leading The Way

Since its founding in 1947, UNCW has been fortunate to have leaders who recognized the institution’s potential and worked relentlessly to grow, improve and strengthen its position in the UNC System.

Learn more

University Traditions

Carried by the chief faculty marshal at commencement and convocation, the mace incorporates elements and materials important to the history of our university and region.

The seal features a triangle as a reference to our roots and a scroll for a diploma-issuing university encircled by long leaf pine boughs. UNCW's unique motto, Discere Aude, was created by Wilmington College President William Madison Randall. It has been defined as both "Dare to learn" and "In order to discover the truth firsthand, be courageous!"

The nickname "Seahawk" was selected in 1947 because of the popularity of the Iowa Pre-Flight Seahawks who were known for their excellent athletic teams at the time and because of Wilmington College's proximity to the water.

The original school colors of kelly green and yellow were chosen in 1947 to represent the color of the ocean (green) and the nearby sandy beaches (gold). When a new athletic logo was introduced in 1992, navy was added as a secondary color. In 2009, the Student Government Association officially recognized teal as the university’s primary color. “Teal Tuesday” has become a tradition on campus when students, faculty and staff proudly display their school color.

A project of the Student Government Association, the 50-foot clock tower on the Campus Commons was dedicated and sounded for the first time at the senior celebration on May 12, 2000.

Each August, nearly 2,000 volunteers help freshmen move into residence halls as part of a longstanding UNCWelcome tradition. In a matter of minutes, volunteers in teal cheer for families as they pull up to residence halls, hurry to their vehicles and move the new students into their residence hall rooms.

Decked out in teal T-shirts, incoming freshmen kick off each new academic year by unveiling their class flag, gathering for their traditional class photo and making the trek to Trask Coliseum for the formal convocation ceremony.

Seahawks from around the world paint the town teal during Homecoming, which includes the Alumni Champagne Brunch, Homecoming TEALgate and men’s basketball game, as well as dozens of other events for the whole family. The Homecoming royalty are announced at halftime of the men's basketball game, and the alumni award winners are recognized.