Office of the Chancellor

Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli with portrait

December 23, 2020

Dear Seahawk Community:

Commencement always is a celebration at UNCW, but our first-ever virtual ceremonies in honor of the Class of 2020 were especially meaningful. This amazing group of graduates has redefined the Seahawk spirit, joining our outstanding faculty and staff in elevating resilience to new heights. Congratulations, Class of 2020!

It is tempting, this time of year, to reflect on how far we have traveled together as a campus community in the past 12 months. In all honesty, though, each one of us needs some time to process the trials and triumphs of 2020, a year that surely none of us will forget anytime soon.

We learned how to teach, learn, connect, engage and evolve in a dramatically different environment that seemingly changed overnight. And yet, we kept going. We kept researching, discovering and creating. We kept leading, inspiring and serving. We honored our mission and helped our largest-ever student body keep soaring.

Thank you for being a part of UNCW’s journey this year. As difficult as it was, our collaborative efforts in 2020 prepared us to tackle the challenges ahead as we face a third semester shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new year is on the horizon, one filled with renewed hope and opportunity, and we are ready for it.

Go Seahawks!

Chancellor's signature 

Jose V. Sartarelli
Chancellor