I congratulate all of the staff members recognized at the 50th anniversary of UNCW’s Staff Service Awards. We benefit from the accumulated years of experience of employees dedicated to their fields. The university was also excited to have a member of the campus police department recognized by the UNC System. Detective Lt. Vanessa Torroella received the 2025 UNC System’s Officer of the Year Award. We applaud her for going above and beyond the call of duty.
UNCW welcomed Vice President Mike Pence to campus for the Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture, where he shared lessons of leadership from his experience on the national and global stage. The Ocean Innovation Conference held by our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship attracted thought leaders for the third year to discuss new solutions for our ocean and waterways.
Our athletics teams are building excitement as the baseball team has announced its 2026 schedule and our women’s soccer team has clinched a No. 1 seed to the CAA conference tournament. Our men's basketball team celebrates its 75th anniversary season as both men’s and women’s basketball take to the court with early games.
Our Board of Trustees took part in the UNC Boards of Trustees Workshop hosted by the UNC Board of Governors. This week, I welcome the trustees to campus for their quarterly meeting, and I am happy to again have the opportunity to share what the UNCW community has achieved with the support of our Seahawk family.
Yours in Seahawk spirit,
