Monday, July 24, 2017

Donors contributed more than $17.2 million in gifts and commitments to the University of North Carolina Wilmington during fiscal year 2016-17. Contributions came from more than 10,000 donors and surpassed UNCW’s 2016 giving record of $14.9 million.

“The generosity of our donors will help the university’s strategic vision move forward through the development of academic programming and applied learning opportunities like undergraduate research, study abroad and student internships,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “Each year, our donors’ contributions illustrate their pride in UNCW. These investments in the future really enhance the lives of our students and allow UNCW to continue to grow and flourish.”

UNCW donors have the option to designate which colleges or programs receive their gifts. The provision recognizes that many people give because of personal connections, and has helped encourage many alumni, who represent 39 percent of 2016-17 donors, to support the university. 

“Philanthropic giving is an important part of UNCW culture,” said Eddie Stuart, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Our campus community is passionate and excited about the university’s continued success and growth, and this new record shows us once again that everyone wants to be a part of it.”

One priority of the university’s Strategic Plan is to build strong donor relationships and inspire philanthropic support, and the 2016-17 fiscal year saw an increase in both number of donors and overall gifts. In total, the university received 16,803 gifts, with 87 percent of them denominations of $250 or less. This year’s gifts signify a 14 percent increase in giving over the previous year and include the largest outright philanthropic commitment in UNCW’s history, a $5 million gift from former UNCW faculty member Yousry Sayed, and his wife Linda, a UNCW alumna.

UNCW faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and friends also stepped up during March’s Give More in 24 challenge, which raised $238,569.40 from 1,374 donors.

-- Christina Schechtman

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