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UNCW Receives Purple Heart Designation

Members of the UNCW Student Veterans Organization celebrate with alumni and dignitaries at the Cape Fear Purple Heart Dinner on Aug. 5, 2023. Left to Right: Allen Patrick, co-director of the Cameron Executive Network, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient; Will Messick, alum; Chancellor Aswani K. Volety; Leanne Churchill, alum and former SVO President; Deon Wrenn, student; Dusty Sanders, SVO vice president; Dakota Lowery, student; Bill Kawczynski, Director Military Affairs; Camden Ege, program coordinator, Office of Military Affairs; Natalie Lewis, SVO President; Devon Chambers, alum.
Members of the UNCW Student Veterans Organization celebrate with alumni and dignitaries at the Cape Fear Purple Heart Dinner on Aug. 5, 2023. Left to Right: Allen Patrick, co-director of the Cameron Executive Network, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient; Will Messick, alum; Chancellor Aswani K. Volety; Leanne Churchill, alum and former SVO President; Deon Wrenn, student; Dusty Sanders, SVO vice president; Dakota Lowery, student; Bill Kawczynski, Director Military Affairs; Camden Ege, program coordinator, Office of Military Affairs; Natalie Lewis, SVO President; Devon Chambers, alum.

UNCW has been designated as an official Purple Heart Designated University. This designation is an affirmation of the university’s commitment to those who have been wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect our freedoms.

The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest military decoration, previously known as the Badge of Military Merit, and was awarded to recognize heroic acts by U.S. troops during the Revolutionary War. Today, the Purple Heart Medal is awarded to those wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States.

Chancellor Aswani K. Volety attended the Cape Fear Purple Heart Dinner on Aug. 5, and read the official proclamation announcing UNCW as a Purple Heart Designated University. On Aug. 7, the nation honored, recognized and remembered all Purple Heart recipients as part of National Purple Heart Day.

“The support and official recognition by Chancellor Volety means a great deal to all Seahawks who have served this great nation, but especially, for those who have received the Purple Heart Medal,” said Bill Kawczynski, director of the UNCW Office of Military Affairs. “This is another shining example of how UNC Wilmington supports its military community and is truly Like No Other.”

Since its founding as a G.I. Bill school in 1947, UNC Wilmington has welcomed many veterans through its doors, and some, whether faculty, staff or students, have experienced the harsh realities of engaged hostilities with our enemies and were wounded. UNCW has faculty members and current students who are Purple Heart Medal recipients. The university also acknowledges many former faculty, staff and students who have received the medal. 


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