The Sayeds’ Legacy of Generosity
A historic philanthropic commitment—the largest in university history—will advance healthcare and teacher education initiatives, creating lasting opportunities for students.
Photo: Jeff Janowski/UNCW
Dr. Yousry Sayed and his wife, Linda ’78, ’85M listened intently as a group of students pursuing careers in healthcare and education shared their goals and aspirations. The couple spoke to each student gathered in the atrium of the Education Building, offering encouragement and guidance.
“Listening to all the students today is inspiring in so many ways,” said Linda Sayed. “They have such enthusiasm for what they want to do. Why wouldn’t we invest our money in that?”
The Sayeds recently committed $25 million to UNCW to support healthcare initiatives and teacher recruitment, the largest philanthropic commitment in the university’s history. The Sayeds envision their gift as a foundation for creating opportunities in healthcare and teacher education.
“We recognize that it isn’t going to solve everything when it comes to education and the healthcare system,” said Dr. Sayed. “These are huge areas that we all need to work on and try to strengthen. We want to start with a foundation and, hopefully, see others step in and build on it.”
The commitment allocates $20 million over five years to advance UNCW’s programs in medical education, clinical care, research and healthcare accessibility, supporting a wide range of healthcare professional workforce programs and research initiatives. Additionally, $5 million is designated to programs to recruit and train prospective teachers. A portion of this funding will support scholarships for individuals transitioning to a teaching career.
Over the next decade, the gift will enable the university to expand its reach in medical education and healthcare services and establish an academic health sciences center, positioning the university as a leader in these fields, said Chancellor Aswani K. Volety.
"The demand for more professionals in healthcare and in teaching continues to rise. UNCW remains a steadfast partner in efforts to recruit and retain for these professions.”
—James J. Winebrake, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
“The development of an academic health sciences center will have a profound impact on southeastern North Carolina,” said Volety. “It will improve access to quality healthcare, foster innovative research and create new opportunities for medical education and training. This center will serve as a hub for healthcare excellence, benefiting the entire region. I am proud to be part of an initiative that will make such a meaningful difference in our community.”
The gift will also allow UNCW to make significant investments in teacher preparation to help address the shortage of educators in the region and across North Carolina, he added.
“UNCW wants to help address this workforce development issue by providing a pathway for skilled professionals to transition into education, ensuring a high-quality workforce dedicated to shaping future generations,” Volety said.
"The Sayeds have witnessed UNCW’s growth and rising reputation and know first-hand how philanthropy can expand the university’s reach.”
—Eddie Stuart ’05M, Vice Chancellor Division for University Advancement
Linda Sayed is passionate about providing scholarships to help people transition into education from other careers. “We need to provide resources for students who may not otherwise have the ability to become teachers,” she said.
The Sayeds have played a pivotal role in enhancing the university’s capabilities to educate students and its outreach.
"The Sayeds have witnessed UNCW’s growth and rising reputation and know first-hand how philanthropy can expand the university’s reach,” said Eddie Stuart, vice chancellor of the Division for University Advancement.
The generous contribution is not just a testament to the Sayeds’ commitment to education but also a catalyst for broader community involvement, said Volety.
“The Sayeds’ support will encourage other potential donors to learn more about UNCW and to discover programs that inspire their investment, further amplifying the impact of their generous gift,” he added.
The Power of Education
As first-generation students, the Sayeds know firsthand the power of education. Both came from modest, humble beginnings. While neither of their parents completed secondary education, they stressed the importance of education to their children.
“For me, being a first-generation student is a testimony that the opportunity of higher education is always a possibility and can be available to anyone,” said Dr. Sayed. “Dedicated parents don’t have to be college graduates to provide this opportunity to their sons and daughters. Also, it makes you appreciate the value of education and the opportunities it opens can be limitless.”
The Sayeds’ passion for education led them to pursue careers in the field. Before founding the Wilmington-based company Quality Chemical Laboratories in 1998, Dr. Sayed had a distinguished career at UNCW as a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and in academic administration. As a faculty member, he was an outstanding teacher, mentor and researcher who received the Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award in 1993. Dr. Sayed currently serves on the UNCW Board of Trustees.
Linda Sayed, a family law specialist and the 2024 Distinguished Alumna of the Year, taught chemistry at John T. Hoggard High School and UNCW and served as an assistant principal with New Hanover County Schools.
During UNCW’s spring 2025 Commencement, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, the highest accolade the university can bestow on an individual. She was nominated by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James J. Winebrake for her impactful contributions to the university, the Wilmington community and the state.
Volety said the Sayeds’ “remarkable generosity underscores the opportunities this great country provides, and I am thrilled that they are paying it forward by helping our students, faculty and staff soar to new heights.” In recognition of the Sayeds’ contribution to advancing education and workforce training, the Education Building will be named in their honor.
The Sayeds’ previous major commitment was in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry. In 2017, they committed $5 million to UNCW to establish an endowment to support undergraduate scholarships, internships, graduate fellowships, post-doctoral scholars, instrumentation and two new distinguished professorships.
UNCW launched the pharmaceutical chemistry doctoral program in 2023 to prepare students for careers in academia and in the private sector as scientists for pharmaceutical companies and related chemical industries. The first graduate of the program received a degree in May.
When approaching philanthropy, the Sayeds consider the long-term impact of their gift, they said.
“You’re planting a seed that you want to grow into something bigger,” said Dr. Sayed, “like the Ph.D. in pharmaceutical chemistry program, which will graduate hundreds of students over the years. Seeing the difference we can make in young people’s lives is our best legacy.”
The Sayeds’ historic gift to UNCW exemplifies their commitment to help future generations of Seahawks and their desire to see the university grow into a nationally recognized institution for teacher education and healthcare professionals.
“We just believe in this place and the power of education,” said Linda Sayed. “It opens so many doors, and it’s so much harder to open them without it.”
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