Making Waves & Soaring Higher

8,069 Seahawks took action to generate

$53,263,470

in gifts and commitments
from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025

Every gift from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends rippled outward, launching career‑ready graduates, fueling innovation and shaping solutions with global reach.

Seahawks Are Making Waves of Impact

Scholarship support fuels hands-on experiences, expands networks and sparks change in every field. Explore just a few stories from scholarship recipients:

Honors college and first-generation student Olga Romero Zelaya has conducted research in El Salvador, studied international policing models and trained with SWAT and CSI teams through an internship with the Wilmington Police Department under Chief Alejandra Sotelo ’00 — all experiences preparing her for a career with global impact.

“Everything I have accomplished so far has been made possible by your generosity… You have not only changed my life, but the lives of those around me.”

Nearly 700 donor-funded scholarships were awarded this year, with 38 new funds established. Inspired by this generosity, 260 students also made gifts to support future generations of Seahawks.

Safeguarding Our Coast

As North Carolina’s coastal university, UNCW works hard to maintain its role as a leader in marine science. Explore how growing support for hands-on learning opportunities directly impacts this work.

Building Our Education & Healthcare Workforce

UNCW faculty and staff help shape our next generation, and they lead by example, with 659 employees giving to areas that inspire them. See how donor and volunteer support creates waves of opportunity where it's needed most.

Ensuring Excellence Takes Flight

student with brain cap and glowing wires

Launching Career-Ready Students Through Innovative Pathways

The new Brain Health Research Hub brings together faculty, students, and industry partners to address translational medicine, neuroplasticity, injury prevention, and substance use. From developing stroke and dementia treatments to creating tools that reduce concussion risk, the hub pairs research innovation with hands-on student experience.

“This offers the opportunity for UNCW to become a leader in brain health… and offers rich opportunities for our students.” — Kate Brody Nooner, senior associate dean, College of Science and Engineering

Hands-On Learning with Local Roots, Global Reach

“It was a real win for all parties involved,” said Logan Takalo '25 of the Student Cold-Calling Program where Cameron School of Business students partnered with Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry to re-engage former donors, partners and sponsors while gaining valuable communication and sales experience.

“It just opened my eyes to how small the world is and how we’re all so similar and interconnected,” said Catalina Veldwijk on her internship helping refugees navigate critical services.

“This applied learning space will get our students ready for the marketplace,” said Dr. Rick Olsen '87, Department of Communication Studies chair, on the Tom and Mimi Cunningham Applied Learning Classroom equipped with podcasting technology, collaboration pods and smart boards for students to gain hands-on practice.

Inspiring Generosity and Increasing Support

Excellence in Flight Campaign Attracts New Donors

Nearly 25% more first-time donors joined us this year, including more than 150 who were inspired by the opportunity to empower academic leaders to enrich programs and provide direct student support. More than $24,000 was raised during this new campaign for our college excellence funds.

Seahawks Give Soars to Record Heights

Last spring, 1,920 donors contributed $4.17 million in just 24 hours during a historic Seahawks Give, fueling scholarships, research, athletics and community programs — proving how Seahawk pride takes flight.

Championing Seahawk Success

UNCW student‑athletes are reaching new heights both in the classroom and on the field thanks to unprecedented donor support surpassing $8 million raised by the Seahawk Club — more than double last year’s record.

“With the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, philanthropy is more crucial than ever… we are extremely humbled and inspired by the generosity of our donors and believe the future is bright for UNCW Athletics.” — Adam Fearing, associate athletic director for development

UNCW teams have won a league-leading 14 CAA conference championships in three years, and 299 student-athletes were named to the Spring 2025 CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll, including 60 who maintained a 4.0 GPA.

We Soar Higher, Together

With a growing wingspan of nearly 112,000 alumni across 92 countries, Seahawks are impacting communities worldwide.

grad cap with "Everyone deserves to fly"

$8,804,897
given by 3,068 alumni

252 New Grads
soared among 3,173 donors recognized in the UNCW Society

planting baby tree

Gifts $250 or less totaled
$664,644

Seahawk parents "Wings Up"

982 Parents
made philanthropic contributions, with 176 Parents Council members championing student support

Thank you for a record-breaking year of generosity. From scholarships to research to community partnerships, Seahawks are making waves — and every gift helps us soar higher.

Soar With Us

Questions? Get in touch.