On Monday, March 17, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) hosted the 2025 Scholarship Brunch — a donor and student celebration and networking event in recognition of donor impact on the UNCW student experience.
The celebration, hosted as part of the Health & Human Services Week, provided a spotlight on the importance of philanthropy and the resources, applied-learning experiences, and career opportunities that continued support of CHHS programs grants Seahawk students.
“We recognize the community of goodwill that forms when benefactors and beneficiaries come together,” said Jack Watson Ph.D., Dean of CHHS. “We also celebrate the generous acts that make it financially possible for these students to pursue their college education — from scholarships, applied-learning awards, support funds, and trust dollars.”
Acknowledging the growth in philanthropic support of the college over the past decade, Dean Watson emphasized the college’s mission to prepare a highly qualified workforce and the positive and transformational progress UNCW is making to shape the future of healthcare and healthcare education in southeastern North Carolina and beyond.
“Gifts to the college play a crucial role in attracting students and enhancing their experiences,” said Watson. “They also support faculty recruitment, empower research, and enable us to expand our outstanding academic programs — creating an exceptional learning and teaching environment that is making a lasting impact on UNCW students of today and tomorrow. This truly embodies the spirit of paying it forward.”
Recognizing the success of UNCW students, Dean Watson introduced the event’s student scholarship speaker, — who served as an outstanding example of CHHS scholarship students who share an enthusiasm for growth and discovery, embody the innovative and exciting future the university strives to achieve, and inspire donors to contribute scholarship funds.
Fish is a member of the Class of 2025 and recipient of the Willie Stargell Student Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship awarded by CHHS; the 2023 Healthcare Heroes Scholarship; and is also a program scholar with Students Engaged in Enriching Diversity in Sciences (SEEDS). In addition to her awards recognition, Fish is also an active member of both the CHHS and university community. She has served three terms on the Chancellors Student Leadership Advisory Council, is a CHHS Student Ambassador, is Vice President of the Association for Respiratory Therapy Students, and worked as a Residence Counselor for the UNCW Interdisciplinary Health Education for Aspiring Leaders (IHEAL) Camp.
“Each of these scholarships has had a significant impact on my educational journey and community involvement,” said Fish. “These scholarships have greatly eased the financial burden on my family, especially since me and my sister both have Type I Diabetes. I’m so grateful for the relief these scholarships have provided, allowing me to focus more on my studies.”
Due to her healthcare advocacy and first-hand experience fighting an autoimmune disorder, Fish has had a longstanding interest in pursuing a career in health and human services. She credits Sheri Shaw, CHHS Assistant Dean of Student Success, with providing the direction and support needed to pave her path to earning a degree in respiratory therapy. “Without her I wouldn’t have had the clarity I needed for my education and my future,” said Fish, who has accepted a job as a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist at Wake Med Children’s Hospital in Raleigh after graduation.
Reflecting on the impact of her academic journey at UNCW, Fish also acknowledged the advisors, faculty, staff, and students for making her experience so special. “This university has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “My confidence and sense of self have grown tremendously since the first day I walked on campus.”
Providing a donor perspective to the celebration, Peter Jacobson Ph.D., Clinical Professor and Head of Neurology at the UNC School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor in CHHS, shared his passion for supporting students like Fish.
“We’re here because we share the truths that education is transformative, quality healthcare is essential, and students who want to help and serve others are a true gift,” said Jacobson, who supports the Jacobson-Biehn Health and Human Services Scholarship Endowment and the CHHS Pre-Health Programs Fund.
Jacobson mentors students in pre-health programs and acknowledges how extraordinary the CHHS Pre-Health Program is, as well as the CHHS Center for Student Success. “The program provides a supportive environment that guides students through academic challenges and difficult career decisions — with teachers and mentors along the way that help students determine their career path,” he said, referencing the lectures, student panels, and UNC healthcare site visits the program facilitates.
“The college has provided opportunities for students to develop skillsets they can use throughout their lives,” said Jacobson. “It’s hard not to support this. I appreciate the opportunity to add my support to these wonderful students, teachers, and mentors.”
Though Health and Human Services Week has concluded for 2025, the celebrations of student success and donor impact continue. “We are creating pathways for students to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Dean Watson in CHHS Scholarship Brunch closing comments. “Becoming change agents in our communities is an important task and our aim is to equip all students with the resources needed to lead a life of meaning and purpose after graduation. Donor support makes this possible.”
View photos from the CHHS Scholarship Brunch.
To learn more about how you can support UNCW and impact the Seahawk student experience, visit giving.uncw.edu. Additionally, learn more about CHHS news, programs, events, and more.