Category Archives: Students

Burcu Bozkurt receives Soros Fellowship for New Americans

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Burcu Bozkurt receives Soros Fellowship for New Americans

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C.—May 8, 2018) – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate student Burcu Bozkurt was selected as one of the 2018 recipients of The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. Originally from Istanbul, Bozkurt immigrated to North Carolina with her family when she was seven years old. In 2012, Bozkurt graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a bachelor of science in public health degree in health policy and management, with a second major in global studies focused on international politics and Latin American studies.

 

“This fellowship is a wonderful acknowledgement of the importance and impact of Burcu’s work in the field of global public health,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “I am very excited for Burcu and have no doubt that she’ll make the most of this opportunity to create more equitable health care for all populations, particularly for those most in need.”

 

As an undergraduate, Bozkurt worked with public health organizations in Bangladesh and conducted research in Vietnam as a Mahatma Gandhi Fellow and Phillips Ambassador. She co-founded the International Youth Alliance for Family Planning after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill. As a result of her work with the organization, she was recognized by the Gates Institute as one of 40 global reproductive health leaders under 40 in 2016. She has also worked in public health as a researcher, lobbyist and consultant. Citing her parents’ incredible work ethic and deep commitment to the pursuit of social justice, Bozkurt is committed to driving progress on important public health issues globally.

 

Bozkurt is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in health policy and management at the Gillings School of Global Public Health as a member of The Graduate School’s Royster Society of Fellows. She plans to dedicate her studies and career to ensuring equitable health care for all populations, especially vulnerable ones.

 

“Burcu Bozkurt is truly a remarkable young woman,” said Dean Barbara Rimer of Gillings School of Global Public Health. “She’s really smart, but what stands out is her awesome combination of grit and determination, even in the face of adversity, which she and her family experienced as immigrants, and compassion. We are so proud of Burcu and confident that she will contribute to achieving more equitable health care on a global scale.”

 

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans grants up to $90,000 to 30 immigrants and children of immigrants for two years of graduate study in any field and in any program in the United States. In addition to funding, each new fellow joins a prestigious community of past recipients. The fellowship seeks applicants who are likely to make significant contributions to society, culture or their academic fields.

 

“Burcu is UNC-Chapel Hill’s sixth Soros Fellow,” said Professor Inger Brodey, Director of the Office of Distinguished Scholarships. “We are proud of Burcu’s achievements and know she will continue to contribute to providing equitable access to health care, especially for youth and women around the world.”

 

 

-Carolina-

  

Photo of Bozkurt: https://bit.ly/2JTQytw

 

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

 

Office of Distinguished Scholarships contacts: Inger Brodey, (919) 843-0965, brodey@email.unc.edu and Maggie Douglas, (919) 843-7757, mdouglas@unc.edu

 

University Communications: Media Relations, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

 

 

UNC-Chapel Hill senior selected as James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program recipient

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UNC-Chapel Hill senior selected as James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program recipient

 

Frances Reuland is also an Honors Carolina student and Phi Beta Kappa inductee

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C.— April 3, 2018) – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill senior Frances Reuland has been selected for the elite James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program run by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She is UNC-Chapel Hill’s second recipient of this one-year award. The Junior Fellows Program provides substantive work experience at the Carnegie Endowment for students and recent graduates with career interests in international affairs.

 

Reuland, 21, will graduate in May 2018 with a double major in environmental sciences and Hispanic literature and culture and a minor in chemistry. She is the daughter of Daniel Reuland and Paula Paradis from Chapel Hill.

 

“Frances’s extraordinary service to others has ranged from tutoring in our local communities to surveying environmental health conditions in Malawi,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Frances to expand further her global horizons following her success at Carolina as a student-scholar-athlete. I have no doubt that her climate and energy studies – combined with her dedication to helping people – will contribute to our world’s understanding of significant environmental challenges.”

 

Reuland is one of only 12 fellows selected for the prestigious Junior Fellows Program. She will work full time at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, D.C., as a paid research assistant to the endowment’s senior associates in the Energy and Climate Program.

 

“I’m honored to become a Junior Fellow at Carnegie and am incredibly excited to learn about and contribute to research on national and international energy and climate issues,” said Reuland. “I’m very grateful for the opportunities and support at UNC-Chapel Hill that have helped me get to this spot.”

 

At Carolina, Reuland was a first-year walk-on to the women’s varsity soccer team. An Honors Carolina student, Phi Beta Kappa inductee and Buckley Public Service Scholar, Reuland won the NCAA Elite 90 Award in 2016, awarded to student athletes with the highest grade-point averages in the NCAA finals. Reuland’s research interests took her to Malawi, where she surveyed environmental health conditions in health care facilities. She earned an Honors Thesis Research Award to support her honors thesis on the same topic. Reuland was a volunteer translator for the Center for Latino Health at UNC Hospitals and a volunteer tutor for the English as a Second Program at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

 

“Frances is an impressive scholar-athlete-researcher. We are delighted that she will have this opportunity at the Carnegie Foundation to meet world leaders in energy and climate change, and to learn about how policy decisions can be informed by cutting-edge research,” said Professor Inger Brodey, director of the Office of Distinguished Scholarships. “She will also be in a position to continue her own research on the effects of climate change on water, energy and health care.”

 

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, one of the world’s leading think tanks specializing in international affairs, conducts programs of research, discussion, publication and education in international relations and U.S. foreign policy. Each year the endowment offers approximately 10–15 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. The program was recently named in honor of Jim Gaither, the former chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Carnegie Endowment. Junior Fellows receive a monthly salary equivalent to $38,000 annually and a generous benefits package.

 

 

-Carolina-

  

Photo of Reuland: https://bit.ly/2GAmkxF

  

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

Office of Distinguished Scholarships contacts: Inger Brodey, (919) 843-0965, brodey@email.unc.edu and Maggie Douglas, (919) 843-7757, mdouglas@unc.edu

 

University Communications: Media Relations, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

 

UNC-Chapel Hill and United Health Foundation Launch New $1.6 Million Partnership to Help Train and Diversify Next Generation of Health Data Experts

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  • Training will take place through “Project ENABLE” – Extensible Network-Accessible Biomedical & Health Informatics Lifelong Learning Environment
  • Program expands access to training programs for minority undergraduate students from local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • Funding supports the launch of online and classroom interdisciplinary training through UNC-Chapel Hill’s Carolina Health Informatics Program

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C. — Jan. 23, 2018) — To help address the growing need for a larger and more diverse workforce of health care data analysts, technologists and experts, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and United Health Foundation are expanding access to health care data and informatics educational and professional development resources through the University’s Carolina Health Informatics Program.

 

A three-year, $1.6 million grant from United Health Foundation to UNC-Chapel Hill will create “Project ENABLE,” the Extensible Network-Accessible Biomedical & Health Informatics Lifelong Learning Environment. The initiative will deliver high-quality biomedical and health informatics training – both online and in person – to people who currently lack access to training. It will focus on minority undergraduate students considering health informatics careers, as well as working professionals needing to advance their health informatics skills.

 

“Our university is committed to tackling tough problems and training the next generation of diverse leaders,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “We are grateful for United Health Foundation’s support and partnership to expand educational and training resources in the health care technology and analytics field. This partnership means more students, especially minority students, from across our state, will have the opportunity to tackle the tough challenges in our health care system.”

 

This workforce development effort will support the nation’s growing need for health informatics experts, as more health care services rely on electronic records and incorporate patient and population data into decision making.  A recent report from the National Academy of Sciences shows that while underrepresented minority groups comprised 28.5 percent of the national population, they represent just 9.1 percent of college-educated Americans in science and engineering occupations.  This new initiative will address both of these challenges.

 

Funding Supports Boot Camp for Minority Students, New Online Master’s Degree Program

The grant will support three specific programmatic activities within Project ENABLE:

 

  • Creation of in-person summer boot camps for minority undergraduate students from local HBCUs to expose students to health informatics principles and encourage them to explore advanced training and health informatics careers. The first boot camp is scheduled to begin this summer.

 

  • Development of new health informatics online course content, based upon the boot camps, that introduces health informatics to a cross-section of students and working professionals.

 

  • Creation of a new online master’s degree to help working professionals develop expertise in health informatics, with a focus on data analytics, visualizations, statistics and database systems.

 

“I thank United Health Foundation for partnering with UNC-Chapel Hill and the Carolina Health Informatics Program to help expand access to the types of training and programs our states’ workers need to learn new skills and expertise in health care technology,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “This is especially important for students enrolled in historically black colleges and universities who will see expanded training and educational opportunities because of this partnership.”

 

“We are grateful to partner with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to help create a 21st century health workforce ready to meet the health care needs of North Carolina, and the nation,” said UnitedHealth Group CEO David S. Wichmann.  “Investing in people’s skills and their education is critical in maximizing innovation in health care that will help people live healthier lives and help the health care system work better for everyone.”

 

-Carolina-

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill



The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

About United Health Foundation

Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, United Health Foundation works to improve our health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, United Health Foundation has committed nearly $315 million to programs and communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthgroup.com/SocialResponsibility or follow Facebook.com/UHGGives.

 

University Communications: Jeni Cook, (919) 962-2091, jeni.cook@unc.edu

 

United Health Foundation: L.D. Platt, (202) 413-7763, ld_platt@uhg.com

 

Governor’s Press Office: Jamal Little, (919) 814-2100, ncpress@nc.gov

 

UNC-Chapel Hill’s Arts Everywhere initiative launches free app to connect community with the arts on campus

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The Arts Everywhere App launch coincides with an exciting, week-long residency with the innovative Dorrance Dance company

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C.— Jan. 22, 2018) – Today, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Arts Everywhere initiative launched a new mobile app that will serve as a one-stop shop to connect the campus and the wider community to art experiences happening at the University.

 

With the belief that the arts are an essential tool for learning and engaging communities, Chancellor Carol L. Folt launched Arts Everywhere in 2016. This groundbreaking campus-wide initiative invests in sustained creative practice, live arts experiences and arts learning, with the goal of making Carolina a leader in transforming the 21st-century liberal arts education.

 

Arts Everywhere is a strategic initiative that supports the Innovation Made Fundamental pillar of The Blueprint for Next framework and also a signature initiative in the University’s $4.25 billion fundraising effort, the Campaign for Carolina.

 

“The Arts Everywhere app is our next step forward as we highlight the importance of the arts to Carolina’s core teaching, research and service missions,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “We are committed to making our arts initiatives, departments and programs even more visible, and to supporting them as they continue to inspire innovation, discussion and reflection about creativity and the world.”

 

The Arts Everywhere app, now available to download for iPhone and Android, allows users to find out about all UNC-Chapel Hill arts events in one place. The app is one of the most comprehensive university arts app and provide users with custom recommendations based on their interests. The app makes it easy to find out what is trending in the arts across campus, invite friends to events and explore new artists.

 

“Art is not only something you see, art is something you can do, you can experience and something you can share,” said Emil Kang, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for the Arts. “It fosters a discussion and a connection with people around you. This app is designed to strengthen that connection for anyone on our campus.”

 

In conjunction with the launch of the app, the renowned and innovative tap company Dorrance Dance returns to campus for a week-long residency to include a visit to the BeAM Makerspace to create wooden taps for dance shoes and a series of exciting pop-up performances. On Wednesday, Michelle Dorrance, MacArthur “Genius Grant” winning dancer and choreographer and the company’s founder, will participate in a public conversation alongside her father, UNC Women’s Soccer Head Coach Anson Dorrance.

 

Arts Events on Campus Week of Jan. 22:

  • Monday, Jan. 22: Lunch time pop-up performance by Dorrance Dance at Top of Lenoir and an evening performance by Isabel Leonard, mezzo-soprano in Memorial Hall
  • Tuesday, Jan. 23: Pop-up freestyle dance battles featuring Dorrance Dance and soccer freestyle sensation Indi Cowie around campus
  • Wednesday, Jan. 24: The Art of Excellence – A public conversation with Michelle Dorrance and UNC Women’s Soccer Head Coach Anson Dorrance in Gerrard Hall
  • Thursday, Jan. 25: Pop-up dance performance featuring Dorrance Dance
  • Friday, Jan. 26: Becoming a Woman in the Age of Enlightenment: French Art from the Horvitz Collection at the Ackland Art Museum

 

Media members who wish to cover any of the above events should contact Carly Swain in the Media Relations Office for more information at (919) 445-8555 or carly.swain@unc.edu.

 

-Carolina-

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

About Arts Everywhere: 

Arts Everywhere is a groundbreaking, campus-wide arts initiative supported by the Office of the Chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill. With the core belief that the arts are an essential tool for learning and engaging communities, this long-term initiative aims to revolutionize academics and enhance public service at Carolina by investing in sustained creative practice, live arts experiences and arts learning, with the goal of making the Carolina a leader in transforming the 21st century liberal arts education.

 

University Communications: Carly Swain, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu
Arts Everywhere: Rachel Ash, (919) 843-9088, Rachel_ash@unc.edu

Veterans Day events scheduled at UNC-Chapel Hill

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Media Advisory: not for publication

(Chapel Hill, N.C.— Nov. 9, 2017) – UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and staff will join community members to honor veterans on Friday, November 10, during two events on campus.

 

Tar Heel Tribute:

Three university offices partnered to host a networking event and breakfast for student and employee veterans beginning at 8:30 a.m. at The Carolina Club (inside the George Watts Hill Alumni Center). The Tar Heel Tribute program begins at 9 a.m. with the presentation of the Colors, followed by remarks from student veteran Frankie Bergos, Chancellor Carol L. Folt and others.

On site contact: Carly Swain: (704) 305-1838.

 

Veterans Day Ceremony:

The UNC-Chapel Hill ROTC will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Alumni Memorial (between Phillips and Memorial halls, along E. Cameron Avenue). ROTC members will be present, in uniform, for the presentation of Colors and remarks from Major General Peggy Wilmoth, U.S. Army Reserves (retired) and executive dean and associate dean academic affairs at UNC’s School of Nursing.

On site contact: Carly Swain: (704) 305-1838.

 

For more information on programs and services tailored to the military-affiliated population at Carolina, please visit this site.

 

–Carolina–

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

University Communications: Media Relations, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

 

UNC-Chapel Hill exceeds challenge by $25 million, raising $65 million for scholarships

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(Chapel Hill, N.C. – Oct. 12, 2017) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill celebrated its 224th anniversary and announced that the one-year Give for Good: Scholarship Challenge raised more than $65 million to support the Carolina Covenant and the Morehead-Cain scholarship.

 

One year ago, Chancellor Carol L. Folt announced the challenge, prompted by a $20 million gift from an anonymous donor. The donor made the gift as tandem $10 million challenges to double the amount, in order to help bring the best and brightest students to Carolina. More than 2,300 additional donors responded, contributing more than $45 million.

 

As Chancellor Folt announced today during the University Day ceremony and celebration, “I’m thrilled to report that we more than met the challenge issued by this generous anonymous donor. While he hoped to double the challenge gift, we ended up raising more than $65 million, more than tripling the original gift, all for student scholarships.”

 

Gifts to the challenge count toward The Carolina Edge, a Campaign for Carolina signature initiative that aims to raise $1 billion to support undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and professional school financial aid. The campaign launched publicly Oct. 6, 2017, with an overall goal of $4.25 billion.

 

Launched in 2004, the Carolina Covenant scholarship program is a groundbreaking initiative that affords children of low-income families — many of whom are first-generation college students — an opportunity to attend Carolina without borrowing a penny. The program supports UNC-Chapel Hill’s mission of staying truly public and provides intellectually driven, hard-working young individuals the chance to study at one of the most prestigious public universities in the country — and the freedom to pave a future unburdened by college debt regardless of their background. Since its beginning, the scholarship program has enabled more than 6,500 high performing, low-income students to attend Carolina and graduate debt free. The Give for Good: Scholarship Challenge will help ensure the Carolina Covenant continues to thrive at Carolina.

 

Since its founding in 1945, the Morehead-Cain Foundation — home of the first merit-based scholarship program in the country — has connected the world’s most talented, high-achieving young leaders to a fully funded UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate experience. More than 3,100 scholars have benefited from the program since its inception, channeling academic and leadership potential to make a positive and profound impact on the lives of others, beginning on campus and continuing after graduation. Funds raised by the Give for Good: Scholarship Challenge will help increase the number of scholars the program can bring to Carolina.

 

 

“We’re thrilled that we more than met the challenge issued by our anonymous donor,” said David Routh, vice chancellor for development. “This is one more example of the great momentum donors have provided to carry us into the public phase of the Campaign for Carolina.”

 

 

-Carolina-

 

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of the American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in the U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 110 master’s, 64 doctorate and 7 professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research, and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states and 165 counties. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

University Development: Kim Elenez, (919) 962-1628, kelenez@email.unc.edu

University Communications: Media Relations, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

 

UNC-Chapel Hill accepts $10 million challenge to support world-class faculty

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Commitment from John G. Ellison Jr. triggers drive for faculty recruitment and retention funds

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C. – Oct. 9, 2017) – Triggered by a $10 million gift from alumnus John G. Ellison, Jr., the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has accepted a $10 million challenge to help retain and reward current outstanding faculty and attract extraordinary teachers, scholars and scientists to Carolina. Announced by Chancellor Carol L. Folt at an Oct. 6 gala celebrating the launch of “For All Kind: The Campaign for Carolina,” the Faculty Excellence Challenge will support incentives such as salary supplements and research funds.

 

Running through Oct. 8, 2018, the challenge will enable the University to sustain the faculty’s current excellence and strategically grow its professoriate in key areas to enhance overall academic quality, strengthen the research enterprise, broaden innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives and better serve a growing undergraduate, graduate and professional student body. If met, the challenge will provide at least an additional $10 million for similar support.

 

“John’s extraordinary pledge jumpstarts the Faculty Excellence Challenge and supports our mission to attract, reward and retain talented faculty who open minds and change the lives of our students,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “John has been a dedicated Tar Heel volunteer and contributor to our university for decades. Thanks to his wonderful new investment in Carolina, we have the opportunity to champion our faculty whose dedicated work helps create our understanding of science, medicine and the humanities.”

 

Carolina has been focused on increased faculty recruitment and retention efforts, which has yielded stunning results in the last several years including retaining 79% of faculty and recruiting 94 new faculty (18 tenured, 76 tenure-track) in academic year 2015-2016. Ellison’s gift will further bolster these efforts to keep top scholars and researchers in Chapel Hill and bring new talent to campus.

 

The Faculty Excellence Challenge supports a key priority in the Campaign for Carolina — Faculty & Scholarship: The 21st Century Professoriate — which aims to raise funds to help the University attract, reward and retain top faculty amidst stiff competition from other institutions. It also supports the core pillars of the University’s overarching Blueprint for Next — “Of the Public, for the Public” and “Innovation Made Fundamental” — which uphold Carolina’s commitment to grow and evolve while remaining rooted in its public service mission.

 

“I have been fortunate in my life and career to have incredible teachers, mentors and leaders who invested their time and energy in my success, not just in the business world, but in every facet of my life,” said Ellison. “So many of those seminal individuals were my professors here, and their impact on my life has not only been profound, but it continues even today. I want that for every student who comes to Carolina, because they deserve it and society needs their leadership for our future.”

 

Ellison, of Greensboro, who also committed artwork valued at more than $11.5 million to the Ackland Art Museum, is chairman of Ellison Co. Inc. A Campaign for Carolina Steering Committee co-chair, Ellison has served on multiple University boards, including the UNC Board of Visitors and the UNC Institute for the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board. He concluded an eight-year tenure on the Board of Trustees in 2011.

The giving challenge and Ellison’s $21.5 million total donation continue strong fundraising momentum for the Campaign for Carolina’s $4.25 billion fundraising goal, which seeks to foster an innovation generation prepared to lead the world to a better future through research and scholarship, example and ethos.

 

-Carolina-

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 110 master’s, 64 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

University Development: Kim Elenez, (919) 962-1628, kelenez@email.unc.edu

University Communications: Media Relations, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

Red, White and Carolina Blue Challenge: UNC-Chapel Hill accepts $20 million challenge to support education for military families

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Matching gift will add support to the Carolina Covenant

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C. – Oct. 7, 2017) – With the launch of “For All Kind: The Campaign for Carolina” on Oct. 6, 2017, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has announced a $20 million challenge in support of need-based aid for the children of service men and women. Running through October 2019, the Red, White and Carolina Blue Challenge will further open the door to a world-class, Carolina education for students from military families who qualify for the Carolina Covenant.

 

The challenge results from a gift commitment totaling $40 million from Steve and Debbie Vetter of Greensboro. $20 million will support the Red, White and Carolina Blue Challenge, $10 million will support UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and $10 million will support Carolina Athletics.

 

If met by Oct. 7, 2019, the Red, White and Carolina Blue Challenge will provide $40 million in total to create scholarship opportunities for students from military families. Recipients of their gift will be recognized as Steve and Debbie Vetter Military Family Scholars.

 

“As we launch the Campaign for Carolina with a focus on people and innovation, this incredibly generous and thoughtful gift from the Vetters builds on our 224-year tradition of supporting America’s service people and their families,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “Our veterans and military service members are the last to ask and the most grateful to receive. The Red, White and Carolina Blue Challenge reaffirms our ongoing pledge to create future opportunities for the men and women who serve our nation and their families.”

 

Carolina remains one of the few U.S. public universities that is truly need blind during the admissions process. The challenge will help sustain that tradition by meeting the full financial need of Carolina Covenant-qualifying children of retired and active duty military personnel.

North Carolina ranks third in the nation with more than 96,000 active duty personnel stationed in the state as of December 2016. Each year, UNC-Chapel Hill enrolls hundreds of undergraduates affiliated with the military — many of whom have financial need. In the fall of 2016, the University enrolled 402 undergraduates with military ties; 55 qualified for the Carolina Covenant.

 

“As military dependents ourselves, we are excited to be able to honor our fathers and our families by establishing this program to benefit the children of military service members who wish to attend UNC and who qualify for the Carolina Covenant. Too often, we forget the many sacrifices made by the families of the military and we hope this program will, in some small way, say thank you to those families,” said Debbie Vetter.

 

UNC-Chapel Hill is committed to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students. In 2015, the University announced two initiatives to help service members and veterans succeed in the classroom — both on campus and online. UNC Core, a distance-learning program, provides active duty service members, veterans and National Guard and Reserve members with the opportunity to complete general education college courses on a flexible schedule. The full-time Student Veteran Assistance Program in the Office of the Dean of Students works across the University and state to help veterans navigate the higher education process. Programs in the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and the UNC School of Medicine help veterans to advance their careers after the military.

 

Launched in 2004, the Carolina Covenant scholarship program is a groundbreaking initiative that affords children of low-income families — many of whom are first-generation students — an opportunity to attend Carolina without borrowing a penny. The program supports UNC-Chapel Hill’s mission of staying truly public and provides intellectually driven, hard-working young individuals from low-income backgrounds the chance to study at one of the most prestigious public universities in the country – and the freedom to pave a future unburdened by college debt. Since its beginning, the scholarship program has enabled more than 6,000 high-performing, low-income students to attend Carolina and graduate debt-free.

 

The giving challenge and the Vetters’ $40 million total donation continue strong fundraising momentum for the Campaign for Carolina’s $4.25 billion fundraising goal, which seeks to foster an innovation generation prepared to lead the world to a better future through research and scholarship, example and ethos. This campaign is the largest in the Southeast and the second largest among public institutions in the nation.

 

“We are so grateful to the Vetters for a transformative gift that aligns with our core values, upholds Carolina’s commitment to excellence, accessibility and affordability, and also honors the men and women who bravely serve our country. With their gift and their challenge to the Carolina community, we will help enrich the lives of deserving students and their families,” said David Routh, vice chancellor for university development.

 

-Carolina-

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

Office of University Development: Kim Elenez, (919) 962-1628, kelenez@email.unc.edu

University Communications: Media Relations Office, (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

 

Carolina Veterans Resource Center opens doors for military-affiliated students on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus

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For immediate use

 

Carolina Veterans Resource Center opens doors for military-affiliated students on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus

 

Carolina’s new space will serve current veteran and active-duty students as the University welcomes the largest military-affiliated incoming class to date

 

(Chapel Hill, N.C.— Sept. 28, 2017) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill opened a dedicated space on campus today to serve and support the nearly 500 veteran and military-affiliated students enrolled at Carolina and all those who will join in the future.

 

The Carolina Veterans Resource Center (CVRC) is the culmination of an ongoing commitment by the University and the Board of Trustees to demonstrate support for the student veteran and military-affiliated community on our campus. The space will serve as a central location where these students can find resources, community and support during their unique Carolina journey. This facility will house a study space, a lounge, conference and meeting space and a lactation room.

 

This academic year, Carolina welcomes 110 military-affiliated students: its largest incoming class of service members to date.

 

“Today’s dedication of the Carolina Veterans Resource Center is the result of years of hard work from our military-affiliated students and demonstrates the ongoing commitment by Carolina and the State of North Carolina to our students and their families,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “This center is another big step forward to create a university where our veterans can succeed and thrive.”

 

The CRVC will serve as the gateway to access Carolina’s extensive services for veteran and active-duty students. Additionally, it will host the Boot Print to Heel Print orientation program for new students and the Red, White and Carolina Blue graduation ceremony.

 

A Veteran’s Resource Team is also available to help students make the transition to life on campus and connect them with essential programs and services, such as assistance finding and applying for specialized scholarships.

 

The celebration of service members continues on Carolina’s campus as Chancellor Folt announced Garmsir Marines, an outdoor photography exhibition by internationally renowned conflict photographer Louie Palu. The exhibit features large-format portraits of Marines from the historic 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The event, sponsored by UNC’s Arts Everywhere initiative, will remain in place from October 1-15th in Battle Park.

 

-Carolina-

 

 

 

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

University Communications contact: Kate Luck, (479)629-6334, mediarelations@unc.edu

UNC-Chapel Hill to open new Veterans Resource Center on campus

Posted on by

Not for publication

 

UNC-Chapel Hill to open new Veterans Resource Center on campus


The center will meet the need for a dedicated, on-campus spaced designed to serve and support military-affiliated students

           

(Chapel Hill, N.C.— September 26, 2017) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will celebrate the opening of the Carolina Veterans Resource Center (CVRC), a designated space for military-affiliated students to find resources, programs and to connect with other veterans and active-duty service members.  This facility will house a study space, a lounge, conference and meeting space and a lactation room. Campus and community partners will be present in this space to bring enhanced services to the military-affiliated student population. From prospective student support, to the unique and innovative Boot Print to Heel Print onboarding program for new military-affiliated students, to the Red, White, and Carolina Blue graduation ceremony, the CVRC will be a hub for support and recognition of our military-affiliated students.

 

Chancellor Carol L. Folt, Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Jonathan Sauls and Gantt Kinlaw, an Air Force veteran and recent Carolina graduate, will discuss the history of veterans on campus, the valuable role the military plays at Carolina and what resources are available to military members.

 

Media are invited to a preview tour of the facility at 1:30 p.m.

 

Thursday, September 28

Media tour at 1:30 p.m., opening ceremony will follow at 2 p.m. 

Carolina Veterans Resource Center

211 Branson Street

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

 

Media Parking: Media parking is available adjacent to the event.

 

-Carolina-

 

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.

 

University Communications contact: Kate Luck, (479) 629-6334 , mediarelations@unc.edu