At UNCG, the Dollar is Strong

It is no secret that the struggling economy is at the forefront of most Americans’ minds. Given the headlines, news reports and economic forecasts that surround us, at UNCG, we are fortunate to witness the powerful impact of your donations at work each day.

Like scholarship recipient sophomore Andrea Schronce says, “It’s important that donors understand the gravity of their gift. Scholarships change lives and ignite a spirit of giving onward.” A dual major in international business studies and political science, Andrea is Student Government Vice President.

In recent years, the university has seen an increase in the number of younger donors who share Andrea’s mindset. Take, for example, Tomika Williams ’03 MSN. A graduate from the School of Nursing, Tomika is currently an adult/gerontological nurse practitioner at Carolina Internal Medicine in Asheboro. Last fall, she established the Tomika Williams Graduate Scholarship in Nursing.

Reaching back to help others

“As graduates move ahead, we have to reach back and extend a helping hand to others,” says the young alumna who is active on several UNCG boards and committees.  “I’ve gained a new perspective on the importance of giving back. It is very satisfying to contribute to a student’s success and know that I belong to a larger group of philanthropic minds.”

Ask any of UNCG’s 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students about the importance of financial support to their success. More than half have documented need for grants and loans; 6,200 of those students go without the financial support for which they qualify. And seventy-two percent of our students work at least one job to make ends meet.

Since the kickoff of the Students First Campaign in 2004, donors have given more than $39 million in scholarship support against a goal of $41 million, establishing more than 228 new awards.

A chancellor who knows

Chancellor Linda P. Brady has made clear her intent to increase scholarship opportunities at UNCG. Chancellor Brady was a first-generation college student who earned scholarships and worked in the college dining hall to help pay for her education. Since that time, she’s risen through the ranks to be the leader our university – and higher education – needs. 

“I am pleased to see so many of UNCG’s supporters join our mission to increase opportunities for access and excellence among today’s students. Likewise, it is exciting to note the contributions of UNCG students and alumni who serve our community and state in important and change-effecting ways. Students are making the most of their UNCG education and using it to address the issues with which our state and nation are grappling.”

Keeping the pace

The campaign will come to a close in June, but the university will work to keep pace in the areas of scholarship and faculty excellence award fundraising. “It won’t always be easy, but we must remain focused on ensuring student access and success by offering scholarship aid and an excellent faculty,” says Chancellor Brady.

That’s why every dollar counts.