By Steve Gilliam , University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted: 8-20-07
GREENSBORO, NC – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has received a $1 million gift from 1943 graduate Carolyn Bason Long of Washington, D.C., which is creating a new scholarship that allows undergraduates to pursue studies in any of UNCG’s academic departments.
“Carolyn’s gift represents a dramatic step forward in our ability to provide scholarships for deserving students,” said UNCG Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan. “It will help UNCG to compete in recruiting the best students in the state and nation, and to provide wonderful opportunities for study. Her generosity will have a huge impact on the lives and academic careers of students for years to come.”
The newly created Carolyn Bason Long Merit Scholarship Program divides her gift, with 95 percent being used to provide scholarships and the rest funding program support efforts. Her gift comes through The Students First Campaign, UNCG’s $100 million capital fund drive, which is seeking to raise more than $61 million for undergraduate and graduate scholarships. As of July 31, more than $81 million had been raised toward the campaign’s $100 million goal.
“I’ve always had it on my mind to do something like this if I was ever able to financially,” said Long. “I have no children of my own and I thought it would be a good way to help my alma mater and students who might need some help with their educations. I didn’t have any scholarships when I was in college. I’m so proud of what’s going on at the college now and what they’ve done and I’m happy that I can help it move ahead.”
The first Long Scholarship is being awarded this year as part of the University’s Merit Awards Program. Full-time students can major in any subject at UNCG, and the scholarship can be renewed for up to three years. Long Scholarships will be awarded initially to first-year students, although the Financial Aid Office can award scholarships to upper classmen in special situations.
Long, who lives in Washington, D.C., is a native of Yanceyville. She graduated from Woman’s College in 1943 with a degree in secretarial administration. During college, she was on the Dean’s List and active in campus organizations – and she remembers those days well.
“The fellowship of my classmates meant an awful lot to me – we had some great times,” said Long. “The College opened a lot of doors, I think, to all of us. And it was a big jump from my rural high school to UNCG, but it was a wonderful experience. Of course we called it WC, but it has come such a long way since then. I’m proud to say I am an alumna.”
Long had a fulfilling career following her WC days. After graduation, she joined the staff of U.S. Sen. Clyde Hoey of North Carolina and later worked on the staff of Sen. Sam Ervin. In 1968, she married U.S. Sen. Russell B. Long of Louisiana, who died in 2003. Her younger sister, Dorothy Bason Burke, also graduated from Woman’s College in 1947, and she is devoted to her large extended family.
For fall semester 2007, the Merit Awards Programs is making more than $290,000 in scholarship awards to 48 incoming freshmen. All of the awards are renewable for three additional years of study, bringing the total value of the Merit Awards to approximately $1 million. The Merit Awards Program recognizes and encourages exceptional academic ability and talent.
