Donors Establish 20 New UNCW Scholarships with $1 Million Gift
1/11/2007 9:01:27 AM
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Wilmington, N.C. - Every academic department at University of North Carolina Wilmington now has an endowed scholarship, thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Mark Griffis and David Robertson.
In December, Griffis and Robertson established 20 new scholarships, purposely awarding many of them to departments that previously did not have a single scholarship to offer students. Their $1 million gift is the largest single commitment donors have made to scholarships at one time in UNCW history.
Robertson and Griffis said, "The key to a better tomorrow is eliminating ignorance. We thought it was fitting to honor individuals who have touched our lives by providing opportunities at UNCW in previously unfunded disciplines." The donors named many of the new scholarships for friends, friends' children and other individuals important to them. None of the scholarships are named for Griffis or Robertson.
One of their new scholarships will benefit students in the Department of Environmental Studies. Department chair Jack Hall said, "This scholarship will allow the Department of Environmental Studies, for the first time, to reward our current high quality students and to attract new students to our program. We are very excited for our students and our program."
Griffis and Robertson, who have a residence in Wilmington, are building a legacy of support at UNCW. They have established a total of 29 scholarships, supported an art gallery, funded three one-time awards, created a catastrophe relief fund, and provided a $100,000 challenge gift to generate donations to the UNCW Alumni Association's scholarships. Their total contributions to UNCW exceed $1.6 million.
"We both know how important education is to head off poverty before it begins by empowering intelligent, young people with lifelong skills. UNCW is charged with this mission in southeastern North Carolina. We support its efforts in this regard," said Robertson, editor of Living Southern Style magazine. He is president of RPI Media, Inc., a Wilmington, N.C., company that produces magazines, Web sites and real estate shows to provide homebuyers with services and resources for finding and comparing residential communities.
Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo said, "With their incredible generosity, Mark Griffis and David Robertson have made the stellar education UNCW offers more affordable for more students now and in the years to come. Merit scholarships are our most critical need, and they have made UNCW history by ensuring that each academic department has at least one scholarship to offer a deserving student. UNCW is extremely grateful for their friendship and dedication."
Media Contacts:
Marla Rice-Evans, associate vice chancellor for university advancement, 910/962-7525 or riceevansm@uncw.edu.
Dana Fischetti, manager of news and media services, 910/962-7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu for other requests.
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Mark Griffis and David Robertson
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