The University of North Carolina Wilmington has named the Fisher University Union, a newly renovated building in the heart of campus, for alumni Herbert and Sylvia Fisher, and their three children, two of whom are alumni.
The Fishers have established a $1 million endowed fund to support the Union and enhance its programs. In addition to Herb and Sylvia, the donors are alumna Diana Fisher Abbott, Pam Fisher Snyder and Carlton Fisher, Class of 1983 and vice chair of the UNCW Foundation Board.
"We wanted to do something to benefit all of the students," Herb Fisher said. "The Union is connected to the Fisher Student Center, so it just made sense for us to support it, too."
The Union, originally opened in 1983, has been closed for renovation since July 2006. It is connected to the Fisher Student Center by a glass-enclosed walkway that offers a panoramic view of the Campus Commons. The Fisher family's gift was announced during a grand re-opening ceremony held March 27 at the Fisher University Union.
About the Fishers
In 2006, the Fishers created a $2 million endowment to support the Herbert and Sylvia Fisher Student Center. Their generosity extends to academics and athletics as well. Several years ago, they established a scholarship to benefit students enrolled in the Watson School of Education and, in 2007, they contributed to the Herbert J. Fisher Fieldhouse, a renovated building for the men's baseball team.
In February 2008, the Fishers were recognized as the university's Alumni of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the UNCW Alumni Association.
"Herb and Sylvia Fisher have given so much to UNCW students because they are still students at heart – eager to meet new people and excited about new opportunities to learn and grow," said Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. "They are an inspiration to everyone at UNCW, especially our students. We are eternally grateful to them for their incredible generosity."
Herb, Class of 1953, and Sylvia, Class of 1950, attended Wilmington College when classes were held in the Isaac Bear Building on Market Street. Sylvia Fisher was the college's first Homecoming Queen.
About the Original Varsity
In 1953, Herb Fisher opened the Varsity, a pharmacy, grill and soda shop, a block away from the college. The Varsity served as the unofficial student center until the 1960s when the college moved to its present location on College Road. In 1973, Fisher closed the shop to operate Coastal Realty, but he and Sylvia maintained an interest in UNCW.
He recalled, "When I operated the Varsity, the students at that time did not have a student union. They would fill the Varsity up completely, even standing shoulder to shoulder, because they wanted to be with their friends."
About the Fisher University Union and Burney Center
The students still stand shoulder to shoulder at the Varsity Grill, one of several new meal stations inside the Hawk's Nest at the Fisher University Union, which unofficially opened in early March. A retro dining area inspired by the original Varsity's décor – chrome-trimmed stools and diner booths – is also popular with students.
"It is important for students to have a place to hang out together," Herb Fisher said. "They can make friends, and they can make memories. When they graduate and go on their way, they can talk to other alumni, and they can remember their days at the Varsity Grill, the Union and the Fisher Center."
Additional amenities in the renovated Fisher University Union include: a new convenience store and ice cream shop, expanded copy center, new suite of offices for student media organizations, technology center, renovated campus post office, three meeting rooms, an enclosed courtyard known as the Town Square and the Ann Flack Boseman Gallery, made possible by donors Dave Robertson and Mark Griffis.
The offices for the Dean of Students, Career Center, UNCW Presents, Campus Life Reservation and Event Services, Transition Programs, Center for Leadership Education and Service, the Upperman African American Cultural Center, Centro Hispano and Campus Life Building Services & Administration are located on the Union's second floor.
The celebration included the renovated Burney Center, which first opened in November 1989 and formerly housed the UNCW Bookstore, now in the Fisher Student Center. Burney has been converted to a state-of-the-art meeting facility that can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors.
"Herb and Sylvia Fisher, and their children, have created a legacy at UNCW," said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Pat Leonard. "Their commitment to the UNCW family is truly special, and their generosity has made it easier for us to continue offering the programs and services that bring students together and help them make the kinds of friends and memories that the Fishers treasure."
Photo caption:
UNC Wilmington alumnus Herbert Fisher and Carolyn Farley, executive director for campus life, listen as Carlton Fisher speaks outside the newly renamed Fisher University Union Thursday, March 27, 2008. Alumni, staff, faculty and students gathered outside the renovated union for the grand re-opening ceremony for it and the Burney Center. - UNCW/Jamie Moncrief
Media contacts:
Carolyn Farley, Executive Director for Campus Life, at 910/962-7433, farleyc@uncw.edu
Dana Fischetti, News and Media Relations Manager, at 910/962-7259, fischettid@uncw.edu
