The University of North Carolina Wilmington received $25,000 from AT&T to support scholarships for students and a prestigious awards program that recognizes advocates for the state's children and youth.

AT&T Regional Director of External Affairs John Lyon presented a check for $20,000 to UNCW Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo on April 20 on the university's campus. AT&T later decided to add an additional $5,000 to the gift, which was announced at this year's Stompin' at the Savoy scholarship fundraising event.

"AT&T not only has a deep commitment to provide outstanding service to our customers, but also to provide assistance in a wide variety of community service activities," Lyon said. "Our belief here at AT&T is that we don't just work in the community, but we live here, and as a result we want to do what we can to help when we can. AT&T has a special commitment to assist in the area of education. For example, last year our AT&T Foundation announced a $100 million nationwide program to help fund programs that address improving high school graduation rates."

The company's latest contribution to UNCW supports two different programs: Stompin' at the Savoy and the Watson School of Education's Razor Walker Awards. Stompin' at the Savoy supports a wide variety of diversity scholarships at UNCW; the program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. $20,000 of the AT&T gift will go toward support of diversity scholarships, and $5,000 toward the Razor Walker Awards.

The Razor Walker Awards "recognize individuals who have overcome great obstacles and taken significant professional risk to support the education and health of children and youth," Lyon said. "AT&T is extremely proud to support these two programs." In fact, AT&T and its predecessor, BellSouth, have sponsored the Razor Walker Awards for several years.

UNCW appreciates AT&T's generosity and support, Chancellor DePaolo said.

"Increasing the number of scholarships we have to offer students is a top priority, especially in these current economic times," she said. "AT&T is clearly committed to helping students obtain an education and empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their families.

"The Razor Walker Awards enable UNCW, through the Watson School of Education, to recognize outstanding leaders who serve children and youth. The university thanks AT&T for helping us give back to our community."

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu