UNCW's proposed academic center for its student-athletes moved one step closer to reality this week with a $500,000 commitment from an anonymous donor.

The gift serves as the cornerstone for a projected $8 million project that will give UNCW a comprehensive academic complex to help its 350-plus student-athletes maintain their excellent track record for academic excellence. The center will include a computer lab, academic and study spaces, tutoring area and locker rooms for the school's student-athletes, along with administrative offices.

"Once again, we're very thankful for the generosity of the community," said Kelly Mehrtens, athletics director. "An endeavor of this magnitude would not be possible without several individuals stepping up and showing their fondness for the Seahawks. We're very appreciative for their support and vision with this project."

UNCW's student-athletes have performed well in the classroom in recent years and the men's basketball program received a "Public Recognition Award" from the NCAA last year for its academic excellence. In addition, the women's soccer, volleyball and women's cross country teams earned All-American team designations from their respective coaching organizations in 2007-08, and Liana Viljoen repeated as the CAA's Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year in women's golf.

The gift is the second major donation in recent months for the new facility. PPD, Inc. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Fred Eshelman contributed $1 million toward the project in early March.