PEMBROKE, — The University of North Carolina at Pembroke passed its goal of receiving 300 donations in 24 hours during the second annual #WeAreUNCP Day of Giving on March 16.

Because the university exceeded its goal, an anonymous alumni will donate $30,000 to the school.

“We did it,” said Morgan Jones, event organizer and director of UNCP Alumni Relations. “The final count was 365 donations. We reached out to alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff via social media, emails and on-campus activities.

“The entire UNCP community joined together to make our second-ever participation in this national movement a huge success. We are deeply grateful to an anonymous alumnus for the generous $30,000 gift, and we are thankful for every single donor who participated in the #WeAreUNCP 24 Hours of Giving.”

During the kick-off of the event, gold and black balloons dotted the clear sky above the Chavis University Center as faculty and staff adorned in the black and gold attire bopped to upbeat tunes courtesy of UNC Pembroke’s Spirit of the Carolinas Marching Band.

The goal of the #WeAreUNCP campaign was to receive donations from 300 new donors within a 24-hour period.

Wendy Lowery, vice chancellor of Advancement, said the event was held in March to coincide with the university’s birthday. UNC Pembroke was founded on March 7, 1887.

“The university launched its second annual day of giving effort with the idea of invoking pride among the UNCP family while encouraging gifts of any amount to support the institution,” Lowery said. “We are extremely pleased with the results of our efforts and it would not be possible without the hundreds of people who showcased their support through wearing black and gold, making a contribution, and sharing their passion via social media.”

Jones said this year’s total far exceeded those from 2015 when the university collected 294 donations in 48 hours.

A loud bell rattled as Cynthia Oxendine, a 1983 and 1994 UNCP graduate and current assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs, dropped her donation into the revolving gold-plated canister.

“UNC Pembroke changed my life, the lives of my two sisters and my family,” said Oxendine, who has worked at UNCP for 33 years. “I am forever indebted to this institution.”

Aubrey Swett, ‘01, ‘06, said he took part in the Day of Giving to help a prospective student achieve their dream.

“There a lot of students who have the potential, but lack the resources to pursue higher education,” said Swett, senior director of University Center and Programs. “This is a great way to help those individuals. Education has been a vital part of my life, so it means a lot to be able to help those who may have limited resources.”

UNCP senior Olivia Hinson from Yadkinville, was among the donors on Wednesday. Hinson plans to graduate in May with a degree in chemistry.

“I think it is very important to give back,” she said. “College is expensive. So this is a great way to support a scholarship for students who will be in my shoes next year.”

Courtesy photo | Alumni, students and staff at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke donate to the university during the institution’s second annual #WeAreUNCP Day of Giving on March 16.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_fasfasdd.jpgCourtesy photo | Alumni, students and staff at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke donate to the university during the institution’s second annual #WeAreUNCP Day of Giving on March 16.

Mark Locklear

Mark Locklear is a spokesman for The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.