PEMBROKE — Hoping to support aspiring students who otherwise might not be able to attend college, an anonymous couple has made a $50,000 gift to provide scholarship assistance at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

“We wanted to be able to help those students who work hard, but need some financial help toward college,” said the donors, who built a successful business in North Carolina.

Specifically, the donors’ scholarship will aid UNCP students pursuing degrees in either STEM, which is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; or business. The recipients will also have demonstrated financial need and participate in an extracurricular activity that exhibits integrity and a commitment to serving others. Preference will also be given to students from North Carolina.

The donors have a long history of supporting higher education in the state, but felt drawn to help UNCP students because of the impact Southeastern North Carolina had on their business through the years.

“We employed a number of people from the region,” one said. “People have been good to us, both in the industry and as neighbors in the area.”

“This visionary, yet humble, couple has a strong commitment to Southeastern North Carolina and understands education is key to the region’s future,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. “Their generosity will change the lives of promising students by removing financial barriers that too often stand in the way of success.”

The scholarship will play an important role in attracting students who will be leaders in the ever-changing business climate of the 21st century, said Alison DeCinti, assistant vice chancellor for Advancement at UNCP. “These donors recognize that the careers of tomorrow will require the kind of education UNCP provides. With their gift, they ensure deserving students will not only have their lives changed, but will also help shape the economic and business future of our region, state and country. We are most grateful for their generosity and foresight in establishing this scholarship.”

The donors say they choose to remain anonymous because they don’t care to draw attention to themselves. Their gift comes from a recognition that they’ve been blessed and want to share some of their good fortune with students who just need some help to realize their own dreams.

“We always want to help somebody we feel needs the help. We think if you can, you ought to do as much as you can to help people who need it. People have been good to us, so why shouldn’t we repay it?”