PEMBROKE — A donor who recently gave $50,000 to The University of North Carolina at Pembroke said the value of philanthropy was instilled at an early age.
“My parents always taught me that you should always give back,” said the donor, a UNCP graduate. “So, I came up with this plan.”
The plan included setting aside money to create a scholarship for students studying elementary education — a profession dear to the donor’s heart. Before signing the check, the donor insisted this good deed occur without fanfare and the most important stipulation — to remain anonymous.
Wendy Lowery, vice chancellor of Advancement, was delighted to accommodate the request.
“This gift symbolizes a sense of true compassion for giving to others and UNCP is extremely fortunate to be the recipient of such goodwill,” Lowery said.
“This gift is the result of a person who saved for many years with the intent of one day helping others fulfill a dream of attending college, and to be able to be a part of meeting the wishes of our donor is extremely gratifying,” Lowery continued.
While the donor’s identity is a mystery — apart from a few in the donor relations office — his person’s love for UNCP is unwavering. The donor has been a loyal supporter of UNCP for many years.
“I am extremely proud of UNC Pembroke,” the donor said. “When I graduated, we hardly had 300 students. Oh, but what an education we got then. It was more than just book learning.
“After college, I wondered if I could compete with people who graduated from Ivy League schools,” the donor said. “Guess what? I was able to do that … no problem!”
The donor, a Robeson County native, attributes a successful career to the wonderful experiences and education received from UNCP.
“I have been able to live quite a good life and that is partly due to (UNC) Pembroke,” the donor said. “Over the years, I have thought about ways to give back and do something special for the university.”
The donor insisted on helping students with a financial need.
“I want to help someone get an education who may not afford it because, for me, getting an education really changed my life,” the donor said.
Generous donations such as this open up doors for students like Jonissa Monley. A senior Business Marketing student, Monley took full advantage of the two scholarships she received four years ago.
“I am extremely grateful for the financial support awarded to me by a member of the UNC Pembroke community,” Monley said. “I feel like it was a great investment for my future. This motivates me more to graduate on time and carry out my responsibilities.”
Monley, a member of UNCP’s women’s basketball team, received an athletic and an academic scholarship.
“My mother raised six children by herself, so these scholarships definitely play a part in my mindset compared to other students who may come from a more stable financial background,” she said. “Everything that I have was a struggle to get, so everything that I earn … I hold it close to me.”
The Laurinburg native is on track to graduate debt free in May. Her plan is to land a marketing job with a professional sports team or use her degree in the music industry.
“The anonymous nature of this generous gift is reflective of the donor’s sincere, selfless love for UNC Pembroke,” Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said.
“She credits the university with providing her a strong foundation, and she wants to ensure the same experience is within reach for future students,” Cummings said.
“This anonymous gift will change lives through education, for generations to come. What a legacy to leave.”
