Wes and Pat Campbell ’76 have fond memories of their time as UNC students. Especially the time they spent in one iconic campus building.
“During our time on campus we both recall hours and hours spent in the University Center between classes enjoying a break or studying for an exam. Often it was a place to meet up with friends to catch up on things or classmates to work on a project together,” Wes says. “At the time you don't think much about it, but as the years go by you reflect on just how much these times meant to you and how good it was to have a place to convene.”
Now Wes and Pat hope to enhance those experiences for current and future Bears. That’s why they’ve pledged $100,000 to support a special part of Campus Commons.
“We were intrigued by the vision for Campus Commons which described it in part as being a gateway to campus and a unique navigation and support hub for students. The location of Campus Commons is uniquely situated in the heart of the university and will provide a special and enduring gathering place for years to come,” Pat says.
The Campbells have directed their gift to create a special courtyard space that will sit between the Campus Commons and University Center. They hope it will serve as a year-round gathering place for students to meet and greet one another, study, reflect, take a needed break and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
“When traveling across campus from Kepner Hall to Michener Library, in whichever direction you’re going, you will find yourself crossing the Campus Commons courtyard about halfway through and will likely need a welcoming area to rest your soul or to meet up with friends. That's our hope,” Pat says.
“Our vision for the courtyard area is that it will evolve into something special. Something that students will take great pride in. Something that will draw them in and get used to its full capacity,” Wes says.
A space that students will remember fondly for years to come. Thanks to generous gifts like this from the Campbells, the Campus Commons will truly be positioned to serve both the academic and personal needs of UNC students and the community.
“The collective impact of this and so many other gifts as we near the close of the Campaign allows UNC to fund numerous areas of emerging student need,” says Allie Steg Haskett ‘03, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. “I want to express our sincerest thanks to Wes and Pat Campbell and the many other generous donors who are making a lasting impact on the lives of our students.”
We would also like to recognize the following donors for their generous contributions as we near the end of the Campaign for UNC:
- UNC faculty, staff and faculty emeriti gave more than $100,000 to the university through the Team UNC employee giving program this fall, making this the most successful Team UNC campaign yet! More than 359 faculty and staff made gifts through the campaign.
- Harry and Shirley Kembel have established a scholarship endowment for a Greeley Central student studying business or education or who is a member of the wrestling team.
- Les Franklin has pledged $25,000 to establish the Selena Bragg Memorial Scholarship Endowment and provide scholarships for students pursuing a degree in education.
- Sheryl McBride has made a $20,000 gift to the UNC School of Music to support the Opera Foundation and Bluegrass program.
- JoAnn and Don Mueller purchased five seats for the performance hall in the Campus Commons.
There’s still time to make one final gift before the end of the Campaign! Learn more about ways you can get involved.
