WILMINGTON — Tens of millions will be funneled into the healthcare industry in the region, thanks to a major donation given to the local university.
UNCW trustee Dr. Yusef Sayed and his wife Linda Sayed have gifted $25 million in total to help advance the health sciences field.
“What a great day for UNC Wilmington,” Chancellor Aswani Volety said.
The allocation will include $20 million over five years to advance programs and medical education, clinical care, research and healthcare accessibility. The money will support a wide range of healthcare and workforce programs and research initiatives, as well as to develop an academic health sciences center.
An additional $5 million will go toward supporting teacher preparation, including scholarships for students who want to transition into a teaching career.
“We want to empower students with the knowledge and skills to help others lead productive and fulfilling lives,” Sayed said. “Linda and I believe in the mission and vision of this great university, and we are pleased to contribute in a way that will allow UNCW to continue to grow in service to our region and state.”
The donation is the largest philanthropic commitment the university has ever received. Several leaders from the local community and on the state level, some of them UNCW alumni, were present for Friday’s announcement including, Rep. Charlie Miller (R-Brunswick, New Hanover), Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne), UNC System Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy, UNC System Board of Governors member Woody White, New Hanover County Commissioner Chair Bill Rivenbark and Commissioner Dane Scalise, and Wilmington City Council Member Luke Waddell.
Volety also thanked Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover), Rep. Ted Davis (R-New Hanover), and Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick), who he said could not be present Friday.
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