Asheville Businessman Donates $100,000 to UNCA;
Funds Go to Student Research Program and Scholarships
UNC Asheville student-athletes and student-researchers will benefit
from a $100,000 gift given recently to UNCA by Asheville businessman
Darryl Unruh, owner of Pizza Huts of Asheville and Western North Carolina.
The gift, to be made over four years, is earmarked for UNCA's nationally
recognized Undergraduate Research Program and for athletics scholarships.
$12,500 will go to each program annually.
"We are very grateful for this generous contribution to our
student-athlete scholarship fund," said UNCA Athletics Director Joni
Comstock. "This donation will allow more outstanding student-athletes
to get a great liberal arts education and participate in Division I
athletics. Mr. Unruh is a longtime supporter of UNC Asheville athletics
and we are very appreciative."
UNCA's Undergraduate Research Program, which is ranked ninth in the
nation, allows students in any discipline to design and conduct their own
research with a faculty mentor. Students present their work at national
conferences and many have their papers published.
"Our Undergraduate Research program, one of UNCA's crown jewels,
will be greatly enhanced by this generous gift from Darryl Unruh,"
said Dr. Mark Padilla, UNCA vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
"These funds will provide additional opportunities for students to
travel to the National Council on Undergraduate Research Conference, where
they present their research to peers and faculty outside of UNCA. Funds
will also go to student summer research projects on campus. These
opportunities help in a significant way to prepare students for graduate
school and their careers."
Media Contacts:
- Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676
|
