The Black & Gold

November 19 | Issue 11 | Black & Gold 2020

Alumni & friends,

Welcome to the Black & Gold, a weekly digest of UNC Pembroke news and information! Our faculty, staff, students and nearly 30,000 alumni all over the world never cease to amaze us with stories of resilience, determination and commitment to make their world a better place.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter to learn more about how UNCP, along with our alumni and friends, is making a difference on campus and in the communities we serve.

Your support and friendship makes that possible and sustains our university into the future. Thank you for all you do for this university and the students.

Sincerely,

Robin Gary Cummings, MD

Chancellor

Changing Lives Through Education

Commissioner Raymond Cummings honored with memorial scholarship at UNC Pembroke

Sheila Cummings, sister of the late Raymond Cummings, has honored his life of service with a memorial scholarship at UNC Pembroke.

Recognized as the longest serving member of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, Raymond Cummings dedicated his life to serving his fellow man. A tireless advocate for Robeson County, he lived by the credo: Others first.

Cummings’s ladder of success was built on a strong educational foundation which led to 24 years as a county commissioner, a community leader and administrator with UNC Pembroke and the local school system.

A two-time graduate of UNCP, Cummings believed in the transformative power of education–something that was engrained in him at an early age by his grandparents Foy and Bloss Cummings.

HAPPENING ON CAMPUS

Dr. Irene Pittman Aiken elected president of NC Council of Graduate Schools

Dr. Irene Pittman Aiken, dean of The Graduate School at UNC Pembroke, has been named 2021-2022 president of the North Carolina Council of Graduate Schools (NCCGS). The NCCGS is comprised of 22 public and private institutions and offers more than 800 master's, doctoral and first professional degree programs in a variety of fields. Its mission is to advance graduate education and research through best practice initiatives, data analysis, advocacy and global engagement.

“It is an honor to serve in this leadership role for NCCGS. This organization promotes graduate education and highlights the importance graduate studies play in the economic and scientific life of our state. Members share ideas and responsibilities of that charge and I look forward to my part in that effort,” said Dr. Aiken.

Jerry McGee, Michele Fazio named 2020 Fall Commencement speakers at UNCP

Former Wingate University President Jerry McGee and Michele Fazio, a highly decorated professor of English at UNCP, will serve as keynote speakers during the 2020 Winter Commencement at UNC Pembroke.

A drive-thru ceremony for students receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees will be held Saturday, November 21. The ceremony will be live streamed and available for viewing here.

The remarks of both Drs. McGee and Fazio will be delivered virtually, with McGee speaking during the undergraduate portion and Fazio addressing The Graduate School graduates.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Bianca Hernandez '20

Bachelors of Science Business Administration

Bianca Hernandez, a recent 2020 UNCP graduate, has been recognized by the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) organization as one of its “25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders.”

The national program recognizes and celebrates the achievements of 25 outstanding Native youth leaders who exemplify UNITY’s core mission and exudes living a balanced life developing their spiritual, mental, physical and social well-being.

American Education Week

Dr. Loury Floyd, dean of the UNCP School of Education, celebrates the incredible contribution of teachers and education during American Education Week November 16-20.

THANK YOU TO ALL EDUCATORS, YOUR UNIVERSITY APPRECIATES ALL YOU DO!