The Black & Gold

January 15 | Issue 16 | 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

Double Take: Locklear twins share love for their alma mater

UNC Pembroke Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings and platform guests were forced to do a double-take as identical twins Kelsey and Kyria Locklear crossed the stage, receiving matching degrees during Fall Commencement.

The Locklear twins have caused people to see double their whole lives, from their childhood years in Red Springs on the softball diamond in high school and throughout their time pursuing degrees in exercise and sport science at UNCP.

Taking classes together which posed a fun challenge for their classmates and professors, but as twins who share a close bond, Kelsey and Kyria were grateful for the opportunity to experience college life together.

HAPPENING ON CAMPUS

UNCP, RCC receive grant funding to enhance academic needs of American Indians, transfers

UNC Pembroke has been awarded $3.4 million in two federal grants to support the establishment of an American Indian Heritage Center aimed at increasing the retention and graduation rates of American Indian students. Of the total funding received, $1.5 million will support the establishment of a new American Indian Heritage Center at UNC Pembroke.

A separate grant award received along with Robeson Community College in the amount of $1.9 has been earmarked for the transition office and programming. The funding will be used to create a transition office which will assist Robeson Community College transfer students from all backgrounds in the fields of education, math and health sciences.

Campus police, Burnt Swamp Baptist Association deliver holiday care packages to UNCP students

UNCP sophomore Andrea Medrano choked up as she opened her door to find a campus police officer with a special gift package filled with holiday snacks, chocolates and other goodies.

“Wow! Oh my gosh! I did not expect this at all,” an emotional Medrano said. “This is really nice. Thank you guys, so much!”

Medrano has been experiencing car trouble and has been unable to make the three-hour trip home to Washington, North Carolina. Campus police officers were out over the winter break making special deliveries and bringing smiles to the faces of Medrano and more than 250 other students who will remained on campus during the holidays.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Chris Peterkin '13

President, UNCP Alumni Association

“Passion is having the love for the university. Provision relates to giving back your time and resources and, lastly, remembering your purpose when you were a student and now as an alum.”

Peterkin, a loan compliance officer in Raleigh, would like to increase the association’s social media presence to keep alumni informed and engaged with the university.

“I have the title of president, but, for me, it’s all about teamwork and leaning on others for their strengths in certain areas. We want to continue the good work that has already been set in place.”

Thank you for your continued support!

To all of our alumni, donors, community partners, and everyone who made a difference in the lives of our students over the last year, we thank you.