News Summary
The University of North Carolina at Asheville has announced a historic $5 million gift, the largest private donation in its history, aimed at enhancing student access, success, and athletic excellence. A portion of the funds will support the Gateway Scholars program, which assists high-potential students financially. Additionally, eight new scholarships will be established in honor of former athletics director Janet R. Cone. The donation aligns with UNC Asheville’s Centennial Campaign, which aims to raise $100 million by 2027, alongside a recent $1 million donation for Lipinsky Hall renovations.
Asheville, NC – The University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville) has announced a historic $5 million gift, marking the largest private donation in the institution’s history. This substantial funding is aimed at enhancing student access, success, and athletic excellence, providing critical support for various initiatives designed to uplift the student body and improve the university’s athletic programs.
Part of the donation is earmarked for the Gateway Scholars program, which focuses on eliminating financial and structural barriers faced by high-potential students with significant financial need. This program ensures that Gateway Scholars receive comprehensive coverage for tuition and fees, housing, meals, and additional assistance for other necessities.
The Gateway Scholars program is not just about financial aid; it also offers students access to vital academic support services, health insurance, transportation assistance, and stipends for internships and study abroad opportunities. In addition to Gateway Scholars, other initiatives aimed at promoting student achievement and retention will benefit from this generous gift.
A portion of the funds will honor Janet R. Cone, the former director of athletics at UNC Asheville. Her legacy will continue through the establishment of eight new endowed scholarships, enabling future generations of students to access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Kirk Swenson, vice chancellor for university advancement at UNCA, emphasized that this gift represents a significant investment in both current and future students.
Centennial Campaign and Additional Donations
This announcement aligns with the launch of the next phase of UNC Asheville’s Centennial Campaign, which aims to raise $100 million by the university’s 100th anniversary in 2027. The campaign seeks to bolster resources for students, faculty, and infrastructure, promoting the long-term growth and sustainability of the institution.
Moreover, UNC Asheville recently received an additional, separate donation of $1 million designated for the renovation of Lipinsky Hall, the music department’s building. This renovation is slated to improve academic and performance spaces, creating a enhanced environment for students and faculty alike. The project will include the construction of a performance hall that can accommodate between 400 and 600 attendees and will serve as the new home for the Blue Ridge Orchestra.
Impacts of the Renovation
The renovation plans for Lipinsky Hall emphasize sustainable design upgrades and enhancing accessibility, ensuring all students can benefit from improved facilities. Construction for this project is expected to commence in May 2025, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the university’s musical program and performance capabilities.
Significance of the Gift
The $5 million gift represents a transformative opportunity for UNC Asheville, setting a precedent for future fundraising efforts. By strengthening scholarship offerings and promoting academic success, the university is poised to attract a diverse and talented cohort of students who can thrive in an inclusive academic environment.
This momentum in fundraising and development indicates a growing commitment to enhancing higher education experiences at UNC Asheville, reflecting the institution’s dedication to fostering an enriching environment for all students. As the university moves forward with its initiatives and projects, it remains focused on its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to students from all backgrounds.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: UNC Asheville Receives Historic $5 Million Gift
- UNC Bulldogs: Largest Gift in Bulldog Athletics History
- MSN: UNC Asheville Receives $1M Donation for Music Department
- Mountain X: UNC Asheville and Asheville’s Housing Crisis
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Asheville
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The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
