UNCW Alumni Association

Today is more than the first day of classes. It’s the beginning of where you’ll discover new possibilities, build lifelong connections and find the courage to soar beyond what you imagined.

Happy FDOC, Seahawks! 👐

Alumni, what advice would you share with today’s Seahawks as they begin the fall semester?

Who remembers their UNCW move-in day?

The packed car. The trips back and forth. Meeting your roommate. Finding your way around campus. And that feeling when it finally hit you: I’m a Seahawk now.

Whether it was a few years ago or a few decades ago, move-in day has a way of sticking with you.

What do you remember most about your UNCW move-in day? Share your memories or a throwback photo!

Seahawks, we have a busy fall ahead! Whether you're looking for a night at the ballpark, a chance to give back, mini golf, craft brews, bowling or a holiday celebration, we've got something for every Seahawk this fall.

📍 Durham | Sept. 12
⚾ Durham Bulls vs. Nashville Sounds

📍 Wilmington | Sept. 18–19
🤝 Wings Up for Wilmington Volunteer Days

📍 Charlotte | Oct. 17
⛳ The Puttery

📍 Wilmington | Oct. 28
🍻 Pints with Professors: With Dr. Carlos Kase

📍 Greensboro | Nov. 19
🥃 Bourbon Bowl + Toys for Tots Drive

📍 Wilmington | Nov. 19
🍲 Wagsgiving

📍 Raleigh | Dec. 2
🎉 Triangle Holiday Party at Ponysaurus + Canned Food Drive

We can't wait to celebrate Seahawk spirit with you across North Carolina! Registration for these events opens soon, so stay tuned.

Not receiving our emails or recently moved? Be sure to update your contact information so you don't miss event announcements, alumni news and more: https://hubs.la/Q04r_9gk0

See you this fall, Seahawks! 👐

Finish this sentence: "My favorite place on campus was..."

From believing college wasn't in her future to discovering her purpose at UNCW, Elizabeth Hernandez '26 has embraced every opportunity to grow, learn and lead.

As a first-generation college graduate, Elizabeth's journey has been shaped by the encouragement of mentors, the support of scholarships and transformative experiences — from studying abroad in her parents' hometown of Oaxaca, Mexico, to serving alongside farmworkers through her internship with Student Action with Farmworkers.

Driven by a passion for language, culture and giving back, Elizabeth plans to continue making a difference in her community while inspiring future generations of students.

Your Seahawk story is just beginning, Elizabeth. Congratulations on all you've accomplished! We are proud to welcome you to the UNCW Alumni Association family and can't wait to see all the ways you'll continue to soar as a Seahawk alumna.

Elizabeth Hernandez '26 Spanish major Elizabeth Hernandez ’26 once thought that she would never go to college. Now, UNCW has become a place where she is redefining her future.

From joining UNCW's inaugural Intelligent Systems Engineering cohort to helping develop robotic technology that could improve surgical precision, Charlie Caputo '26 has already made an incredible impact.

Through undergraduate research and an internship with FANUC America, Charlie turned his passion for engineering into meaningful, real-world innovation. As he looks ahead to graduate school and a career in research, he's ready to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Congratulations, Charlie! We're proud to welcome you to the UNCW Alumni Association family and can't wait to see all the ways you'll continue to innovate and soar as a Seahawk alumnus.

Charlie Caputo ’26 As part of UNCW’s first intelligent systems engineering graduating class, Charlie Caputo ’26 has worked on developing a robotic system to assist surgeons.

What happens when joy becomes part of the lesson plan?

At UNCW's Watson College of Education, a simple classroom observation sparked a movement. After seeing a student teacher create an environment where students were genuinely engaged, connected and excited to learn, retired professor Robert Smith began asking an important question: What makes students want to be in the classroom?

That question became Teaching with Joy, a growing initiative led by Smith and Watson College Murphy Scholar Denise Ousley-Exum that is helping educators reimagine teaching through intentional connection, community and belonging.

Since its beginnings, Teaching with Joy has:
🍎 Brought together educators through monthly "Spark of Joy" gatherings
📚 Reached more than 2,000 educators through workshops and presentations
🤝 Created a network focused on helping both teachers and students thrive

Read how a single classroom experience inspired a movement that's changing the way educators think about teaching and learning.

Teaching with Joy The idea began with students leaning together around tables in a high school classroom, talking through their work as a steady hum of engaged, meaningful discussion filled the room.

Looking for your next summer read?

Whether you're soaking up the sun at the beach, relaxing in a hammock or enjoying a quiet afternoon on the porch, discover books by talented authors and alumni from UNCW's College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts.

From award-winning fiction and poetry to history, music and nature writing, there's something for every reader.

Explore the list and find your next great read.

Do you have a favorite Seahawk-authored book?

Seahawk-Authored Books for Summer Consider adding these recent books penned by authors from the UNCW College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts — perfect company for a summer afternoon.

What a great night with our Triad Seahawks! Thanks to everyone who joined us at Main Event on Friday. We always love an opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni!

Check out the photos and see who you can spot. If you share your own, don't forget to tag us!

Be sure to stay tuned for future events: alumni.uncw.edu/calendar