Chancellor James Moeser began the ceremony with words of welcome but quickly moved to the discussion of substantive issues. "Such an illustrious past is certainly worthy of celebrating, but University Day is more than a birthday," Moeser said.
Moeser focused his remarks on the Carolina First campaign, a fund-raising effort with a goal of $1.5 billion. The campaign was supposed to be announced Friday, but the public launch will be delayed in light of the Sept. 11 attacks.
But Moeser did take the opportunity to announce the campaign's progress and a gift from the Kenan Charitable Trust. "It is customary on University Day to announce significant developments in the life of the University," he said. "The Kenan Charitable Trust is one of the oldest philanthropic partnerships in higher education, and it is only appropriate (that) the trust is stepping forward."
Moeser announced that the trust has donated $27 million to the Carolina First campaign, which will lead to the creation of 10 new $3 million endowed professorships.
Moeser then announced that the Carolina First campaign has raised $652 million to date, surpassing its goal of reaching $600 million by University Day.
Betty Ray McCain, chairwoman of the General Alumni Association, then recognized the six alumni who have been confirmed dead in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Moeser and Provost Robert Shelton presented the Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna Awards to botanist James Duke; Rep. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland; Hugh McColl, former CEO of Bank of America Corp.; and Kay Wagoner, who founded a biotechnology company.
Other University Day events were less formal than the speeches and the procession of faculty in academic regalia.
After the ceremony in Memorial Hall, many gathered on Cameron Avenue to share birthday cake, lemonade and stories of their time spent at the University.
