Kupec returns $17,000 in travel funds to UNC

The table accompanying Wednesday’s front page story, “Kupec returns travel funds,” said Kupec’s travel records indicated he spent $2,676,62 in South Bend, Ind., and $1,359.16 in New York. Those figures should be reversed — he spent $1,359.16 in South Bend, Ind., and $2,676.62 in New York.
The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for the error.

Former fundraising director Matt Kupec has reimbursed UNC nearly $17,000 for personal charges he made during his fundraising trips on the University’s dime.

An internal audit released Tuesday revealed that Kupec, who was vice chancellor for University advancement for 16 years, charged $16,973.10 to the UNC-Chapel Hill foundation throughout 14 trips.

The trip records lacked proper business-related evidence or reimbursement receipts, said Phyllis Petree, director of internal audit.

Questioned costs ranged from a $5 gift shop purchase in Boston to almost $2,700 spent in New York City on lodging, airfare and meals.

Kupec resigned in September after questions were raised regarding his travel with then major gifts officer Tami Hansbrough, mother of former UNC basketball star Tyler Hansbrough. She resigned three days after Kupec.

Kupec released a statement Tuesday apologizing for his actions and announcing that he had paid the money he owed UNC. He added that Hansbrough did not know that he never reimbursed the money he charged to the foundation.

“I am very sorry for my lapse in judgment,” Kupec said in the release.

Hansbrough released her own statement, requesting an official apology from the University and claiming that she was forced to resign, The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported Tuesday.

University spokesman Mike McFarland said in an email the University does not plan to respond to Hansbrough’s statement.

Petree said the month-long internal audit examined credit card charges, bills, receipts and anything they could find for both Kupec and Hansbrough. She said Hansbrough’s records did not reflect lack of reimbursement.

“The ones that we questioned in that $17,000 were all charged by Mr. Kupec,” Petree said.
Petree said the rest of Kupec’s charges throughout the December 2008 to September 2012 audit period were appropriate.

She added that several development officers seem to have misunderstood a foundation policy, believing they could charge personal expenses as long as they were refunded. She said this policy has now been changed.

Petree said Kupec admitted the personal charges up front.

“He was rather forthcoming in his acknowledgment,” she said.

In his statement, Kupec cited the more than $4 billion he helped raise throughout his term as head fundraiser.

“This positive impact will remain forever,” Kupec said.

Contact the desk editor at university@dailytarheel.com.