Alumni Awards

UNC Pembroke’s Alumni Awards celebrate excellence across a range of achievements. Whether honoring lifelong service, professional success or emerging leadership, each award highlights the impact of our Braves near and far.

Nominate an
Inspirational Brave

Do you know a UNCP graduate whose achievements and service deserve the spotlight?

Eligibility & Deadline

Nominations are now closed for this cycle.
Thank you to everyone who submitted! Be sure to check the BraveNation Alumni Newsletter and follow us on social media for updates.

Note: Nominations are accepted year-round, but submissions received after April 25, 2025, will be considered for the next award cycle.
Current members of the Alumni Association Board and UNCP Foundation Board are not eligible.

 

Award Categories

Distinguished Alumni Service

This prestigious honor is awarded to a graduate who has demonstrated extraordinary service to their alma mater, their profession, and their community. Recipients exemplify the values of UNC Pembroke through a sustained record of leadership, volunteerism and impact — uplifting BraveNation through every chapter of their personal and professional journey.
commencement cap and tassel

Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna

This award honors a UNC Pembroke graduate who has achieved significant distinction in their chosen field and made a meaningful impact on their profession, community or society at large. Through exemplary leadership, innovation and service, recipients reflect the values and vision of BraveNation — serving as proud ambassadors of the UNCP legacy.
rising star award

Young Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

Celebrating graduates under the age of 40 who are making bold strides in their professions and communities, this award recognizes emerging leaders whose early accomplishments are paving the way for a bright future. These rising stars exemplify the potential and promise of BraveNation — and are paving the way for future generations of Braves.

2024 Award Recipients

Retired Colonel Carlos E. Berdecia stands with UNC Pembroke Chancellor Robin G. Cummings

Distinguished Alumnus

Retired Colonel Carlos E. Berdecia is a distinguished U.S. Air Force veteran who served 23.5 years as a C-17 pilot, culminating his career as Operations Group Commander at Joint Base Charleston. A 2001 graduate of UNC Pembroke with a degree in Management and Marketing, Col. Berdecia is known for his leadership in strategic airlift operations, flight safety, and mission planning.

Throughout his service, he flew global missions supporting combat operations, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief, while mentoring future airmen and fostering a culture of excellence. His commitment to service extended beyond the military through active involvement in community outreach and veterans' advocacy.

Now a commercial pilot for United Airlines, Col. Berdecia continues to serve through various veterans’ organizations. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife, Eva.

Christine Sides Fisher

Outstanding Alumna

Christine Sides Fisher retired in 2019 from the S.C. Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) after serving as Executive Director for 20 years. Under her leadership, the program grew to serve 84 schools or districts and 171,000 students. In 1998, Fisher was named the South Carolina Teacher of the year representing a total of 47,000 teachers in the Palmetto State and is the only music teacher to ever hold that honor. She is the recipient of the 2006 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award and in 2012 Winthrop University inducted her into their prestigious Medal of Honor in Arts Society.
Taley Hunt

Outstanding Young Alumna

Taley Hunt graduated from UNCP in 2018 with a degree in Communications and in 2020 with her MBA. She also served as Miss UNCP 2018 and is a member of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc. Hunt worked in the UNCP Office of Admissions as the Assistant and Senior Director of Undergraduate Admissions. She and her husband, Jordon, and daughter, Reese, live in Columbia South Carolina where she has launched an impressive career in the real estate industry. Currently, Hunt serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Taley Hunt Home Group, where her innovative approach and dynamic leadership have led to remarkable advancements. Hunt is a CEO, Founder, Real Estate Agent, Coach, Speaker and Toddler Mom. Hunt embodies the spirit of the Young Alumna of the Year Award through her exemplary career, unwavering community service, and steadfast support of UNCP.