UNC Pembroke News

Brandon and Madison Swallow attend Commencement
May 10

Graduates Celebrate Strength Resilience and New Beginnings

All his life, Brandon Swallow has refused to let his disabilities define him. He was born with cerebral palsy, hemiplegic dysplasia, and scoliosis and has a condition known as optic nerve hypoplasia, meaning he has low vision.

Sayeed Kabir and Marijo Wilkes
May 09

Wilkes, Kabir Turn Graduation into a Launchpad for Medicine

Their journeys to the commencement stage at UNC Pembroke couldn’t have been more different. Still, Marijo Wilkes and Sayeed Kabir share a remarkable distinction: both soon-to-be graduates are set to continue their academic journeys at two of the nation’s most prestigious medical schools.

Don and Mason Schwenneker
May 07

Father and son share spotlight at Spring Commencement

Don “Big Weather” Schwenneker has delivered forecasts for decades — predicting storms, sunshine and everything in between. But there was one life milestone he couldn’t predict: graduating from college side-by-side with his son, Mason.

Dr. Laura Gerald
April 25

Dr. Laura Gerald Named Spring Commencement Speaker

Dr. Laura Gerald, president of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, will be the keynote speaker for UNC Pembroke’s Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 9 and May 10.

Lindsay Branch, a Brody scholar, is continuing her academic career at ECU's Brody School of Medicine
December 13

UNCP graduates take advantage of pathways to prestigious graduate programs

Tiana Lowry became intrigued with veterinary medicine early on. At 12, she was shadowing the head nurse at Southeastern Veterinary Clinic. There was an instant connection.

Darcey Meus and her daughter, Esther
December 10

Grateful to Walk Across That Stage Cancer Survivor Earns MBA

For Darcey Meus, crossing the stage at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke on Friday will be a powerful moment of triumph. After a grueling battle with cancer, earning her MBA is a testament to her faith, resilience, and love.

Graduating military-affiliated students gathered on the UNCP campus to receive their honor cord
December 09

UNCP salutes military-affiliated graduates with ceremony

U.S. Army veteran Rizihery Saenz arrived at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in the spring of 2021 with one goal: to earn a college degree. When Saenz’s college journey culminates at commencement this week, the Bronx, New York, native will leave with more than a social work degree. He will carry with him lifelong connections and a broader perspective on life.

UNCP Chancellor Robin Cummings, honoree Jerry McGee, Provost Diane Prusank on stage at the UNCP commencement.
May 10

Wingate President Emeritus Jerry McGee awarded honorary degree from UNCP

Dr. Jerry McGee, president emeritus of Wingate University, dedicated nearly 45 years of service to higher education in the Carolinas, impacting the lives of countless students, faculty and staff.

Michelle Bailey shakes Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings' hand after receiving her hard-earned sociology degree at UNC Pembroke Spring Commencement on Saturday May 4, 2024
May 04

UNCP’s Michelle Bailey: ‘A poster child for perseverance’

Michelle Bailey’s path to graduation wasn’t easy, but this was nothing new. Life has always been an uphill battle for this wife and mother of three, who underwent her first brain surgery when she was 16.

Spring Commencement
May 04

UNCP awards 1,013 degrees at Spring Commencement

Alexius Fields refused to let a stroke in high school stand in her way of achieving her dream of becoming a college graduate.