Jefferson Pilot Renews Support for UNCP's Honors College

Jefferson Pilot Financial has contributed $5,000 over a two-year period to the University Honors College at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Special Representative Gene Hall and his daughter Regina Edwards secured the gift for the university through their Lumberton offices. A 1971 graduate of UNCP, Mr. Hall has been an agent for the Greensboro-based insurance and financial services company for 32 years.

"I have been involved with the university in a variety of ways over the years," Mr. Hall said. "I spoke with Dr. (Carolyn) Thompson about the Honors College, and it looked like an opportunity for us to help out an exciting new program."

"Jefferson Pilot believes in supporting excellence in education, and this is a great way for the company to make a difference in our community," Mr. Hall said.

Dr. Thompson, director of the Honors College, said private funding is critical for building a truly outstanding program.

"Gene has provided continuing support and encouragement for the Honors College, and we are very grateful," Dr. Thompson said.

The purpose of the one-year-old Honors College is to attract scholars to the university and place them in an environment that stimulates academic and personal growth. The Honors College offers interdisciplinary educational opportunities that enhance the general curriculum as well as social, cultural and service opportunities.

"We will use this gift to send five students to the National Honors College annual meeting in Salt Lake City where they will present research papers," Dr. Thomson said.

In its inaugural year, the college had 25 members, who distinguished themselves as outstanding scholars, and Dr. Thompson expects to have about 200 members when the program matures.

Mr. Hall joined UNCP's Chancellor's Club in 1983 and is the outgoing chair. The Chancellor's Club consists of donors who have pledged gifts annually. Mr. Hall has also created a deferred giving plan for the university valued at $100,000.

Mr. Hall is a Hall of Fame agent for Jefferson Pilot Financial. He provides complete financial, estate and retirement planning services to customers in Southeastern North Carolina.

Jefferson Pilot Corporation primarily engages in the business of writing life insurance policies, annuity policies and selling other investment products. The company also operates radio and television facilities and produces sports programming.

For questions about the University Honors College, Dr. Thompson may be reached at 910.521.6841 or 910.521.6822. For questions about the Chancellor's Club, please call 910.521.6213. For information about giving, please contact the Office of Advancement at 910.521.6252.

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