Greg Bacot, a 1985 UNC Pembroke alumnus, has honored the memory of his parents by establishing an endowed scholarship at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
The Lacy and Alice Bacot Higher Education Scholarship will benefit full-time students with demonstrated financial need. Students from Robeson, Scotland, Columbus and Bladen counties will receive first consideration for the award.
“We are grateful to Mr. Bacot for this generous scholarship gift,” said Dr. Bryan Robinson, vice chancellor for Advancement.
“His parents’ commitment to education and integrity will live on through future UNCP students who will benefit from this scholarship by earning a degree and making an impact on our society.”
Lacy Bacot was born in Cumberland County to a farming family. He served in the U.S. Army before a career with Burlington Industries that spanned more than 30 years. Alice Bacot grew up in Columbus County, also part of a farming family. She picked cotton as a young girl to help with family expenses, and worked at Southeastern General Hospital in Lumberton during her adult life.
“My parents were ‘salt of the earth’ type folks,” said Greg Bacot, who lives in Mocksville, N.C. “They believed in doing what was right. They said education was the key to life and that it was something that could never be taken away. They believed in the Golden Rule; in fact, the Golden Rule was posted on the wall at home during my childhood.”
Bacot said his parents’ example led him to UNC Pembroke, where he benefited from professors who demanded his best effort in the classroom.
“I had many great professors during my time at (then) Pembroke State,” Bacot said. “Dr. Barry O'Brien made sure he called on me in class, even when I didn't know the answer. Dr. Leon Bolich kept us focused and on-task during his lectures. And Dr. Robert Brown made history fun and exciting.
“UNCP is a great place for learning, and I’m very grateful for the education I received.”
Providing similar opportunities for future generations of UNCP students is the best way to honor his parents and pay it forward, Bacot said.
“My first breath was taken in Robeson County, so part of me will always be there. It is my sincere hope that this scholarship will help young people throughout the region and will help them realize their dream of a college education.”