UNC Pembroke News

UNC Pembroke proudly recognizes recipients of the annual Alumni Awards and 2022 Hall of Fame inductees.
October 28

UNCP recognizes distinguished alumni, Hall of Fame inductees

Four distinguished UNC Pembroke alumni were honored at the 54th annual Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, October 28. This year’s recipients are Vanessa Gonzalez (Distinguished Alumni Award), Paul Willoughby Jr. (Outstanding Alumnus), Dr. Ethan Sanford (Young Alumni Award) and Dr. Kennedi Stewart Henry (Young Alumni Award). The late Hampton Brayboy and his wife, Pattie, were posthumously recognized during a special presentation. The ceremony was held at the Upchurch Auditorium at James A. Thomas Hall.

A UNCP basketball player posing with a young girl at a back to school event
August 19

UNCP's Javonte Waverly: Making a difference in his community

Javonte Waverly, a member of the men’s basketball team at UNC Pembroke, recently hosted a Back-to-School event that distributed school supplies to youth in his hometown of Henderson, North Carolina. The event was held on Saturday, August 13. JaQuaveon Venable, Waverly’s childhood friend, a former teammate at Henderson Collegiate and current UNCP student, also pitched in during the event. Venable will serve as a student manager for the men’s team this season.

February 24

UNCP’s Maya Grimes accepted to ECU Dental Program

Maya Grimes gave fans reasons to smile as a four-year starter and standout defender on UNC Pembroke’s women’s soccer team. Soon, the aspiring dentist will be perfecting the smiles of her patients. The senior UNCP biology student and Chancellor’s Ambassador has been accepted to East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. While most children have a fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, Grimes couldn’t wait for her next checkup. “I loved going to the dentist,” she said. “I thought it was the coolest thing ever.”