Alumni and Friends

“My connection to the Hussman School of Journalism and Media runs deep. Both my daughter, Kristy Thompson ’89, and granddaughter, Mason Murr ’24, are graduates, and my other granddaughter, Julia Thompson, is currently a Hussman student. My experiences as a player and coach in several Olympic Games were incredible, and I was thrilled to help my granddaughter, Mason, along with other UNC Hussman students, experience the Paris 2024 Olympics. Supporting their journey was something I was more than happy to do.”

“As a student, UNC Hussman provided me distinct opportunities for learning and growth that set me up for success in my career. Today, as a proud UNC alumna, I give so students can continue to access best-in-class resources and experiences that will help them contribute positively to society.”

“Our ties to the school span three generations and six family members dating back to 1941. We all received a great education and made lifelong connections. My daughter and I have made annual gifts every year since we graduated. My mom volunteered for the school well into her 80s, and I have followed her lead. I have also set up two endowments, supported the Carroll and Curtis buildings and have a planned gift for the future. Carolina served us both well and we are happy to do our part to make it even stronger in the years to come.”

“My husband and I give because our time at Carolina is engraved on our hearts. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was in journalism classes in Howell Hall, not 30+ years ago. We give because of the education that UNC gave us and because of what Carolina gave to our daughter, a 2024 Hussman graduate. We also give so that future Hussman students, like our younger daughter (Class of 2028), will have the caliber of instructors, opportunities and experiences offered to me and our oldest daughter.”

“I give because so many gracious alums before my time gave to make a difference when I was a Tar Heel. Those stipends for travel, networking trips and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities UNC Hussman affords its talented students — they made all the difference in launching my career, and I am honored to be able to return the favor for the next generation. Every dollar and every gift makes a difference, no matter how small it may feel.”

“As proud UNC Hussman alumnae, we have both supported the school since we graduated, and we now have the opportunity to work with fellow donors and friends of the school in our development roles to help them determine how they would like to give back. Working alongside our amazing faculty and students is a dream come true and inspires us every day. We would love to connect with you as well! Please reach out if you’d like to engage more with the school.”

“I’m proud of every student who comes through our school – for their curiosity, their tenacity and their integrity. It’s a privilege to give and to help ensure they can find their paths to achieve their dreams and goals.”

“I give simply to pay it forward. For decades, Carolina has been and remains at the forefront of an ever-changing media landscape, equipping its students with the intellectual acuity, critical thinking skills and practical tools needed to become effective thought leaders in their careers of choice at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. As time further separates me from Carroll Hall, the import of my lessons learned there sharpen: ethical clarity in all we do, the foundational principles of written language and the ability to pinpoint and effectively communicate the truth. Truth-telling—now more than ever—is what our democracy deserves and what I believe UNC Hussman promises.”

“In giving to the school, I target my donations to those funds that directly benefit students, who often cannot pay for travel, internships and other skill-building experiences. I believe donor-supported awards show students that people care about their undergraduate education and want them to have life-changing opportunities. And perhaps the students who receive money will one day be donors to programs for those students who come behind them.”

“We choose to support journalism at Carolina because every student deserves access to the very best education. We want future Tar Heels to have the tools they need to thrive in their careers, continuing the tradition of excellence for generations to come. A Carolina education is a gift, one that we’re grateful to share with others.”

“When the school was still in Howell Hall, I was part of a smallish group of majors. We had the opportunity to get to know each other and our professors well. Excellence was demanded of us, and we learned to write clearly and summarize accurately. The J-school degree on our resumes opened doors easily, and I became a press secretary on Capitol Hill.”