Alumna Magally Ortiz-Rojas selected as UNC System Presidential Scholar
Magally Ortiz-Rojas, a recent UNC Pembroke graduate, has been selected as a presidential scholar for the UNC System's prestigious 2025–2026 academic year cohort — an elite honor reserved for some of the most accomplished and promising young leaders across North Carolina's public universities.
From Cadet to Commander: Col. Chad Mixon Inspires the Next Generation
As garrison commander of Fort Bragg – the largest military installation in the world - Col. Chad Mixon oversees operations that impact more than 264,000 people. But this spring, his mission brought him home to UNC Pembroke, where his journey as a leader began.
Tamara Locklear: Strength, Faith and Determination Define Her Path to Graduation
When Tamara Locklear crossed the stage at UNC Pembroke last month to receive her master’s degree in social work, it was a moment of triumph over some of life’s most profound challenges.
Michael Passamuntu: A Passion for Wellness, a Future in Leadership
As he crossed the graduation stage once more earlier this month, Michael Passamuntu celebrated the completion of his Master of Arts in sports administration at UNC Pembroke but also years of deep involvement, leadership and transformation within the campus recreation community he’s helped shape.
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.
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.
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.
Josh Berenbaum to represent Team USA at Maccabiah Games
UNC Pembroke basketball standout Josh Berenbaum has earned the honor of a lifetime — a spot on Team USA for the upcoming Maccabiah Games in Israel, a global showcase of the world's top Jewish athletes.
A Legacy of Love and Learning: UNCP Alumni Honor Their Parents With Memorial Bench and Endowed Scholarship
On a quiet path near the Thomas College of Business and Economics, a new bench invites students and visitors alike to pause, reflect and take in the surroundings. However, for Ron and Tina Oxendine, both proud alumni of UNC Pembroke, that bench is much more than a place to sit.
Track Star Gabe Blackwelder Blazes a Trail as Scholar, Athlete
For college athletes, Media Day is one of the most exciting times of the year. They put on their UNCP gear, line up with props, and prepare to kick off the season. Behind the camera lens is Gabe Blackwelder — a humble and quiet track team member, many don’t realize is one of the most accomplished athletes on campus.