Members of ACRED,
I hope this message finds you all enjoying a restful and fulfilling summer as we begin to look ahead to the exciting possibilities of the 2025–2026 academic year. It is a true honor to step into the role of Chair of ACRED, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Lou Patalano for his leadership and service over the past four years. His commitment has helped position us for meaningful growth and impact.
As we move forward, I’m encouraged by the expansion of our committee structure—an important step in advancing our purpose. This effort plays a vital role in strengthening philanthropic support for Carolina and shaping a more inclusive and connected alumni network.
I am personally more committed than ever to the tangible contributions of ACRED to our beloved university and its development ambitions. As we look to the fall, we will refocus on our roots and have more discussions about our role in development.
Rolanda Burney, our new vice chair, and I plan to meet with our committee chairs later this summer to catch up on the good work being done in the committees. It is time, particularly the special committees, to take another step in our maturity as we think about the new school year. I ask all of you to recommit to this committee work, both of the affinity groups and that of the special committees, to advance the mission of ACRED.
I closed last year’s session with the same word, I’m going to close this note to all of you – Impact. Let’s think about, plan for, and recommit to having an incredibly positive impact on our university and the communities we each represent.
See you all soon,
Dwight