UNCW
Adult Scholars Leadership Alumni Association
Organization Overview
Mission Statement
Adult Scholars Leadership Alumni (ASLA), diverse and active graduates of UNCW’S Adult Scholars Leadership Program, seeks and promotes unique learning and service opportunities that benefit its members, the
community and UNCW.
Overview
Formed in 1991, ASLA is an exciting and influential organization that is a positive reflection on the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the local area.
Over 553 area residents have completed the program and 40 percent remain active in the program after completion. Relocations, health problems and death are the reasons this percentage is not higher.
Professional Background of the Adult Scholars (1991 – 2010)
Industrial or Business—48 percent
Education and the Arts—19 percent
Public Service—15 percent
Engineering or Technical—8 percent
Medical—6 percent
Law Enforcement or Legal—3 percent
Military—1 percent
Volunteer Activities
A high level of confidence survey of ASLA members revealed the following:
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Over 93 percent are involved in volunteer activities with multiple organizations in the community.
An impressive 99 percent are involved in at least one volunteer activity.
The average volunteer hours per month are greater than 30.
A significant number of ASLA members contribute over 50 hours per month to the community.
Over 82 percent are actively involved in supporting UNCW activities with an average contribution of almost 6 hours per month to the University
Volunteer Recognition
In 2003, the ASLA Board established the James R Leutze Volunteer of The Year Award in honor of UNCW’s Chancellor Emeritus. This award is made in recognition of ASLA members who are outstanding volunteers. Here is
a list of honorees:
2003: Wayne Jackson ‘91.
2004: Myrna ‘00 and Owen Wexler ‘00.
2005: Nancy Marks ‘00 and Bob Ochs ‘92.
2006: Walt Andrews ‘00
2007: Bill Bryden ‘02
2008: Jack Mills ‘93
2009: Phil Stewart ’93 and Bea Stewart
2010: Geneva Reid
2011: Sharon Stone
2012: John Gangemi
Value to the University
UNCW can tap the Adult Scholars for adding value in areas such as:
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Window to the business world from highly experienced business leaders
Lecture capabilities based upon worldwide experience in business, politics, medical, government or technical know-how
Mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Mentoring of staff members
Knowledgeable resources to assist UNCW leadership in capital planning reviews
Knowledgeable resources to assist UNCW leadership in fine tuning maintenance programs
Knowledgeable resources to assist UNCW leadership in eCommerce and purchasing best practices
Knowledgeable resources in financial analysis
Knowledgeable resources in marketing and promotion
Knowledgeable resources in management
Informal History
The very first class graduated in March 1991. The initial program was developed by Ms. Jan Johnson, a member of the University's Division of Public Service and Continuing Studies. That first program had 23 students, all
recruited by Ms. Johnson, was partially funded by two grants, and enjoyed immediate success. Now UNCW, with the assistance of ASLA members, is currently preparing for the 21st annual program.
The members of that first class were so enthusiastic about their experience that they organized an informal alumni association that met several times for programs of interest. Thus was born ASLA. When the second ASLP
class graduated in March 1992, they were invited to an alumni meeting of the original class. This protocol has been followed ever since, and today almost half of the ASLP graduates are active ASLA members. So successful
has the program been that in 1996 UNCW’s Adult Scholars program was selected as the model program and recognized as such at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.
In 1992 the ASLA adopted an informal structure, elected new officers, published a newsletter, set a meeting schedule, and recruited volunteers to serve on the Planning Committee for the third ASLP. Since 1993 ASLA
volunteers serving on the ASLP Planning Committee have worked with UNCW staff members to fine tune and improve each ASLP.
Not content to simply perpetuate the program, though, ASLA members actively pursue volunteer opportunities at the University and in the community. ASLA has been granted volunteer opportunities to serve UNCW at
graduations, special events and with community programs. To continue the theme of lifelong learning, a Member to Member program for sharing knowledge was created. And the socializing is not neglected either.
The ASLA remains on the constant alert to develop additional volunteer opportunities with UNCW and the community. Members mentor UNCW students, help with varied community programs, such as the Festival of
Trees and WHQR’s fundraising programs, and have created two ASLP scholarships and one UNCW scholarship. Many ASLA members have adopted UNCW as their second alma mater and are loyal supporters of the
University's athletic teams and social-educational programs, as well as contributors to the Seahawk Club.
As the ASLA continues to grow with each ASLP class, a structure has been established to meet the Associations Mission and develop programs and special events to provide an enjoyable and satisfying experience for all
who wish to participate in any of the sundry programs. Complete bylaws and other relevant ASLA information can be found on: http://uncw.edu/olli/alumni.html
Social and Travel – Tours and Field trips have included:
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Bus trip to Raleigh, including tours of government buildings, the museum and lunch
Bus trip to Myrtle Beach for the Rockettes Christmas Show
Evening cruise aboard the Henrietta II (over 100 attended)
Bus trip to Sunset Beach to tour the Ingram Planetarium and Coastal Carolina Museum with lunch at the Sea Pines Club
Wise Alumni House (with tour)
Private tour of the new county jail before it opened
New Marine Science Building (with tour)
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U.S. Coast Guard Station at Wrightsville Beach
The UNCW Executive Development Center
Tour of the Battleship USS North Carolina
Tour of Cape Fear Community College (with tour of expanded campus)
UNCW Marine Science Center (Wrightsville Beach)
Railroad Museum Tour
Screen Gems Studio Tour
UNCW campus tour led by Ty Rowell
Private tour of Bellamy Mansion
Walking tour of historic Oakdale Cemetery
Tour of Cameron Art Museum
ASLA golf tournament
Annual ASLA Holiday Luncheon – Landfall Country Club
Annual ASLA Holiday Luncheon – Porters Neck Country Club
Tour of the Arboretum
Cape Fear River cruise/luncheon
Behind the Scenes tour of NC Aquarium
Monthly General Meeting Speakers - a sampling from the past
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Larry Bonney—Senior Resident Agent, FBI
Lou Criscuolo—Founder, Artistic Director and CEO Thalian Opera House Theatre Co.
Howard Franklin—U.S.A.F. retired …served 5 presidents on Air Force I
Dr. Rosemary DePaolo—UNCW Chancellor
George Elliot—Channel 6 weatherman
Phillip Gerard—UNCW Department of English, author of Cape Fear Rising
Bob Townsend and Genevieve Barker—WECT - TV News Team
Jerry Wainwright.—Seahawks Basketball Coach…spoke in 1998 and again in 2001
Dick Cline—Director of NCAA basketball telecasts for CBS
Jim Hanchett –Channel 6 News anchor
Fred Nasseri –former member of the Shah of Iran’s government
Bill Saffo – Mayor of Wilmington
Cleve Callison – General Manager of WHQR Radio
Doug Springer – Executive Director, Cape Fear River Watch
Warren Lee – Director, New Hanover County Engineering Department
Wilbur Jones – WWll historian
Dr. Gary Miller – UNCW Chancellor
Dr. Stephen Errante – Conductor, Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Johnny Griffin – Director, Wilmington Regional Film Commission
Larry Clark – Dean, UNCW Cameron School of Business
ASLA Past Presidents
'91 - '92
'92 - '93
'93 - '95
'95 - '96
'96 - '97
'97 - '98
'98 - '99
'98 - '99
'99 - '00
'00 - '01
'01 - '02
'02 - '03
'03 - '04
'04 - 05
'05 - '06
'06 -' 07
’07 -’08
’08 -’09
’09 -’11
’11 -’12
Riley Crawford
John Horton
Robert Ochs
Bob Stutts
Bea Stewart
Jacques Allen
Betsy Weiss
Wayne Jackson
Peter Schult
Don Bergstrom
Phillip Stewart
Jack Mills
Tom Deacon
Bob Randall
James Strouse
John Gangemi
Jack Mills
Nancy Marks
Mark Moulin
Geneva Read
Class of 1991
Class of 1991
Class of 1992
Class of 1994
Class of 1994
Class of 1997
Class of 1993
Class of 1991
Class of 1996
Class of 1995
Class of 1993
Class of 1993
Class of 2001
Class of 1997
Class of 2003
Class of 2001
Class of 1993
Class of 2000
Class of 2007
Class of 2006
Prepared by
Aggie Chamberlain, John Gangemi, Robert Ochs, Geneva Reid, Bea Stewart
Reviewed and updated 5/14/12 by
Bea Stewart, Mark Moulin