Stronger as a Pack

Our individual challenges may be different, but we can face them together. We’re stronger as a Pack.

As a new semester begins, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability and systemic racism continues to affect our students and university community. Still, the resolve and strength of our Pack remains. We know we must face challenges, solve problems and dismantle unjust systems together. On Sept. 16, we’re launching NC State Day of Giving: Stronger as a Pack as a one-time fall event focused on increasing funding for urgent needs, scholarships and initiatives that advance equity and diversity.

Each day, philanthropy enhances what we do at NC State. The stories below demonstrate what NC State students, and the entire Wolfpack, do in tough times, how they’ve responded in support of one another and the extraordinary things they achieve when given a chance.

Every member of the Pack deserves those opportunities. If you can, we hope you’ll join us on Sept. 16. Learn more at dayofgiving.ncsu.edu.

Black Alumni Society Scholarships Honor Legacies

Drs. Augustus McIver Witherspoon and Lawrence Mozell Clark made history and shaped academic life at NC State and for Black students.

Donor Support Boosts Access and Inclusion for Master of Arts in Teaching Program

Scholarships provided thanks to the College of Education Excellence Fund are helping a more diverse group of students prepare to make an impact through the…

A New Scholarship Is in the Works from NC State’s Latinx Alumni Network

The Latinx Alumni Network is working to fund a new scholarship.

Learn more

Hartley LeRoy poses with face masks he created

Entrepreneurial Student Gives Back by Making Protective Equipment for Health Care Workers

Hartley LeRoy has been hard at work during the pandemic to produce face shields for medical professionals.

Learn how entrepreneurship impacts the community

Esmira Poladova does the wolfie in front of a campus building in her cap and gown

Through the Darkness to Shine a Light

Having overcome her own challenges, Esmira Poladova ’20 has become an advocate for under-resourced students.

Learn more about her journey

the strolling professor statue wearing an NC State face covering

Facing the Future With Confidence

Thousands of dollars have been raised for students in need via the sale of special NC State-branded face coverings.

Learn more about how face covering sales benefit the Student Emergency Fund

“NC State has so many smart young people that if they’re given enough time and enough support to conduct research and find a solution, they’ll do it.”

— Donor and alumna Jane Rogers ’69

Learn how Jane Rogers is supporting students

An Extraordinary Pathway to Success

The Goodnight Scholars Program has made a life-changing difference for recent graduates Oscar Molina and Christian Williams.

Learn about this important transfer pathway

A Meal and a Night Out

Richard “Gus” Gusler, owner of the landmark Players Retreat restaurant, has worked to give NC State students facing food insecurity nutritious meals with dignity.

Learn about what inspired him

Meeting the Demand for Supply Chain Expertise

As COVID-19 continues to impact the global supply chain, Robert Handfield lends his expertise to medical and governmental agencies.

Learn about Handfield’s work

Poole students gather outside of the State Ballroom in Talley

Making the Future Brighter

Academic scholarships have helped students from all backgrounds earn a degree at NC State, including these students in the Poole College of Management.

Learn how philanthropy forever changed their lives

Ritika Shamdasani, left, and her sister Niki walk a fashion runway

Guiding Young Businesses to Success

Private support is helping Shraddha Rathod, Téa Blumer and Ritika Shamdasani use the skills they learned at NC State to grow thriving enterprises.

Learn how Entrepreneurship is helping make dreams come true

Nothing Is Impossible

Eric Wylie, Juan Cortes and Elyse Smith share how financial support has impacted their lives and their academic experience.

Learn how scholarships benefited these College of Education students

Tyson Chandler on the field with another NC State football player

From the Field to the Future

Former football student-athlete and CNR grad Tyson Chandler is using what he learned at NC State to give back to North Carolina’s youth.

Learn about his elementary enrichment program

From Grief to Hope

Steven Grant Somers’ passing left his family determined to help others through their grief.

Learn how they’re supporting the Pack

$1.26 million +

has been committed by more than 3,500 donors to the Student Emergency Fund — so far!

Be part of this relief effort

The Shows, and the Contests, Go On

Thanks to modern technology, North Carolina’s 4-H livestock shows were still held this spring in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s how they did it

Helping International Students

NC State administrators have sought alternatives for international students facing challenges due the pandemic who don’t qualify for most federal assistance.

Learn how you can support our international

A diverse group of students posing at a Sciences Diversity Banquet

College of Sciences Announces New Diversity Program Endowment

The endowment will help fund recruitment events, career panels, student club activities and more for underrepresented students.

Learn how you can contribute

A Vision for Doing Good

Layne Baker, a first-generation college student, used his time as a Caldwell Fellow to show others in a similar situation that college is attainable.

Learn how philanthropy led to Layne attending NC State

researchers look at a slide via a microscope and digital screen

Aligning Strengths

The Comparative Medicine Institute is making NC State a destination for innovative research and training in biomedical sciences.

Learn how CMI can “do” as well as “think”

Weaving a Bright Future

The Charles and Thomas Poston Endowed Scholarship Fund provides talented students of modest means with the chance to study at NC State.

Read about the Postons’ commitment to their alma mater and Textiles

Kenan Fellows Program Names 2020-21 Cohort of Teacher Leaders

a map showing the Kenan Fellows Program 2020-21 recipients' locations

Fellows will leverage this opportunity to benefit their schools and community.

Find out more about the program

“For donors who are able and willing, universities need you right now and students need you right now.”

— Dr. Julie Swann, A. Doug Allison Distinguished Professor and head of the Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Learn how you can contribute to supporting vital work like Swann’s

NC State Food Pantry Rallies to Stay Open

Thanks to a massive campus-wide effort, the Feed the Pack food pantry continues to serve the students, faculty and staff who need it most.

Read how the pantry is sustaining the Pack

Tim Humphrey holding his Hall of Fame statuette in front of red background

Engineering a More Inclusive Campus

Alumnus Timothy Humphrey’s two endowments will further the extraordinary opportunities NC State can offer by fostering a more inclusive campus.

Learn more about Humphrey’s leadership and commitment

Indira Gutierrez working alongside Mary Haskett and Sarah Wright as well as an additional student researcher

An Opportunity Multiplied

Support from NC State helped Indira Gutierrez ’19 develop into a scholar, researcher and advocate.

Learn how she continues to be a voice for students

Patty Fields sitting in a field of flowers

In Loving Memory

The College of Education’s Patty Fields created the Robert J. Fenton Memorial Scholarship to honor her late father by assisting underresourced students.

Learn how giving helped her heal

NC State students, faculty and alumni come together with the town's residents and elected officials to install plants at Town Hall as part of the Coastal Dynamics Design Lab's Planting Day in Princeville

Teamwork that Addresses Flooding Challenges

Philanthropy supports the work of NC State’s Coastal Dynamics Lab, which helps communities recover from events such as hurricanes and plan for a better future.

Learn more about the Lab’s important work

Mariah Wilder sits at her desk holding a pen

Adjusting to a New Normal

Chemistry major Mariah Wilder, a student worker in the College of Sciences advancement office, describes her experiences learning during the pandemic.

Read Mariah’s first-person account

lights shining around the belltower at night

COVID-19 Impacts First-Generation Students

The novel coronavirus pandemic has impacted students everywhere, but many first-generation students face added obstacles.

Resources are available to students in need

The Textiles School of Tomorrow

The Wilson family’s generosity is creating a bright future for many members of the Pack.

Meet the Wilsons

$10

was one of the most popular gift amounts given during 2019’s Day of Giving, followed by $100. Every gift makes a difference.

We do more as a Pack

Tracy Hanner peering through a microscope alongside a young Black student

Endowed Scholarship Honors Veterinary Alum Tracy Hanner

The fund supports underrepresented minority students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, particularly those coming from underserved communities.

Learn about Hanner’s career and influence

a member of the nonwovens institute stands in front of machinery holding a laptop

Nonwovens Institute Steps Up to Combat COVID-19

NWI is using its production lines to create personal protective equipment for health care workers on the front line of the pandemic.

Learn more about NC State ingenuity

Chris Gaudette in scrubs in front of a CVM building

Annable Scholar Dedicated to a Life of Service

If Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Chris Gaudette sees a problem, he does something about it — especially if it involves helping others.

Learn about his journey to, through and after NC State

Lisbeth Carolina Arias standing in front of dress forms

Alumna Designs and Donates Masks with Farmworker Safety in Mind

Caldwell Fellow and alum Lisbeth Carolina Arias is using her degree to help protect ag workers during the pandemic.

Learn about Arias’s passion for the Pack

Pack Essentials Aids Students During Financial Hardships

Created in 2017 to address food and housing insecurities among NC State students, Pack Essentials is providing critical resources during the pandemic.

Read about this extraordinary program

Image of students with face coverings holding up the Wolfpack symbol

New Grant Program Funds Digital Inclusion Projects

The Institute for Emerging Issues, with support from the John M. Belk Endowment, is providing rapid-response mini-grants to North Carolina communities in need.

“It truly means the world to me that there are programs in place to assist those in need. Thank you so much to everybody involved in this program!”

— Recipient of a Student Emergency Fund grant

Help students facing challenges stay on track to academic success

“I am so grateful for the support of the faculty and donors for how they have made me feel wanted as a part of the Wolfpack. Their presence makes this huge university not seem so big after all, but rather a close and strong community that encourages me to succeed.”

— Katie Clark, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learn how your giving directly affects students

encouraging stickers supporting survivors in a tableau with a plant and a candle

COVID-19’s Unique Impacts on Survivors of Interpersonal Violence

Join us in ensuring that every survivor knows the Wolfpack community sees them, believes them and is here for them.

Here’s how you can help

Tyler Allen with fellow symposium counselors

A Better Pack for All

Tyler Allen, ‘14, ‘18 believes supporting campus community centers like Multicultural Student Affairs is investing in the university, and the future.

Hear what he has to say

Standing Together, Even When Apart

NC State staff and faculty have risen to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19. Here are just a few of their stories.