For the Next Generations

“There are all kinds of facets of supporting education. For all of us to be able to advance the success of the next generations, education is No. 1. Supporting education at all levels and preparing people as individuals in the world should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, especially those who are able to make any kind of gift.”

When Randy Rogers ’68 looks back on his time at Carolina, he knows it was an awakening experience. From the Vietnam War to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the tumultuous era in history exposed him to diverse world views.

“In high school, you’re just focused on things like the next basketball game,” he said. “Coming to Carolina, I began to truly learn of everything going on the world outside of that bubble.”

Rogers said he feels blessed by his four years at Carolina. He has fond memories of Jubilee weekends and of attending basketball games when coach Dean Smith was just beginning his career. And he said he feels especially blessed to still be alive to celebrate his 50th reunion, even though he couldn’t attend. With a gift in honor of that reunion, he wishes to remember his classmates who were not as fortunate.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity, and made the right decision, to attend UNC. This is the best way to give back to the institution that gave me a major stepping stone in my career.”

For the 50th anniversary of his graduation from Carolina, Rogers made a $50,000 gift to the Carolina Fund. He said he designated the gift for this fund so University leaders could address critical needs for Carolina to continue, and for students to be ready to excel and sustain the environment he was provided as a student.