Dear Friends,
I am honored to share updates from the Carolina Covenant as we celebrate two decades of transformation together. I am personally grateful for your unwavering support at this special moment. Your generosity has profoundly shaped the lives of countless students, including my own journey with this extraordinary program.
Our 20th anniversary is more than a milestone; it's a testament to dreams realized by our founders, over 11,000 graduates, and indeed, by me. The Covenant is a national model for integrating robust financial aid and scholarships with comprehensive career and well-being support, mentorship, and vibrant community. To enable thousands of outrageously talented students to graduate from Carolina debt-free is an extraordinary feat, one that continues to attract bright minds to our University. When other institutions ask how we achieve success of this scope and scale, my answer always points back to partners like you.
As a Tar Heel, I believe our shared pursuit of excellence for our Covenant means not just sustaining but innovating. The Covenant must continue to be an "engine of innovation," advancing the University's goal to be a global leader by enhancing our infrastructure for a new generation of students.
Through extensive data collection, analyses, and direct input from our scholars and alumni, we've identified three strategic priorities to guide our next five years:
- strengthen community networks for academic and career advancement;
- enhance early awareness and engagement of resources and services; and
- close targeted gaps in access, opportunity and outcomes.
Just as Coach Dean Smith's players "pointed to the passer" after a basket, acknowledging that no success is achieved alone, please know that you, our supporters, are the "passers" enabling thousands of victories for our scholars. You are the reason thousands of brilliant students chose Carolina and why so many are now paying it forward. And while we've achieved so much in 20 years, the game is not over. We need your continued partnership to ensure the Covenant forever remains a cornerstone of our University.
Thank you for your invaluable support. I encourage you to explore more details of our strategic plan in the pages ahead. I am more than delighted to discuss how you can deepen your involvement.
With gratitude,
Candice Williams ’06, ’21 (PhD)
Director of the Carolina Covenant