Renwick Initiative: Passing the torch

When Angela Crocker ‘08 came to UNC in 2004, she anticipated that her college career would be an extension of her academic success in high school. What she couldn’t predict was the active role the University would play in enabling her to reach her goals and help her classmates achieve theirs as well.

Angela participated in both the Minority Advising Program (MAP) as an advisee and advisor, and was also an annual honoree at the Academic Achievement Awards dinner. Spearheaded by the late Dean Hayden B. Renwick, these programs encourage and support the academic success of minority students as well as celebrate their accomplishments.

But Renwick didn’t just spearhead these initiatives, they were near and dear to his heart, and remain significant pieces of the University’s overall efforts to better serve Carolina’s multicultural community.

According to Associate Dean and Director of the Office for Student Academic Counseling Harold Woodard (a UNC alumnus and Renwick advisee), Dean Renwick’s influence is an inalienable facet of their Carolina experience, even though most likely don’t have a personal recollection of him.

“Today’s students are an integral part of Renwick’s legacy because not only do many benefit from these initiatives, they contribute to them as well,” he said. “It’s extremely gratifying to see former and current students involved in and supporting these programs because it engenders that sense of commitment and dedication that is a hallmark of Dean Renwick’s time here.”

Ensuring that these programs remain strong and available to future generations is the goal of the Renwick Initiative, and a priority of Angela and many of her contemporaries who have also benefitted from them.

“I first learned about MAP at my pre-orientation, and when I arrived on campus, my advisor was already assigned to me,” she said. “That mutual communication and having my classmates reach out to support and encourage me was very important, and I wanted to be part of that as well.”

At a recent fund-raising event in Atlanta for the Renwick Initiative, Angela had the opportunity to share her experiences in MAP and the Academic Achievement Awards, and reach out to other young alumni to raise awareness and support for the effort.

“Programs like MAP and the achievement awards are great steps for students to begin relationships, find their niche, learn how and where to get involved as well as receive academic support,” she said. “As advisees and advisors, it’s important to continue Dean Renwick’s legacy and support his mission into the future. It’s exciting, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. All of us have benefitted from Dean Renwick’s vision, and it’s up to us to carry it on.”

MAP and the Academic Achievement Awards Banquet are now based in the Center for Student Success and Academic Counseling along with other campus units dedicated to promoting academic excellence for all students. To date, the Renwick Initiative has raised nearly $150,000 towards its $250,000 goal. For more information or to contribute, contact Jackie Pierce or visit our website.

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