Distinguished College of Liberal Arts & Sciences alumni are among those honored in April by the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association for outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities and to the university.
“Some of the most rewarding experiences we associate with our University actually begin at graduation, when former students enter the Alumni Association,” said Madeline Keeter (’08), president-elect of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. “Alumni are an essential part of our University and are among UNC Charlotte’s most valued supporters.”
Held during the inaugural Alumniner Weekend, the UNC Charlotte Alumni Awards presentation ceremony recognized College of Liberal Arts & Sciences alumni U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (’96), and Robyn Massey (’81), with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Hudson, who represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, earned bachelor’s degrees in history and political science. In 2012, he was elected to his first term in Congress. Currently, he serves on the House Agriculture, the Education Workforce and the Homeland Security committees. A former Student Government Association president, Hudson has served on the Alumni Board of Directors. In his Washington, D.C., office, he displays his UNC Charlotte diploma and a 49ers jersey.
Massey earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and completed an MBA from Wake Forest University. Upon graduation from Wake Forest, she embarked upon a career with IBM that has spanned almost 30 years. The last 13, she has served as a project executive for IBM Global Services. From 2008-10, Massey served as president of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. She also was a board member of the UNC Charlotte Black Alumni Chapter, an advisory council member for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and currently, she serves on the UNC Charlotte Foundation Board.
“Robyn exudes quiet determination and is committed to making the University and the greater Charlotte communities more engaging, active and inclusive,” said Nancy Gutierrez, dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
The association also recognized Susan DeVore (’81), and Donnie Koonce (’81), with Distinguished Alumnus Awards. DeVore completed a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Belk College of Business, and Koonce graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Dhiaa Jamil (’78), received the Bonnie Cone Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Triple degree graduate Brett Tempest (’04, ’07, ’10), who is a faculty member in the Lee College of Engineering, was named Outstanding Young Alumnus. Melba Spooner (’79, ’85) received the Distinguished Faculty Award. Spooner, senior associate dean in the College of Education, completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master of Education. She earned a doctorate from UNC Greensboro in 1991. Former Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Charles Lynch, who retired in summer 2007, was presented the Honorary Alumnus Award.
