The NC State Philanthropy Podcast

Episode 22: Wolfpack Philanthropy With Gayle Lanier

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by NC State alumna and supporter Gayle Lanier to discuss why giving back to the university is so important to her. Lanier received a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from NC State in 1982 and went on to hold key leadership roles in several Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries. She retired in 2018 as senior vice president of Duke Energy.
Throughout her career and now in retirement, Lanier has made giving back to her alma mater, through her time and talent as well as through her finances, a top priority. She and her husband have helped fund scholarships, promote Wolfpack Athletics — the women’s basketball team is particularly near and dear to their hearts — and support various programs and initiatives across the university.
Lanier has also served on a long list of NC State boards and committees, including the Board of Trustees. Recognized as Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of the Year in 2008, Lanier then received the Watauga Medal in 2017. She is currently the chair of the Shelton Leadership Center and of Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy, which work to promote values-based leadership development and to connect women in the NC State community to one another and to opportunities to support the university, respectively.
To learn more about Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy, please visit go.ncsu.edu/wwip. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today in the Apple or Google podcast stores, on Spotify or through Stitcher. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.
Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack!
Transcript available here.

Episode 21: Goodnight Grad James B. Robertson

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by James B. Robertson, a Goodnight Scholar alumnus and current Goodnight Doctoral Fellow, to discuss how private support has enabled him to earn multiple degrees from the College of Sciences.
Robertson has majored in statistics for many years at NC State, first as an undergraduate thanks to the financial assistance provided to him by the Goodnight Scholarships program. Because of this full-ride scholarship opportunity, Robertson was then able to stay on campus and pursue a master’s degree in statistics instead of having to immediately get a job to begin repaying his student debt.
Today, Robertson is back on campus working toward a doctorate in statistics and once again taking part in a program made possible by Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight. The Goodnight Doctoral Fellowship program is an extension of the Goodnight Scholarships program that provides critical funding for NC State’s Ph.D. candidates — an important group of Wolfpack members with unique funding challenges. Thanks to the Goodnights’ ongoing generosity to NC State, the university is closing that financial gap and enabling more and more doctoral students to learn, grow and succeed.
To learn more about how Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight are supporting the Wolfpack, please visit goodnight.ncsu.edu and go.ncsu.edu/goodnightgrad. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today in the Apple or Google Podcast stores, on Spotify or through Stitcher. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.
Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack.
Transcript available here.

Episode 20: Planned Giving With Katherine Miller

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Katherine Miller, the executive director of NC State’s Office of Gift Planning, to discuss planned giving and its importance to the university’s ongoing success.
A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust, but it is much more than simply leaving money to NC State in your long-term financial plans. It is one of the most popular and flexible ways that you can support the university, and it even comes with benefits that you can enjoy in the present. Miller discusses all of this in our interview, along with how she came to be part of the Wolfpack following time spent in the private sector as a CPA.
For more information on how you can benefit NC State through planned giving, please visit ncsugift.org. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today in the Apple or Google Podcast stores, on Spotify or through Stitcher. Be sure to leave a comment and rating to let us know how we’re doing.
Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack!
Transcript available here.

Episode 19: Extraordinary Entrepreneurship With Andy Albright

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Albright, an NC State alumnus, donor and board member, to discuss why he supports his alma mater and what kind of difference he’s making. Albright graduated from the Wilson College of Textiles in 1986 and has gone on to become a successful entrepreneur, businessman, motivational speaker and author. He has also generously given back to the university via his work on various NC State committees including the Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, the Campaign Cabinet for the university’s recent Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign and, currently, the Entrepreneurship Initiative Advisory Board.
Alongside his wife, Jane, Albright has made financial contributions to help advance efforts across campus, especially through gifts to Wolfpack Athletics and the Shelton Leadership Center, with NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship remaining a particularly passionate focus. The Albrights’ giving supports the Albright Entrepreneurs Village, which is NC State’s living and learning community for student entrepreneurs, and the Albright Entrepreneurship Garage, which serves as a hub for students across campus to come together and explore their entrepreneurial ideas and interests. These Centennial Campus sites are extraordinary representations of the emphasis Andy Albright places on helping other Wolfpack entrepreneurs Think and Do.
To learn more about how Albrights’ generosity has furthered the efforts of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, visit go.ncsu.edu/albright. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today in the Apple or Google Podcast stores, on Spotify or through Stitcher. Be sure to leave a comment and rating to let us know how we’re doing.
Transcript available here.

Episode 18: Military and Veteran Services With Nick Drake

On this episode, we’re joined by Nick Drake, director of NC State’s Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services, to discuss how private support enables our military-affiliated students to Think and Do. Drake has been the director for seven years this November and has seen a tremendous improvement in the already extraordinary program over that time — much of it thanks to the private support of military-affiliated alumni such as Jeff Wright ’91 and his wife, Kelly Breslin Wright, and Jerry Collier ’67 and his wife, Pat Collier.
NC State loves the diversity that military-affiliated students bring to campus. The university proudly welcomes our nation’s veterans and military families, and is a “Best for Vets,” “Top Military-Friendly” and “Military Spouse-Friendly” school. Philanthropy, including transformational gifts by the Wrights and the Colliers and special grant funding from the NC State University Foundation, makes it all possible by enabling the Pack to support these students as they transition from military life to college life and then into their chosen career field after graduation.
To learn more about the Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services and how you can help further its invaluable mission, please visit veterans.ncsu.edu. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today in the Apple or Google Podcast stores, on Spotify or through Stitcher. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing!
Transcript available here.

Episode 17: Private Support With Joshua Pierce

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Joshua Pierce, the executive director of NC State’s new Integrative Sciences Initiative (ISI). ISI is transforming teaching, research and discovery in chemistry and other STEM fields at NC State by employing the latest technology, solving major societal challenges and training a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists ready for every future opportunity.
At its heart is the Integrative Sciences Building (ISB), a new $180 million facility currently being built on the Brickyard where Harrelson Hall once stood. ISB is being made possible by public funding from the state of North Carolina as well as the private support of NC State donors. The cutting-edge building will provide vital space for STEM teaching and research space at NC State and serve as a catalyst for transforming the sciences.
Pierce is also the Howard J. Schaeffer Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, having been awarded the honor earlier this year. The professorship was made possible thanks to a gift from Burroughs Wellcome Company and is enabling Pierce to pursue his personal research in addition to his duties as executive director of ISI.
To learn more about the Integrative Sciences Initiative, please visit go.ncsu.edu/isi. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today in the Apple or Google Podcast stores, on Spotify or through Stitcher. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing!
Transcript available here.

Episode 16: Crowdfunding and the Turtle Rescue Team

On the Season 3 premiere of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Niki Theobald, director of development for the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation, to discuss crowdfunding and its impact on the College of Veterinary Medicine — specifically, its Turtle Rescue Team.
The Turtle Rescue Team is a student-run organization that helps treat wild turtles, as well as other reptiles and amphibians. Due to a population and construction boom in the Raleigh-Durham area, the Turtle Rescue Team saw a dramatic increase in patient numbers in 2021, leading the team to use medical supplies and equipment at an alarming rate. With more patients also came the need to store more food for them, which caused a desperate need for an extra refrigerator.
That led the Turtle Rescue Team to create an NC State crowdfunding project to raise the necessary funding. Part of the university’s annual giving efforts, crowdfunding is a relatively new way for donors to make a major impact on various departments, units and projects via smaller gifts. The Turtle Rescue Team saw an extraordinary 310% in its funding goal thanks to the generosity of 211 donors, making it NC State’s most successful crowdfunding projects to date.
Transcript available here.

Episode 15: Taking the Founders’ Pledge With Charles Gaddy

On the Season 2 finale of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by NC State alumnus, supporter and entrepreneur Charles Gaddy to discuss his recent Founders’ Pledge, a new way donors can help Wolfpack entrepreneurs-in-training Think and Do. Gaddy chose to give back to his alma mater in this deeply meaningful and impactful way following the recent sale of a company he cofounded with fellow university donor Bill Spruill, and now he hopes to inspire others to follow his example.
Gaddy graduated from NC State in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in computer programming. After his wide-ranging college experience, he followed a unique career path, quickly rising through the tech world and eventually cofounding Global Data Consortium (GDC) with Spruill in 2011. They sold the company in 2022, which gave them the means to greatly expand their philanthropic efforts — including Gaddy’s ability to fund his Founders’ Pledge. He thus became the first Wolfpack entrepreneur to ever complete his or her pledge, helping inspire others to reach their respective entrepreneurial goals and fulfill their pledges as well.
Transcript available here.

Episode 14: Cofounding the Extraordinary With 321 Coffee

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans of 321 Coffee. These Park Scholars cofounded the coffee company while they were freshmen at NC State with help from their scholarships, the Andrews Launch Accelerator and other sources of private support. The result: a Raleigh-based coffee company that currently employs more than 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
321 has also joined with NC State to produce an officially licensed cobranded coffee. The “Greater Good” blend will be available for purchase directly from 321 Coffee beginning on April 11, with preorders available now. The medium roast coffee features NC State branding and barista Sam, one of 321’s first employees and a lifelong Wolfpack fan. To learn more about this exciting new partnership between NC State and 321 Coffee, please visit go.ncsu.edu/coffeecobrand.
This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022, during the early stages of development for “Greater Good” and as 321’s first stand-alone storefront was opening on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. (A second stand-alone location later opened in Durham, bringing the total number of locations to four, including the original shop at the State Farmers Market and an in-office shop with software company Pendo in downtown Raleigh.) The recording was made via Zoom to allow for Lindsay and Michael’s busy schedules at that time, so please overlook any glitches in the audio caused by momentary signal loss.
Transcript available here.

Episode 13: Stewardship With Heather Tart

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re discussing stewardship with Heather Tart, the senior director of stewardship for NC State’s Office of Development Communications and Stewardship. Heather leads the team’s efforts to express the university’s gratitude to supporters who give of their time, talents and finances to provide for its success. In doing so, she also gets to hear more about what makes NC State so special to generous members of the Pack. 
NC State’s stewardship opportunities have never been greater, as the university has welcomed thousands of new donors over the last few years through the recent record-breaking Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign (2016-21), the annual NC State Day of Giving event and other philanthropic efforts. Through a variety of initiatives, Heather and her colleagues help ensure that every donor knows they are appreciated and are making a difference for students, faculty, programs, facilities and more.
Stewardship is instrumental in furthering NC State’s growing culture of philanthropy and engagement and the work of its University Advancement division, which is headed by Vice Chancellor Brian Sischo.  
If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing!
Transcript available here.
 

Episode 12: Strategic Brand Management With Chris Boyer

On this episode, we’re joined by Chris Boyer, NC State’s assistant vice chancellor for strategic brand management, to discuss how sustaining the university’s brand identity is about much more than the consistent use of a logo. Boyer and the Office of Strategic Brand Management work to capitalize on NC State’s rising brand awareness to help the university accomplish its goals and achieve its potential. The results? Improved rankings, bright students and faculty, strong partnerships and proud alumni.
Transcript available here.

Episode 11: Celebrating the Darla Buchanan Scholarship

On this episode, we’re discussing the Darla Buchanan Scholarship, a new need-based scholarship awarded to NC State undergraduate students who are studying elementary education and are committed to advancing diversity in the teaching profession.
First up, we’re joined by Matt Friedrick, Executive Director of Development for the College of Education, to discuss why the founding donors chose to support NC State, why they named their scholarship as they did, the impact they’re already having through the College of Education and how Malcom Gladwell’s podcast Revisionist History played a major role in the scholarship’s creation.
Then, we’re joined by elementary education major Carla Gibson to discuss how she, as one of the scholarship’s first recipients, has been enabled to Think and Do during her time with the Pack.
To learn more about the Darla Buchanan Scholarship and how you can help further her extraordinary legacy, please visit go.ncsu.edu/darla. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast to have the latest episodes downloaded directly to your devices upon release. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.
Transcript available here.

Episode 10: Clyde Sorenson — NC State Alumnus, Distinguished Professor and Donor

On this episode, we’re joined by Clyde Sorenson, an NC State alumnus, distinguished professor and donor, to discuss the impact of private support on his work and the university as a whole.
Sorenson is an Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor specializing in entomology, the study of insects, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. While many — many — undergraduate students know him as the dynamic teacher of ENT 201: Insects and People, he is also a dedicated graduate student advisor. In fact, he and his wife, Leeann, feel so strongly about supporting these future entomology teachers that they recently made a planned gift to NC State establishing the Lee and Clyde Sorenson Entomology Teaching Assistant Endowment.
Sorenson also helped bring another endowment to life in the Ronald J. Kuhr Memorial Scholarship & Entomology Graduate Teaching Award. Named in memory of Sorenson’s longtime mentor and friend, as well as the creator of ENT 201, it also supports grad students who will one day be the instructors of similar entomology classes here at NC State and around the world.
Transcript available here.

Episode 9: Understanding Endowments With Mary Peloquin-Dodd

On this episode, we’re joined by Mary Peloquin-Dodd, NC State’s associate vice chancellor for finance and university treasurer, to discuss the NC State endowment and its importance. Thanks in large part to Peloquin-Dodd’s careful management, and to the incredible generosity of donors to our recent Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, this fund has more than tripled in the last decade to now provide the university with $1.95 billion in long-term financial support.
“Endowment” and “fund” are somewhat misleading terms, though, as NC State is actually the steward of more than 3,000 individual endowments, each with its own terms and conditions. Peloquin-Dodd and her team, working in concert with the deans of each NC State college and their respective teams, help to ensure that each endowment reaches its full potential — financially and in regards to how each endowment’s creator(s) envisioned it.
Transcript available here.
 

Episode 8: Pack Essentials With Mike Giancola

On our season two premiere, we’re joined by NC State’s assistant vice provost and student ombudsperson to learn how the university is working to support students in need of food, housing, financial and educational security.
Transcript available here.

Episode 7: Distinguished Professorships With Walt Wolfram

On the Season 1 finale of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by sociolinguist and William C. Friday Distinguished Professor Walt Wolfram to hear how private support has benefited his work on campus and beyond. Wolfram has taught at NC State for three decades and is still going strong, having also produced several books and films during that time on the various dialects found all across North Carolina. He was a personal friend of Mr. Friday before the latter’s passing, too, and seeks to honor his memory through the research made possible by the late UNC System president’s professorship.
 
Transcript available here.

Episode 6: Annual Giving With Adam Compton

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Compton to talk about how Annual Giving helps the university create dynamic new approaches to teaching and learning, fuel industries and breakthroughs, guide our students to impactful post-graduate lives and more. As the executive director of Annual Giving, as well as a longtime employee of the university and an alumnus who graduated in 2009, Compton is uniquely qualified to discuss the impact of this office on NC State’s past, present and future.

Episode 5: ‘Think and Do’ In Review With Brian Sischo

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re talking with Brian Sischo, vice chancellor for University Advancement, about our recent Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign and how it has set the university up for a big, bold future. Listeners will learn how the funds raised during the campaign will be used, what NC State has planned for the coming years and much more.
To learn about the many, many ways you can become involved with NC State, click here.
Transcript available here.

Episode 4: Planned Giving With Jennifer Peavey

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re talking with the College of Design’s Jennifer Peavey about how she plans to support the university following her passing through a special gift from her 401(k) plan. Our interview explores Jennifer’s childhood in a Wolfpack home, how her career led her to NC State for a master’s degree and why she ultimately decided to make the university a beneficiary of her will.
 
Transcript available here.

Episode 3: Caldwell Fellow Kourosh Salamati, Pt. 2

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re finishing our two-part talk with Kourosh Salamati about how the Caldwell Fellows program and other campus support systems have helped him succeed beyond his wildest dreams as a member of the Pack. Listeners will learn how a special stipend has allowed him to pursue not just his academic goals but also his personal passions; how he is taking time out of his already busy schedule to help his classmates and community; and what he plans to do after he graduates from NC State.
 
Transcript available here.

Episode 2: Caldwell Fellow Kourosh Salamati, Pt. 1

On this episode, we’re interviewing Kourosh Salamati, a senior here at NC State who has made the most of his time with the Pack by being a member of the Caldwell Fellow program and much, much more.
 
Transcript available here.

Episode 1: Inside the Memorial Belltower With Dr. Tom Stafford

Dr. Tom Stafford, NC State’s vice chancellor for student affairs emeritus, is the de facto historian for the university’s Memorial Belltower. Join us as we discuss this hallowed landmark’s history, recent completion and more with Dr. Stafford from inside the carillon room.
Transcript available here.

Trailer

NC State is proud of its land-grant roots, but being a public university doesn’t mean our only funding comes from the state of North Carolina. It takes the commitment of our entire Pack to help us create dynamic new approaches to teaching and learning, fuel industries and breakthroughs, and guide our students to impactful post-graduate lives. Hear how private support helps us think and do the extraordinary.
 
Transcript available here.