The University of North Carolina at Wilmington announced on Mar. 1 a $10 million commitment from David ’78 and Helen Congdon, which has established the Congdon School of Supply Chain, Business Analytics and Information Systems within the Cameron School of Business.
The donation has created endowed scholarships for students and professorships that attract distinguished faculty. This is intended to expand opportunities for students while enhancing research and teaching quality at the university.
For students, the Congdon Scholarships have provided more than just financial relief. Frean Erasmus ’25, a graduate student from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, said, “The scholarship allowed me to fully focus on my education and build a strong foundation for my career. Because of that support, I graduated with honors and pursued opportunities in the logistics and supply chain field. It prepared me for the start of my career as a domestic transportation administrator and gave me the confidence to continue growing professionally.” Nathan Oliveira ’27 from Palmer, Massachusetts said his scholarship enabled him to attend conferences and work on analytics projects: “Through the support of my donors, I’ve seen how generosity can create opportunities and strengthen a community,” he said. “It inspires me to one day contribute and support future students in the same way.”
David Congdon said about his family’s commitment: “An excellent university depends on both opportunity for students and excellence among faculty. This commitment reflects my gratitude for the education I received at my alma mater and my family’s belief in the lasting impact of investing in both.” The gift also created two distinguished professorships that have brought nationally recognized scholars to UNCW.
Jay Jayaram holds one such position as Earl Congdon Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management. He said: “This professorship creates opportunities to connect classroom learning with applied research, mentorship and real-world supply chain challenges. These experiences deepen engagement with students, strengthen their professional readiness, and strongly reflect the Congdon School’s commitment to preparing graduates for leadership in a rapidly evolving global environment.” K.D. Joshi serves as John B. Yowell Distinguished Professor of Information Systems; her research covers digital labor issues including STEM inclusion as well as artificial intelligence ethics.
Joshi said: “My guidance includes working on topics such as the impact of generative AI on critical thinking, creating valuable opportunities for students to develop as future scholars.”
University officials say this gift will continue supporting both student success initiatives and innovative academic programs.
