Alumni making an impact

Carolina students' impact doesn't stop at Commencement. More than 367,000 living alumni continue to take what they learned on campus and excel in all they do.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Carolina's outstanding alumni.

Serving beyond graduation

ITS manager swoops in to save Helene victims
Helicopter rescue specialist Matthew Mauzy ’98 participated in the state’s largest rescue operation in a decade.
‘Auspicious coincidences’ led to Massey Award
At the UNC School of Medicine, pioneering researcher Susan Gaylord directs the program on integrative medicine.
Tar Heels connect through Carolina College Advising Corps
As part of a program to build a college-going culture, Jarrah Faye ’23 counseled Naima Nelson ’28 in high school.
New town manager uses MPA skills in Helene response
When the hurricane hit Mills River, Matt McKirahan set up a resource hub to supply food and water to local residents.
New Montross award, honoree represent legacies of service
The late Tylee Craft, Tar Heel wide receiver and advocate for lung cancer awareness, received the first Eric Montross Public Service Award.
‘Small towns are special,’ says Canton mayor
Zeb Smathers ’08 (JD) advocates for his western North Carolina hometown as mayor and through his law practice.

Leaders in their fields

Navy admiral’s leadership training began with Tar Heel soccer
Her experience playing on a championship team taught Kristin Acquavella '93 how to work hard, push herself and trust others.
Mia Hamm '94 made Carolina home before her game reached the world
Addressing the Class of 2025 is an “incredible honor” for the soccer superstar and Spring Commencement speaker.
She broke racial, education barriers
Now 104, Arline Parker Neal '60 (MSLS) defied segregated norms to earn a master’s degree from Carolina.
He applies Army skills to public health challenges
Before Dr. Ross Boyce led projects to fight malaria in Uganda, he led soldiers in combat in Iraq.
Megan Byers shapes the future of STEM education
The UNC School of Education alumna created InstructSTEM, an e-learning platform for science and math teachers.
Dental hygiene professor wins Chancellor’s Award for teaching
“I’m the professor who keeps you wide awake,” says triple Tar Heel Jennifer Harmon.

Still in the game

Statistics skills lead to major league career
Decision-makers for the Boston Red Sox rely on Neil Pierre-Louis ’23, former student analyst for the Diamond Heels.
She emcees Tar Heel sports
Sports administration graduate student and GoHeels intern Olivia Mundorf wants to be an on-air sports broadcaster.
MAPS graduate credits resilience for achievements
After a life-threatening car crash, student-athlete Patrick Anderson went on to earn an interdisciplinary master’s degree.

Heels who hustle

Carolina entrepreneurs are launching businesses that enhance quality of life and contribute to the economy of North Carolina, the nation and beyond.

Read more about successful companies whose founders got their start at Carolina.

Carolina was central to the Shibumi story — everything from the name of our company to staying in touch with professors who give us advice, when we have roadblocks.

Scott Barnes ’12, co-founder of Shibumi Shades

Everything I’ve learned along the way — at Carolina, playing professionally, starting Pup Park Shuttle — has been a blessing and helped to guide that journey.

Baden Jaxen ’13, former Carolina basketball player and current owner of the Pup Park Shuttle

I look to people who bring different insights and experiences. They might not confirm what I already know, but they can challenge me and serve as a sounding board.

Alycea Adams ’25, founder of HairMatch

We want to make everyone feel welcome, with a smile and a great bagel that hits the spot.

Alex Brandwein ’20 (MBA), founder of Brandwein’s Bagels

Tar Heels in the arts

Carolina alumna’s ‘second career’ takes her to the Met
Finance professional turned art historian Denise Murrell '76 has curated an important exhibit on the Harlem Renaissance.
Jake Lawler '20 tackles career in screenwriting
The Hussman graduate and former Tar Heel football player now writes for “The Crossover” series on Disney+.
Tar Heels team up on the radio
Both Karen Clark '96 and Melissa Wade '91 created broadcast careers and returned to the area, using their talents to support Carolina.
Creative problem-solver lands job at Pixar
Caroline Collins '17 parlayed her puzzle skills and love for animation into a position as a senior production coordinator.

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