Steve & Debbie Vetter Provide $10M Gift To UNC Athletics

CHAPEL HILL—Steve and Debbie Vetter, Carolina graduates who have long been committed to providing educational opportunities at The University of North Carolina, are doing it again – this time with a $10 million leadership gift to support Tar Heel student-athletes. The gift was recognized November 29 during an on-court presentation at the Carolina-Michigan men's basketball game at the Smith Center.

The $10 million commitment touches on priorities within the Campaign for Carolina Athletics that directly impact the student-athlete experience: the scholarship endowment, the Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy and facilities.

The generous gift is part of a $40 million commitment from the Vetters. In addition to the $10 million gift to Carolina Athletics, $20 million will support the Red, White and Carolina Blue Challenge in support of need-based aid for dependents of service men and women through the Carolina Covenant and $10 million will support UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in support of the Dean's Fellows Scholarship Program.

"We are excited to be able to support Carolina student-athletes by providing scholarship opportunities through The Rams Club," say the Vetters. "From the time we first donated half of an endowed scholarship in 1988, we have particularly enjoyed meeting and getting to know the wonderful young people who come to Carolina as student-athletes. They are always an impressive, dedicated group who love their sport and love their school. They represent the University in the best ways possible and make us proud to be associated with them."

"Steve and Debbie's generosity and their belief in the potential of our students builds on Carolina's promise of helping students achieve their dreams," says Chancellor Carol L. Folt. "Their generous gift will support student-athletes, business school students and the children of military service members in the pursuit of a top education regardless of financial needs. Their impact will last for generations to come."

"We appreciate that the Vetters support Carolina Athletics in so many positive ways," says Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. "They consistently demonstrate their dedication to our student-athletes, as well as to so many other students across our campus. Their vision to provide a legacy gift for endowed scholarships as well as gifts to critical facility projects is inspiring."

The Vetters, who live in Greensboro, have a long history with Carolina Athletics and the University. Steve Vetter graduated from UNC in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He currently serves on The Rams Club's Executive Board of Directors. Debbie Vetter graduated in 1978 with a degree in Education. The Vetters recently sold the company they founded, Ennis-Flint, a manufacturer of pavement marking materials.

Their gift is part of the $500 million Campaign for Carolina Athletics – a campaign that focuses on four priorities: scholarship endowment, capital projects, team support and the annual fund. "We challenge everyone in the Carolina community to create their own scholarships to support deserving Carolina students in athletics and across this university," say the Vetters.

"I have the pleasure of seeing Steve's and Debbie's commitment to our student-athletes up close," says John Montgomery, Executive Director of The Rams Club. "They believe deeply in providing opportunities for our student-athletes to lead lives of leadership and service. We thank them for continuing to provide educational and athletic opportunities to Carolina student-athletes."

University of North Carolina Athletics

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