Stacie Young ’98, senior director of donor relations, has spent her entire adult life at UNC Charlotte. This November, she’ll celebrate 25 years as a staff member. Learn about her role, how her children inspire her, and why state employees should consider supporting the SECC/ASC Campaign.
Can you describe your role at UNC Charlotte?
I serve as the senior director of donor relations in the Division of University Advancement. Our donor relations team is charged with acknowledging and stewarding all philanthropic gifts to UNC Charlotte while working to ensure all donors experience high-quality, impactful interactions that foster long-term engagement with our institution. I enjoy my job and appreciate working with wonderful colleagues who truly care about the work we do every day.
How have you seen UNC Charlotte change over the years?
When I arrived as a freshman, there were only about 15,000 students, the Belk Tower marked the center of campus and the engineering campus didn’t exist. Oh, and there was no football! I lived in Holshouser Hall as a freshman, and then at Hunt Village as a sophomore, which no longer exists either. It’s been amazing to see our campus thrive and grow into the powerhouse it is today.
What are three words to describe UNC Charlotte?
Three words to describe UNC Charlotte are opportunity, pride and home!
How has your family been involved in UNC Charlotte?
My daughter is a second-year student studying finance and accounting, so we’re a legacy family. She lives on campus and is finding that Charlotte is her home away from home. The pride I have is immeasurable. To be able to share my alma mater with her is amazing. I can’t wait for her to join me as an alumna!
What is your favorite fall activity?
My family enjoys spending time in the mountains during the autumn months. We also host an annual weenie roast every October for our extended family. We eat, fellowship and enjoy hayrides together.
What place should everyone visit on campus?
UNC Charlotte’s entire campus is beautiful. It was the first thing that caught my eye when I visited as a prospective student for the first time in 1994. The landscaping, trees, flowers and lakes just made me feel at home.
Who inspires you the most?
I think my children inspire me the most because they are truly my pride and joy. My son is 21, and my daughter is 19. I want to be the best person I can be every day because of the joy they bring to my life. As a parent, I’ve worked hard to be the best role model I can be and when I look at them, I literally overflow with pride! They remind me to take the time to be carefree, be spontaneous and to have fun.
Why do you give to the SECC/ASC Campaign?
Giving back and serving others is extremely important to me and my family. The SECC/ASC Campaign here on campus provides me with a convenient opportunity to support local charities and organizations in my own community.
Why is it important for state employees to support the SECC/ASC Campaign?
Collectively, we can make a major impact on the Arts & Science Council and the many organizations that make up the State Employees Combined Campaign. I think some faculty and staff feel as though their small gift won’t make a difference, but that’s simply not true. The SECC/ASC Campaign gives us a chance to make a difference together.