Like many Seahawks, the sun, sand and surf initially inspired Hugh ’85 and Nan ’83 Caison to attend UNCW – and like many Seahawks, they quickly realized what a special place the university is. Now, more than 40 years after first setting foot on campus, they are impacting current and future generations of Seahawks through their unwavering commitment to the campus community as alumni leaders, volunteers and philanthropists.
With a great passion to give back to the school that gave so much to them, both Hugh and Nan have been actively contributing their time, talent and treasure to various areas of campus for more than two decades. Hugh currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees – a position he was first appointed to in 2021 and reappointed to in 2023 (serving through 2027). Nan is the current President of the Friends of UNCW Board of Directors and has served as a member since 2016.
Hugh and Nan Caison alongside the plaque dedicated to them at Caison Crossing. Photo Credit: Michael Spencer
“The university was just really good to us,” said Hugh. “It’s where we all started and at the end of the day you want to give back to the things that have impacted you.”
In addition to their volunteer service, Hugh and Nan have been active donors for more than 30 years. They annually support the UNCW Men’s Basketball Support Fund, the Friends of UNCW Support Fund, and the Board of Trustees Endowed Scholarship. Recently, they made a significant unrestricted gift to support the university’s greatest needs and opportunities.
“This is a very special place because of the people who have poured their spirit into making the UNCW experience truly remarkable,” said Hugh. “How were you affected by your degree and by your experience is personal – and the more personal it is the more likely you are to do something about it.”
In recognition of their steadfast support, students will now be able to follow in the Caison’s footsteps by walking across Caison Crossing, a pedestrian bridge connecting the Shoreline Sports Complex with the Chancellor’s Walk. Dedicated to the Caison’s in October 2024, the bridge honors their loyal support and volunteer service to their alma mater.
“It’s often said that a university is only as strong as its alumni,” said Carlton Fisher ’83, the Caison’s close friend and Chair of the UNCW Board of Trustees. “The bridge is symbolic of student life – connecting where students live, study and play. It symbolizes a link between UNCW’s past and future and the ways in which today’s students are influenced by those who came before them.”
The Caison’s are honored to have Caison Crossing serve as a lasting legacy in recognition of their support of UNCW– a legacy that has become a family affair with one of their daughters graduating in 2019 and a handful of nieces and nephews now alumni as well.
“We are proud to welcome everyone to walk across Caison Crossing and hope that this gift will be seen as a testament to our love for UNCW,” said Hugh.
Hugh and Nan encourage alumni to come back and give back to UNCW. “If you’re in Wilmington and you’re not involved, it’s a missed opportunity,” said Nan, sharing that involvement can include attending events, volunteering or making a donation of any amount. “Just to see everything available to the community is what makes me want to get the word out and encourage people to plug into the university.
View the Caison Crossing Dedication photo gallery to see all the highlights from the special recognition event.
To learn more about how you can support UNCW and impact the Seahawk student experience, visit giving.uncw.edu. Additionally, explore the alumni events calendar and volunteer opportunities to start making plans to get involved.