October 2, 2025 | Emily Reier ’28
When Tyler Hartman ’26 arrived at UNC Wilmington as a first-year student in 2022, he was setting out on a path uniquely his own. A journey shaped by curiosity, opportunity and a strong desire to grow outside his comfort zone. What he didn’t know then was that just a few years later, his younger siblings, Colby ’28 and McKenna ’29, would be walking the same campus.
Now, with all three siblings enrolled and thriving at UNCW, the Hartman family has become an example of how a university experience – supported by scholarships, enriched by community and shared among family – can evolve into something even more meaningful.
“We never imagined it,” said Pamela Hartman, mother of the three siblings. “I hadn’t even been to Wilmington before we first toured with Tyler. But once we saw the campus, the atmosphere, the vibe – smaller, more personal – it just felt right."
“All three kids had different journeys to get here,” added their father, Todd Hartman. “We gave them the freedom to choose their own schools, and somehow, they all ended up here. That really speaks to something special about UNCW.”
Though pursuing their different majors – Tyler in Business Administration, Colby in Communication Studies, and McKenna in Environmental Science – the Hartmans have all found a sense of belonging at UNCW. Whether it’s cheering at basketball games, walking campus during a rare snowfall or riding the Ferris wheel at HawkFest, the siblings are making memories far beyond the classroom.
"I don’t know too many people who have all their siblings at one university, so I think that’s unique,” Colby said.
Each sibling is carving out their own space. Colby’s found his footing in clubs like the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) and Flicker Film Society. He says campus events, from concerts to comedy shows, have made a lasting impact. “He likes more of the hands-on, the support, behind the scenes with the camera and that kinda thing,” said Pamela. “He’s even been an extra in a couple movies down here in Wilmington, so we hit all the sites whenever we come down, filming locations and all that.”
McKenna, just starting her first year, is already diving into campus life. “I’ve met a lot of new people,” she said. “I’m excited for the beach, the sporting events and joining clubs.” No stranger to UNCW, she has attended Family Weekend for years as a guest, and now she’s experiencing it from the other side. “This will be my fourth time going, but my first as a student. That’s really special,” McKenna said.
One of her most memorable moments came before she even enrolled.
“We had just finished her tour and stopped at Chick-fil-A for lunch,” Todd recalled. “I saw the chancellor and told McKenna, ‘I’m going to go talk to him,’ and she said, ‘No no no, don’t talk to him!’” he laughed. “But I went up and introduced us and mentioned our two sons were already students here, and our daughter had just toured. He was excited, came right over to our table and talked with her.”
“She still talks about that moment,” said Pamela. “That’s the kind of place this is: where the chancellor takes time to welcome a potential future Seahawk,” said Todd.
As the oldest, Tyler was the first to take the leap. He chose UNCW for its Honors College, drawn by smaller class sizes and the opportunity to study abroad — something he’s taken full advantage of, with programs in Iceland, Germany and London. “The Honors College offers even more options on top of what UNCW already has,” Tyler said. “That was something I really wanted to take advantage of.” Now, he’s beginning his Honors thesis, an experience he says is both challenging and rewarding. “You get to choose what you want to research, and I really enjoy that,” Tyler said. “It’s helped me connect more deeply with professors and dig into topics that matter to me.”
Tyler is also quick to credit scholarships for making his experience possible. “It’s taken off a lot of the financial burden,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful to donors for having enough faith in me to support me. That means a lot.”
He’s even had the chance to meet one of his scholarship donors. “They were very kind. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
“It’s not just about the financial support,” said Todd. “It’s validation. Recognition of what he’s accomplished. And it’s allowed him to have more flexibility, especially with study abroad.”
Looking ahead, Tyler hopes to give back. “I’d love to one day have my own scholarship here and help keep it going.”
More than anything, the Hartmans value the time they’ve been given to share this chapter of life together. “It makes me really happy that they’re here,” McKenna said. “I know I’m going to look back and be glad I came here with them.”
For Pamela, knowing her kids are supported matters most. “I appreciate the support network here,” she said. “I really feel like they care about the students. Our kids are a bit introverted, and I was nervous at first, but it’s been such a smooth transition. When we go home, I feel good knowing they’re okay.”
Todd agreed. “At Tyler’s orientation, you could tell right away: this wasn’t just for show. The people here care. It came across on stage then, and over time we’ve seen it’s absolutely true.”
Today, with all three children at UNCW, the Hartmans are proud of the legacy taking shape. “They’ve all developed a real connection here,” Pamela said. “It’s just different from other schools. They feel at home.”
“They all want to keep their roots in North Carolina,” Todd added. “We really see this as the start of something special. Someday, maybe they’ll bring their own families back here.”
The Hartmans’ legacy isn’t just about attending the same school; it’s about building something lasting together.
Hear from the Hartmans in this .
We love celebrating Seahawks who are making UNCW a family tradition! A UNCW Legacy is a student with a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling or spouse who has attended or is currently attending UNCW. On average, about 14% of UNCW's incoming first-year students are legacies. Have your own family story to share? Get in touch!