Hawk Hands: Kiernan Kovac ’26
Student ambassadors embody the values and mission of the university through their community engagement. The Alumni Ambassadors at UNCW are no exception as they are catalysts for campus life and advancement. These students are committed to UNCW’s success and will soar high after graduation. Kiernan Kovac is one of these ambassadors and has made a positive impact at UNCW. Read below to learn more about his experience.
ABOUT YOU
- Name: Kiernan Kovac
- Class Year: Junior
- Major: International Business and Spanish, with a minor in Pre-Law
- College: Cameron School of Business
- Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
YOUR SEAHAWK EXPERIENCE
Why did you choose to attend UNCW?
- I liked the international business program that allowed me to combine both my passions for business and Spanish into one study. The school also fosters a relaxed and welcoming culture.
What does it mean to you to be a Seahawk?
- Being a Seahawk means to represent my school academically and culturally through my passions and identity. One major way I do this is through Student Ambassadors, where I strive to be an involved member of my university and help engage my peers through school spirit.
What is your favorite place on campus?
- I like the Seahawk statue in front of the Hoggard Hall lawn.
What campus student organizations are you part of (outside of Ambassadors)?
- I am involved in the Honors College, UNCW Club Hockey, Sigma Delta Pi – Spanish National Collegiate Honor Society, Theta Chi Fraternity, International Business Student Association, and the First-Year Research Experience Program (FYRE).
What is an accomplishment at UNCW that you are proud of?
- I am proud of my bicycle rental business, Wallace Wheels. I work with the UNCW Parking and Transportation Services to collect unused bicycles for donation to the United Service Organizations (USO) that supports service members and their families through various means.
How do you balance your work/school responsibilities with your personal life?
- Incorporating my personal passions into professional responsibilities helped create a purpose in my obligations. For example, I combined my passion for repair work and bicycles into a rental business by Wrightsville Beach and surrounding areas. Furthermore, I combined my love for UNCW and academic development by becoming a Student Ambassador, being at the forefront of many major events and celebrations. By combining my passions with my professional career, it gives me a purpose and fulfillment to succeed in those areas.
How have you grown during your time at UNCW?
- I have grown into myself as a person, becoming more confident of what I want to pursue in my life professionally.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
- I hope to be a business owner in Wilmington in the bicycle rental industry – employing my international business and Spanish background to grow my expertise and experience.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
- Trust the process, as hard as it may be. Things will work out in the end if you set your mind to it with patience.
What advice do you have for students looking to be involved on campus?
- I recommend becoming involved right away. Many of the student organizations offer avenues to develop and advance within them, creating valuable leadership and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals and peers.
YOUR AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE
Why did you decide to become an Ambassador with the Division of Advancement?
- I was a Student Ambassador for my high school, where I promoted school spirit and helped familiarize freshmen with the school through a mentoring program. I wanted to continue that type of school representation at UNCW and work with the university to facilitate engaging events like I did at my high school.
What is an accomplishment with the Ambassadors that you are most proud of?
- I am grateful for the opportunity to attend university board meetings and personally witness the prospering impact philanthropic events and projects of Ambassadors has had on the university.
How has being an Ambassador set you up for success after graduation?
- Student Ambassadors has connected me with a group of like-minded individuals that share my passion for academic and professional development. It has also connected me with many professionals within the Wilmington community that have served as mentors throughout my time at UNCW, and created lasting relationships that will continue outside of school.
What advice would you share with your peers about getting involved with Advancement events and campaigns?
- Getting involved with University Advancement events familiarizes you with the engaging culture and behind the scenes operations of UNCW, as well as the people who make our educational and college experiences possible. Becoming involved with advanced events really connects you to the university and its purpose as an educational institution.
What has being an Ambassador taught you about philanthropy and giving back to UNCW (through time, talent & treasure)?
- Being an Ambassador has personally and tangibly shown me the meaningful impact philanthropy has on organizations and institutions, like UNCW. It is such a fulfilling experience that has developed both my character and the projects we contribute to.