Sep. 10, 2024 | SaJorden Miller
Rhonda '88 (above, second-left) and Lloyd '88 Hinnant's (above, leftmost) lifelong connection to UNCW began as students and continues today as alumni and proud Seahawk parents. Their story reflects a deep commitment to the university and its future.
They reflect on their Seahawk experience in this latest Hawk's Eye View.
Rhonda and Lloyd's connection to UNCW began long before their daughter, Margo (above, second-right), became a Seahawk. Lloyd serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and both he and Rhonda are members of the Parents Council, reflecting their deep commitment to the university that has shaped their lives.
Rhonda transferred to UNCW from upstate New York, drawn to the university by its beautiful campus, ideal size, and strong academic programs. She quickly found her place, living in on-campus apartments and joining clubs that made her feel like part of the Seahawk family.
For Rhonda, the welcoming atmosphere and the personal connections with fellow students and professors enriched her college experience. "The professors cared about their students," she recalls, "One of my professors had a banking background, which opened my mind to a career in banking."
Lloyd's journey at UNCW took a different path. He chose the university for its forward-thinking approach to technology - while other schools still used punch cards for computer science, UNCW had moved ahead. The beach nearby was an added bonus. Lloyd quickly immersed himself in campus life, joining student government and helping to establish the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. The late Pat Leonard, former Dean of Students, was a significant influence on him and many others. Lloyd fondly recalls, "She made UNCW great, there's no doubt about that." Reflecting on his time, he credits the small class sizes and strong faculty support for shaping his successful career.
Lloyd and Rhonda met during their junior year while heading to a North Carolina Student Legislature event. From that first meeting, a friendship blossomed, eventually turning into something more. These two married in the spring of 1991.
As alumni and parents, they take pride in staying connected. Rhonda enjoys the vibrant community of parents and alumni, regularly participating in events from parent socials to cheering on the Seahawks. For Lloyd, witnessing the growth of the university brings a sense of pride, having been involved in the early planning stages of the Burney Center during his student years.
"The opportunities students have now are so exciting," Lloyd says. "It's amazing to see how UNCW continues to evolve."
Their advice to other parents is simple: stay connected and get involved. "It's a way to appreciate the opportunities your student is getting," Rhonda says. "Sometimes parents can encourage their students to take that next leap." Their connection to UNCW has not only enriched their own lives but also allowed them to support the next generation of Seahawks. We give because we love the university and see the investment in students," she adds. "It's about enhancing the future generation."
Being part of the alumni board has given Lloyd a chance to connect with different generations of Seahawks and keep the university's legacy alive. For Rhonda, attending parent socials and other alumni events has been an opportunity to stay connected with UNCW leadership and help other parents along their journey.
The fact that their daughter is also a Seahawk brings them immense joy. While they didn't want to sway Margo's decision on where to go to school, they secretly hoped she would choose UNCW.
Lloyd recalls, "On student acceptance day, after the tour, Margo said, 'Yeah, I could see myself going here.' We looked at each other, trying not to make a big deal, but we were bursting with excitement." With Margo becoming a UNCW legacy and strengthening their family's Seahawk tradition, the couple couldn't be more proud.
In their words, "We don't understand why anyone wouldn't choose UNCW. But that's just our bias."