UNCW prepares its students to spread their wings and take flight beyond the nest. As Seahawks, we take pride in celebrating our alumni who continue to make an impact at UNCW as well as in their local, regional, national, and international communities. Through active involvement and engagement with the UNCW Alumni Association — as well as attending events; networking with students and alumni; and giving back with their time, talents, and treasures — the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are no exception.
Join the UNCW Alumni Association in honoring our 2025 award honorees, including Robert Abbotts '85, Distinguished Alumnus; Lauren Shackelton Hillen Engel '14, Distinguished Young Alumna; Mary Claire (MC) Curran '11, Distinguished Citizen; and John Scholz '84, Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion honoree.
Explore below to learn more about our Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion honoree, John Scholz '84.
John Scholz is currently the operations manager for Anil Mohin, MD, where he oversees various operational aspects and ensures the smooth functioning of the practice. His career includes significant roles in the entertainment industry, having worked as a contracts manager for Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios. He also has experience as an entertainment journalist, contributing to various media outlets.
Scholz has served as the membership chair and secretary for the Valley Business Alliance, where he was recognized with a leadership award. For over 10 years, he volunteered as a lifeline counselor for The Trevor Project, providing support to LGBTQIA youth. He has served on the UNCW Board of Visitors and is a patron of the Mohin-Scholz LGBTQIA Resource Center. As a student, he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, which reinforced his commitment to giving back to the community.
His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Service Appreciation Award from The Trevor Project and multiple doubles champion titles from the Los Angeles Tennis Association.
After earning a bachelor’s in business management from UNCW in 1984, he later pursued graduate studies in journalism and screenwriting at UCLA. He credits his success to the support and encouragement of UNCW faculty and staff members. Their guidance and the inclusive environment at UNCW played a crucial role in shaping his career and personal values.
“The minute I stepped on the campus of UNCW, I knew it was a very special place," said Scholz. "I feel so lucky to have found such an accepting place that allowed me to grow and learn at a time in my life that I needed it the most. In addition to the support I received in the business school and the organizations there, I also credit the service fraternity I joined, Alpha Phi Omega.”
Learn more about all 2025 honorees, qualifications for awards, and more at alumni.uncw.edu/awards. The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Reception will be hosted on Saturday, June 7, as part of the second annual Weekend in Wilmington — registration is now open.