In Feb. 2025, UNCW received a $25 million donation from Dr. Yousry Sayed, a former faculty member and researcher, and Linda Sayed, an alumnus, to expand Watson’s education program and the CSE and CHHS’s healthcare accessibly and initiatives.  

The Sayeds have been active and involved with UNCW for six decades. The couple’s donation marks the largest monetary gift in UNCW’s history as an institution, but it’s not their first philanthropic engagement. In 2017, the Sayed’s donated $5 million to chemistry programs and pharmaceutical sciences, which was also the largest monetary gift given at the time.  

“They have continued to contribute their time, talent, and treasure,” stated Missy Kennedy, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, on behalf of the Sayeds. “The Sayeds have witnessed UNCW’s growth and rising reputation, seeing how philanthropic investments expand the university’s reach.” 

Kennedy explains the aim of the gift within healthcare fields is to support medical and clinical education, enhance privately funded scholarships and the development of an academic health science center to make students “highly marketable in the workforce.” Twenty million of the donation will go toward these efforts, as “students in these programs will be on the front lines of developing treatments, therapies and healthcare advancements that will enhance public health within the region,” Kennedy said. 

The other $5 million is distributed to educational programming like recruiting prospective teachers, as well as for professionals wishing to transition into careers in education. On behalf of University Advancement, Kennedy states the team is “deeply grateful” for the kindness and generosity of the Sayeds donation. Kennedy concluded, “With a growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare and education in North Carolina, their gift will help UNCW address these pressing needs.”  

For more information, visit OUR’s official report.