By Tony Terrell
WCHL Reporter 

In addition to Governor Perdue’s keynote address, University Day also marked a time to recognize some of the school's most respected and accomplished alumni.

Chancellor Holden Thorp spoke about the many alumni of UNC at the University Day Ceremony earlier today.  Since 1971, the faculty has presented the Distinguished Alumna and Alumnus Awards on University Day to recognize those Tar Heels who have made outstanding contributions to humanity.

This year, five graduates were recognized for their contributions including biomedical engineering expert Janie Fouke, founder of the first private university in Ecuador, Santiago Gangotena, newspaper publisher Walter Hussman, and William Little, former chair of UNC’s chemistry department.  Recognition was also paid to one of UNC’s most recognizable and respected athletes, Mia Hamm.

In conjunction with University Day, Chancellor Thorpe also put out an address to the UNC family reflecting on the University’s accomplishments over the past year and highlighting some of the things to look forward to in the future. Video from his address can be viewed on the university’s YouTube channel.