To celebrate the UNC Board of Visitors’ 50th anniversary, we are sharing what it’s like to volunteer from the perspectives of past and present members.
This month, we chatted with Rick Margerison ’70, who served on the Board of Visitors from 2011 to 2015 and was chair of the board in 2015. Margerison was a scholarship recipient and first-generation college student who built a successful career in the energy services industry in Texas. He, his wife Leah, brother Ken, and sister-in-law Patty created three scholarship funds that support 19 students a year at Carolina. Margerison also served on the Regional Carolina First Steering Committee in 2008 and on the Carolina Alumni Board from 1997 to 2000. His two children graduated in 2001 and 2004 one one has a master’s from UNC-Chapel Hill.
BOV volunteers assist the Board of Trustees and the chancellor in a range of activities that advance the University. Margerison shares his experience as a BOV member in this Q&A.
Why did you volunteer for the Board of Visitors?
I had just retired from my full-time job and had the time, but more than that, I love UNC. I also think it is important to have board members representing all areas of the United States.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a BOV member?
UNC has many programs that I didn’t previously know existed. In 2014, for example, I didn’t even know what a genome was. And yet, UNC has this huge Genome Sciences Building that we toured and learned about. Also enriching for Leah and me were social hours where I met other alums, exchanged ideas and heard the chancellor’s perspective on various goals of the University. You learn about a lot of different initiatives you can support, if you are so inclined.
Did you learn about a program to support?
The big program for Leah and me has been need-based scholarships. My brother and I attended Carolina thanks to these scholarships. We were both Whitaker Scholars, and Whitaker Scholarships remain viable 55 years later for current students. Another program discussed at BOV meetings was the Carolina Covenant. Many alums don’t know that the University funds approximately 600 new Covenant Scholars each year, and each student has the potential to graduate with zero debt. The Covenant has recently established a career development program and “summer learning experiences” scholarships. These types of programs are vital to the post-graduate success of Covenant students and are currently funded strictly by generous contributors.
As the BOV celebrates 50 years, what is one thing you want everyone to know?
Seeing the work being done at UNC is inspiring. BOV members gain information and an increased appreciation for the significance and importance of the University’s programs. Every day, UNC is improving the future of not just the students, but all of North Carolina and society in general.
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