Philip Brown

Four individuals were recognized by UNCW with honors as university graduates and supporters, according to a news release.

"The UNCW Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize extraordinary achievement, outstanding character and exemplary service to the university and community," stated the release.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington award recipients are: Philip Brown, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; Courtney Rickert, Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year; Wilbur Jones, Distinguished Citizen of the Year; and Edelmira Segovia, the first recipient of the Distinguished Diversity Award.

The Distinguished Diversity Award, a new honor this year, recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions in the areas of diversity, equity, access, inclusion and social justice.

The awardees were recognized during the university's virtual homecoming celebration this month.

“In a year like no other, this year’s recipients have gone above and beyond. Greatness is woven into the fabric of their being and it shows in their everyday work,” said Lindsay LeRoy, executive director of the Alumni Association, in the release. “The association’s Awards and Scholarship Committee had their work cut out for them as nominations for this year’s distinguished awards were at an all-time high.

"We couldn’t be happier to recognize each of these individual's accomplishments for their impact on the lives around them and will be forever grateful for their enrichment of UNCW.”