First UNCW Commencement in Air-Conditioned Trask Coliseum, May 14, 1983
Thanks to a fund-raising project, commencement got a lot cooler.
Trask Coliseum was constructed in 1978 and it did not get air conditioning until 1983. State policy prohibited the use of state funds for air conditioning in sports coliseums. Private donations paid for the $385,000 project. Fundraisers included a chowder contest and a Hank Williams Jr., benefit concert.
The speaker for the 34th commencement program--the first one with air conditioning--was distinguished educator Dr. Stephen J. Wright. He was the first African American commencement speaker at UNCW. Renowned artist and founder of the art department, Claude Howell, received the honorary doctorate.
Read more:
Chancellor Wagoner honors donors to Trask air conditioning fund, Seahawk newspaper, Feb. 10, 1983