The university announced the establishment of the Wilma W. Daniels Distinguished Lecture Promoting Diversity & Tolerance on August 23, 2012. Former NBA star and successful businessman Magic Johnson was named keynote speaker.

Mr. Johnson spoke to a packed audience of local middle schoolers and college students in Trask Coliseum on October 11. The lecture was part of a week-long celebration and study of diversity.

Wilma W. Daniels, chair of the UNCW Board of Trustees and local businesswoman, funded the inaugural lecture as a gift to the university. The Wilma W. Daniels Lecture Promoting Diversity & Tolerance series is an ongoing partnership between the Daniels family and UNCW.

Magic Johnson event in UNCW Board of Trustees meeting minutes, October 26, 2012