Linda Sayed ’78, ’85M will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during UNCW’s Spring 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony, the university announced today.
An honorary degree is the highest accolade the university can bestow on an individual. Sayed was nominated for an honorary degree for her impactful contributions to the university, the Wilmington community and the state.
“While she is deserving for numerous reasons, this nomination highlights her ongoing philanthropic efforts that significantly advance UNCW, particularly in the areas of healthcare and workforce development,” stated UNCW Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James J. Winebrake, who nominated Sayed for the special recognition.
The nomination, which was supported by Chancellor Aswani K. Volety, was approved by the Faculty Senate and the UNCW Board of Trustees.
UNCW received a $25 million gift commitment from Sayed and her husband, Dr. Yousry Sayed, to support healthcare initiatives and teacher recruitment and retention. The transformative commitment allocates $20 million over five years for the advancement of UNCW’s programs in medical education, clinical care, research and healthcare accessibility, supporting a wide range of healthcare professional workforce programs and research initiatives. Additionally, $5 million is designated to programs to recruit prospective teachers. A portion of this funding will support scholarships for individuals transitioning to a teaching career.
In 2017, the Sayeds committed a $5 million gift to UNCW to support pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry programs. At the time, it was the largest philanthropic gift in the university’s history. Their contributions have endowed funds to support undergraduate scholarships, internships, graduate fellowships, post-doctoral scholars, instrumentation and two new distinguished professorships.
“Linda’s commitment to developing the healthcare and education workforce directly addresses critical state needs,” said Winebrake. “The North Carolina Healthcare Association predicts a shortage of more than 9,000 registered nurses by 2030. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reports a rising teacher attrition rate of over 11 percent— 15 percent for beginning teachers—threatening the placement of a licensed teacher in every classroom. The Sayeds’ gift will play a critical role in helping UNCW meet these challenges by investing in future generations of students.”
Sayed, a 2024 Distinguished Alumna of the Year, is a North Carolina Certified Family Law Specialist. She has been a partner at Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP, in Wilmington since 2005. Previously, she worked as an associate attorney with Ward & Smith, P.A., taught chemistry at John T. Hoggard High School and UNCW and served as an assistant principal with New Hanover County Schools. She is a member of several organizations, including the UNCW Foundation Board, UNCW Society (Visionary Level), Clocktower Society and Wilmington Society (Platinum Level). She gave a commencement address at UNCW in 2023.
“Linda Sayed has worked tirelessly throughout her life to advance and support education at every level. As a first-generation college graduate, she fundamentally understands how learning opportunities enhance individual lives and empower communities,” said Chancellor Volety. “By presenting this honorary doctorate, UNCW gratefully acknowledges her many contributions to advance the university’s mission.”
