5 minute read
WHEN GRIEF BECOMES ART
Photo credit: Left Side Up Films LLC
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By Susan Finley
Combining elements of narrative, documentary and visual poetry to explore questions of how to fully live, Betsy Bertram, a student in Watson College’s Elementary Education extension program, recently created a featurelength documentary with filmmaker Matthew Chenet. The film, “Captain Scott B and the Great Adventure,” is about Betsy's journey through grief after losing her father in 2017. It premiered at the Carrboro Film Festival in November. Bertram wrote and co-produced the film, which examines how to cultivate a deep connection with the natural world, and, above all, how to enjoy the brief and wondrous time we spend on this planet. “When we started this project four years ago, we had no idea what we were headed towards as a world. I feel that in the time of COVID, there has never been a more important time to talk about grief and loss, and how we move through it and reconnect with joy,” Bertram said. “The film is my way of turning grief into art. It captures the beauty of North Carolina and tells a story about the ingredients that make life worth living which my dad instilled in me… family, community, music, food and nature. The film is a culmination of my writing, Matt’s vision and my dad’s wild camera footage. It’s an homage to the importance of adventure, a quest for the remembrance of everyday magic and a reflection on the meaning of a life well-lived.” Bertram’s experiences in developing the film led her to enroll in WCE’s elementary education program in 2021. “With my teaching degree, I hope to bring an outdoor, nature-based learning program into the public education system to offer all children the opportunity to connect with the natural world.” Captain Scott B and the Great Adventure’s universal message around grief, loss and resilience brings people together in a collective, healing experience that reminds us to seek the wonder in the present moment. To learn more, visit captainscottb.com.
Dr. Charles J. Hardy, CHHS Founding Dean, Transitions from Administration to Faculty
Founding Dean Charles J. Hardy has decided to step away from the role of dean of the College of Health and Human Services and transition to the faculty. Following a robust and distinguished 39-year career in higher education across three institutions, Dr. Hardy is looking forward to shifting his focus from the executive leadership of the college and is enthusiastic about returning to his roots in the classroom. “Being part of building a community around health and human services has just been a joy,” Dr. Hardy said. “It really doesn’t seem like work. It seems like a purpose, a passion, a calling. We are always focused on our vision of enhancing the health and quality of life of individuals, families and communities in this region. To have grown up in southeastern North Carolina and be able to come back, lead and make a difference…it’s been incredibly humbling to be a part of the journey.”
Dr. Justine Reel, associate dean and professor in the College of Health and Human Services, will serve as the interim dean for CHHS for the 2022-23 academic year, beginning July 1, 2022.
– Megan Kauzlaric
SEAHAWKS GIVE SUCCESS
A tradition nine years strong, Seahawks Give proved to be another success for the UNCW community. In just 24 hours, from noon April 5 – noon April 6, 1,842 donors – alumni, students, parents, friends and employees – showed their support during the annual tradition. In support of Seahawks across campus, including student organizations, sports clubs, student-athletes, academic areas and unrestricted funds, $294,424 was raised. The dollar amount was the second highest in event history and more than $600,000 has been raised during the last two years alone.
Each gift counted towards Like No Other: The Campaign for UNCW and helps develop future leaders who will put their UNCW education to work here in southeastern North Carolina and beyond. Thank you to our dedicated alumni, students, parents, employees and friends. Without you, these results would not be possible.
– Sarah Fetters
Athletics Roundup
• Seahawks soared to win the school’s first postseason title in men's basketball at the CBI Championship. • The men’s tennis team captured
UNCW’s eighth CAA conference title in the last 13 years. • Four Seahawks earned major Colonial
Athletic Association honors in swimming and diving. Freshman Nic Newis and
Courtney Klausen, a junior, were honored as the league's divers of the year, while freshmen Sam O'Brien and Katie Knorr were recognized as the Rookie Swimmers of the Year for the men and women, respectively. • Head Swimming and Diving Coach
Bobby Guntoro was honored as the
Coach of the Year at the CAA meet after leading the Seahawk men to their 14th conference title; their first since 2012. Diving Coach Beau Bunn was recognized as the league’s
Diving Coach of the Year on both the men's and women’s sides.
• The beach volleyball team set a school record with 25 victories and advanced to the semifinals of the
ASUN Tournament.
Read more Athletics news at uncwsports.com Seahawks Retire Cacok’s Jersey on Special Night
Devontae Cacok, UNCW’s record-setting basketball star who has taken up residence with the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association, was back on campus on Feb. 19 for a special reason: to have his No. 15 raised to the rafters.
Cacok took his place among the school’s hoops immortals following a four-year career from 2015-19 and departing as the school’s all-time leading rebounder and fourth leading scorer. Cacok became the fifth Seahawk to have his jersey retired, joining John Goldsberry, Brett Blizzard, Bill Mayew and Brian Rowsom as Seahawk luminaries.
“Devontae is so deserving of this honor, and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” said UNCW Head Coach Takayo Siddle. “He’s always had a relentless work ethic and strives to get better every time he walks on the court.”
“I’m thankful for all of the people who helped me get to this point,” Cacok said. “I was blessed to have a support system of coaches, family, friends, and all of you right here. This couldn’t happen without you.”
– J.B.
