Christopher and Laura Tew, both UNCG alumni from the Class of 1969, met as students on campus and have remained deeply committed alumni throughout their lives.
They recently established the Laura Braxton Tew and Christopher C. Tew Ignite Transdisciplinary Research Spending Fund in UNCG’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). The fund is bolstering research networks across disciplines to spark new scholarly partnerships. It supports collaborative teams and will develop new scientific approaches to tackle cultural, scientific, and social challenges.
The couple, who met while learning in “Herr” Martin Kade’s German language class in the winter of 1966, explain what prompted them to create this new fund.
“This wonderful idea was shared with us as we were considering how we could support the College of Arts and Sciences,” Laura Tew says. “The transdisciplinary research fund allows faculty and student researchers to knit together ideas with opportunities using resources from areas outside the expertise of individuals, epitomizing the Minerva ideal of UNCG’s enduring symbol.”
The Tews said the fund highlights the leadership and significance of UNCG’s College of Arts and Sciences. “We are both beneficiaries of different departments in the college,” says Christopher Tew. “Our friends from the Class of ’69 have shared with us their memories and the influence of faculty and staff. Certainly, the Ignite Research Fund will allow those in other UNCG colleges and schools to be included and to know that we all belong.”
The couple can also see how the fund will stimulate research initiatives at UNCG, benefiting North Carolina, its communities, and beyond.
“For both of us, helping UNCG in its aspirations toward R1 designation is important,” says Laura Tew. “While our gift is small compared to the massive needs for research funding, we hope to inspire others to contribute to the efforts toward reaching higher goals of scholarship and recognition.
“UNCG’s influence across the state and region has always been significant. Our fellow alums have shown their support as evidenced by the size of the UNCG endowment. As we join together to give back, we also sustain an institution that gives forward and touches millions.”
“We want our recurring gift to contribute to at least 10 years of sustained support,” says Christopher Tew. “We want to see that supportive network grow and include others.”
Dean Kelly Joyce sees the Tew’s gift as a catalyst for further discovery. “This will spur new, transdisciplinary research that will both answer important questions and provide the data and research networks needed for faculty to apply for large-scale funding,” Dean Joyce notes. “Such support is vital to UNCG’s research mission.”
“So many have come before us,” Laura Tew says. “It is awe-inspiring to realize the level of alumni support over the generations. How could we not be a part of that culture and tradition?”
Christopher Tew agrees. “We both recall how each semester, as students, we were challenged to meet the financial demands of the next semester, mostly by working whatever jobs were available. Dr.(Walter) Puterbaugh’s chemistry department found the funds for Laura to work as a lab assistant and then to be part of a funded research team. We did not know then where that financial support came from. Now we know.”
By: Jo Carol Torrez
Photography: Michael Watson
