Recognizing Outstanding Kenan-Flagler Alumni

UNC Kenan-Flagler recognized six outstanding alumni at its eighth annual Alumni Association Awards ceremony last November.

“Tonight, we recognize and celebrate the alumni who have distinguished themselves through achievement in their careers and their contributions to the broader community,” said Dean Steve Jones. “Their success is an honor to the school and the faculty and staff who played a part in their education.”

• R. Charles Loudermilk Sr. (BSBA ’50), chairman and CEO of Aaron Rents Inc., received the Business School Leadership Award, which recognizes an alumnus who demonstrates exceptional achievement in a career field, personal endeavor or service to UNC Kenan-Flagler.
• John D. Kasarda (PhD ’71), director of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Kenan Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at UNC Kenan-Flagler, received the Global Leadership Award, which honors an alumnus or friend of the school whose global participation and initiative advance the school’s education, research and public service mission.

• Thomas M. Belk Jr. (MBA ’81), chairman and CEO of Belk Inc., received the MBA Alumni Merit Award.
• William N. Starling (BSBA ’75), CEO of Synecor LLC, received the BSBA Alumni Merit Award.
• Valerie M. Parisi (EMBA ’04), Thomas N. and Gleaves James Distinguished Chair and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, received the Executive MBA Alumni Merit Award.
• Philip D. Ameen (BSBA ’69), principal accounting officer and vice president and comptroller at GE Capital, received the Master of Accounting Alumni Merit Award.