Alumni leaders honored

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School honored five alumni at its 26th annual Alumni Awards ceremony in September. The awards recognize members of the UNC Kenan-Flagler community who exemplify the School’s core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation and impact.

“There is much to be proud of, and much to look forward to,” Dean Mary Margaret Frank (BSBA ’92, MAC ’92, PhD ’99) said. “With the opening of Steven D. Bell Hall on the horizon, we are entering an exciting chapter. The continued involvement and support of our alumni help ensure that our students are prepared to lead in a changing world.”

George Dean “Geordy” Johnson III (MBA ’13) received the Dwight W. Anderson Young Alumni Award. Johnson is CEO of The Johnson Group, a private multi-division enterprise in Spartanburg, South Carolina, focused on long-term growth and value creation for all stakeholders. He serves on the advisory board of the Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies.

Meredith S. Friga (BSBA ’99, MAC ’00) received the Merit Award. Friga is an assurance partner with Ernst & Young LLP, based in the firm’s Raleigh, North Carolina office. She is an engaged alumna on the UNC Kenan-Flagler Board and supports the School’s mission and alumni community. She is also involved with 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

Hall of Fame Awards were presented to:

• Steven D. Bell (BA ’67), founder and chairman emeritus of Bell Partners. Bell previously served on the UNC Kenan-Flagler Board and established the Steven D. Bell and Leonard W. Wood Distinguished Professorship in Real Estate. In 2020, he pledged $26 million to build the Business School’s new building, named Steven D. Bell Hall in his honor.
• Hugh L. McColl Jr. (BSBA ’57), retired chairman of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Board and CEO of Bank of America. In addition to serving on numerous university boards, McColl has funded faculty positions, scholarships and fellowships. In 1997, UNC Kenan-Flagler named its then-new building the McColl Building in recognition of his support.
• William G. Seymour (BSBA ’64), founder and chairman of Primax Properties LLC, a Charlotte-based real estate investment company specializing in commercial and retail projects nationwide. Seymour serves on the UNC Kenan-Flagler Board and has been recognized with multiple alumni awards over the years.