Leila Terzic selected as Cato Merit Scholar

Leila Terzic (BSBA ’19) of Waxhaw, North Carolina, was selected as the third recipient of the Wayland H. Cato, Jr. Merit Scholars Endowed Scholarship.

Terzic is a student in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Assured Admission Program, through which the School – in partnership with UNC Undergraduate Admissions – selects an exemplary group of first-year students for assured admission to the Undergraduate Business Program.

The scholarship was established by Wayland H. Cato Jr. (BSCOM ’44), who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in commerce and ranked in the top 3 percent of his class. Cato served in the U.S. Navy as commanding officer of a minesweeper in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Along with his father, he founded the Cato Corporation – a multi-state women’s apparel chain headquartered in Charlotte – in 1946. He was president of the company from 1960-93, CEO from 1968-99 and chairman from 1970-2003. In 2004 he became chairman emeritus and was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame. Among his other honors, Cato received the UNC Kenan-Flagler Leadership Award in 2007.

“Being named a Cato Scholar has made all the difference in the world to me,” says Terzic. “Rather than worrying about paying for school, I can focus solely on my education and other academic pursuits. I have the added benefit of knowing that someone believed in me enough to support my education, which propels me to do the best that I can.”

Terzic serves as counsel for the UNC Honor System, representing her classmates in both investigative and defensive capacities. She also plays a key role in attracting sponsors and recruiters to UNC Kenan-Flagler’s annual Undergraduate Business Symposium, the largest recruiting event on campus. Ultimately, she wants to pursue a career in corporate law.

“Being a Cato Scholar has changed my life, and I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the Assured Admission Program. I hope to one day be able to give back to the Cato Foundation and Carolina in as many ways as I possibly can.”

The scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students based upon academic merit and promise and was created for in-state first-years and sophomores who have been admitted into the Assured Admission Program and intend to enroll at UNC Kenan-Flagler. It also can be awarded to juniors and/or seniors currently enrolled in the Business School.

The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, books and course-related supplies, and academic enrichment activities.

“At UNC Kenan-Flagler, we are committed to helping high-quality students excel,” says Doug Shackelford, dean and Meade H. Willis Distinguished Professor of Taxation. “Mr. Cato’s endowment continues to serve as a vital source of support as we work to achieve this important goal.”