September 24 Press Conference

PEMBROKE – The varsity soccer complex at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke was dedicated Saturday to Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation. University officials announced the naming of the LREMC Soccer Stadium during a press conference on Saturday. The right to name the stadium was the result of a $500,000 gift from LREMC. 

"UNC Pembroke is grateful to have such a strong partner in LREMC and its more than 50,000 members in our region," said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. "Reflecting its commitment to education, the corporation's significant gift will enhance our campus, attracting students to UNCP and enriching their experience. It's because of such generosity, UNCP is able to build upon its foundation as a model regional university."

Steven Hunt, president and CEO of LREMC, joined university officials and corporation executives at the press conference. 

"As a third generation graduate of the university, it is an absolute honor to be part of this partnership," Hunt said. "LREMC and UNCP have been cornerstones in the community for a long time, so this partnership formally solidifies the relationship between both organizations allowing for even greater accomplishments in the future."

"I would like to thank the LREMC Board of Directors for supporting the cooperative principles and demonstrating vision characteristic of a world-class organization. I would also like to thank Chancellor Cummings and his leadership team for granting us the opportunity to be part of the UNCP family."

Dick Christy, athletics director, said the 15-year partnership includes upgrades to the stadium's signage, fencing and team bench area. The complex is home to the men's and women's soccer teams. Christy said he is thrilled about the much-needed enhancements which, he says, will help in recruiting future student-athletes. More importantly, Christy hopes the gift encourages other community supporters to follow suit.

"We thank LREMC for taking the lead on this, and seeing the vision of where we are trying to go with these entry points to campus and our major athletic facilities," Christy said. "This could have ripple effects for us that we see 20 years down the road, so I am unbelievably appreciative to Steven for his leadership and Roger, Wyatt and the other board members for their vision."

UNC Pembroke is committed to its student athletes and this latest community partnership is a reflection of its investment in athletic programs. 

"The enhancements to UNCP's athletic facilities underscore the university's dedication to providing a competitive, athletic environment for our student-athletes," Christy said. "UNCP's athletic administration, coaches and student-athletes are devoted to advancing the university's mission and these improvements will encourage our athletes to pursue excellence on and off the field."

Roger Oxendine, chairman of LREMC's Board of Directors, said he is excited about the opportunity for LREMC to partner with UNCP.

"LREMC has always been a strong advocate for education, so much so that we offer six scholarships to selected seniors," Oxendine said.  "It is a great satisfaction on the part of the LREMC Board of Directors to be able to give back to an institution that has meant so much to the community and region."

The gift represents the corporation's largest outside investment, according to Wyatt Upchurch, LREMC vice chairman.

"We are investing in the education of our (cooperative) owners and the community, as a whole," Upchurch said. "We love to help our community and there is no better way to help than in the area of education. We are glad to partner with UNC Pembroke."

Headquartered in Red Springs, Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned electric cooperative with 50,000 members in parts of Hoke, Scotland, Cumberland, and Robeson counties. The cooperative was first organized in 1940.

UNC Pembroke is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system. For more information, contact Jodi Phelps, executive director of University Communications and Marketing, via email (jodi.phelps@uncp.edu) or by phone (910.521.6863). Connect with UNC Pembroke on social media or online at uncp.edu to learn how the university is changing lives through education.