June Take 5

Kathy Sartarelli is is finding ways to bring out the best of UNCW

KATHY SARTARELLI is making herself at home at the Kenan House and in the Wilmington community. As the spouse of University of North Carolina Wilmington Chancellor Jose Sartarelli, who started the position in July of last year, she too is finding ways to bring out the best of the university to its students and surrounding residents. 

WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME AS YOU CONTINUE TO DISCOVER WILMINGTON? “Walk on Wrightsville Beach, walk at Airlie Gardens to look for herons and ducks, and visit the rose garden at the New Hanover County Arboretum.” WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? “By the time I was in second grade, I wanted to win a Nobel Prize in physics. I can only deduce that my parents and their friends had many interesting conversations.” IS THERE LOCAL CUISINE THAT YOU HADN’T BEEN EXPOSED TO BEFORE AND ARE FINDING YOURSELF ENJOYING? “We are enjoying the opportunities to sit outside at restaurants in all seasons! At the fresh farm market at Wrightsville Beach, the homemade breads, honeys and chocolates are the best.” WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? “I love chrysanthemums. I saw chrysanthemum shows in Asia when we lived and traveled there and at the amazing Longwood Gardens when we lived in New Jersey.” WHAT ORGANIZATIONS/ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN FOCUSING ON? “My license plate supports the Coastal Land Trust, and I hope to learn more about their work. One of the most important tasks to look for in a community is the way it provides support for seniors and the military. Any opportunity to listen to stories of the early days in Wilmington and at UNCW provide a context for understanding where we are now and where we, as a community, might be going next!”