Hill Center FAQ
The top 10 frequently asked questions
about the George Watts Hill Alumni Center:
1. Where did the money come from to pay for the building and its furnishings?
All costs for building and furnishing the Alumni Center were met with private funds – the gifts of 14,500 UNC alumni, faculty and friends. No portion of alumni membership dues is spent on the center.
2. How much did it cost?
$12.5 million.
3. What is the honor roll?
The names engraved in the center's reception area comrpise the list of approximately 1,200 people who each contributed $1,000 or more to the center.
4. Is there a brochure?
Yes, copies are available in the lobby of the Alumni Center.
5. Who designed the Alumni Center?
The architects are O'Brien/Atkins, based in Research Triangle Park. The interior designer is Dan Addison of Durham.
6. What's on the other floors?
The Alumni Center houses the offices of the GAA, including offices for Lifelong Learning, Career Services, Membership, Alumni Records, Reunions, local Carolina Club activities, Student Programs and the Carolina Alumni Review. The center also includes private meeting and dining rooms, a 7,500-square-foot ballroom, a library and The Carolina Club.
7. What is the connection between the George Watts Hill Alumni Center and The Carolina Club?
The Carolina Club is a member-supported dining club housed in the center. Club members pay an initiation fee and monthly dues, and membership is open to all Carolina Alumni members. The club has two dining rooms; members also can host catered functions in private dining rooms or in the Alumni Hall, which seats up to 500. Aside from The Carolina Club, the use of the Alumni Center is open to all alumni and University visitors, regardless of whether they are Carolina Alumni members.
8. How many people visit the center each year?
More than 100,000.
9. Why are some rooms named after alumni?
Alumni Center campaign contributors of $25,000 or more had the opportunity to have rooms named for them. Naming opportunities still exist for several rooms.
10. Is it true former President Clinton visited the Alumni Center?
Yes, during UNC's bicentennial observance. Other notable visitors include the former prime minister of Thailand; author Alistair Cooke; the former head of the KGB; and news commentators Cokie Roberts and George Will.