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“Mr. Wainstein’s investigation shows us that the bad actions of a very few and the inaction of others, failed our students … failed our faculty … failed our alumni … by undermining our institution. What happened here was an inexcusable betrayal of our mission, our values and our students’ trust. …

“Mr. Wainstein found the irregularities, which peaked almost 10 years ago and ended in 2011, more than three years ago. And we began taking action as soon as it was first discovered to ensure nothing like this happens again. …

“For four years, the Carolina community has been under a cloud … the reason we commissioned this report is to more fully understand and address that past so that our community can finally move forward. …

 “Some people thought other individuals, such as current coaches, might have been involved. His investigation shows they were not. His investigation confirms that this wrongdoing is not happening now. …

“He investigated one chapter in our history — a chapter that we must fully accept and use as an opportunity to make ourselves stronger — but it in no way defines us. …

“While we accept full responsibility for the past, the wind is in our sails for the future because our students, faculty and staff are so strong. …

“Pursuing excellence through hard work, high standards and complete focus is today — and every day — our job.”

— Chancellor Carol L. Folt,
Oct. 22, 2014

“Shock.” “Sorrow.” “Embarrassment.” “Anger.” “Surprise.” Those were the words with which I began a column more than four years ago regarding alumni reactions to the dual investigations into Carolina’s football program — one dealing with agent violations and the other with academic misconduct.

Douglas S. Dibbert '70

Douglas S. Dibbert ’70

Reading the 131-page Wainstein report is extremely difficult and sobering for all who respect and care so deeply for our alma mater, and yet, it is very important that we each read and reflect on the entire report before rushing to judgment. After the news conference, when I was asked for a comment, I responded: “We were a great university yesterday, and we’ll be an even better university tomorrow because of what we’ve done today.”

Since the summer of 2010, the GAA has endeavored to keep our now more than 300,000 living alumni fully informed about this unfolding story. Often at meetings of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics Commission, Co-Chair Father Theodore Hesburgh would turn to me and ask: “Doug, what do the alumni think?” I always responded: “Father Ted, what do the faculty think?” to which he responded: “Oh, you mean all alumni don’t think alike?” Frequently, I further noted that “not all alumni are fans, and not all fans are alumni.”

We understand that the release of the Wainstein report alone does not bring these issues to a close. Perhaps only the responses to this report by the accrediting association and the NCAA will provide closure.

Meanwhile, while we wait, we also must continue to support all of our current students — especially the athletes to whom Chancellor Folt said at the news conference: “You’ve borne the brunt of this. … I promise … that going forward, our focus will always be your long-term success in your studies, your athletic endeavors and in life. You are capable of great things, and we are proud of you.”

Our University endured through the Civil War, closed briefly afterward and later reopened. A global flu epidemic in 1918 took the lives of many in Chapel Hill and at the University, including UNC President Edward Kidder Graham (class of 1898). Frank Porter Graham (class of 1909) led Carolina through challenging and uncertain years during the Great Depression and World War II. And in the 1960s, our University wrestled with race and the Vietnam War.

Over the past four-plus years, our faculty has earned ever-increasing research funding, our alumni and supporters have remained generous at record levels, and undergraduate applications have set new records each year.

Our leadership has accepted responsibility for past wrongdoings and is committed to meaningful, long-term reforms. Our alma mater will emerge stronger. We’ll continue to support our faculty and our students. We’ll remember that the value of our Carolina diplomas will continue to be earned in the classrooms and laboratories where gifted teachers and leading-edge researchers inspire future leaders and try to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

Yours at Carolina,

Doug signature

 

 

 

 

Douglas S. Dibbert ’70

doug_dibbert@unc.edu


 

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