First, it was the Alumnae House, a treasured building at the finest public women’s college in the United States. After Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina went co-ed and was named UNC Greensboro, the name became Alumni House. 

On Oct. 18, after a trumpet fanfare, music and poetry by Spartan students, and inspirational words by UNCG officials, the new name was unveiled:  

The Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House.  

Johnson, a Class of ’99 alumnus who has made a historic gift as part of UNCG’s Light the Way campaign, said “When you walk through this house, let it serve as a reminder that you belong.” 

His gift will ensure that the Alumni House remains a vital, welcoming space for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends – a center for all in the University community.  

“We celebrate Marcus T. Johnson and his many contributions to UNCG, said Chancellor Franklin D. Giliam, Jr. noting that Johnson’s support will have a lasting impact across multiple areas on campus. 

For example, at UNCG’s Bryan School of Business and Economics, where Johnson majored in business administration, his support will expand opportunities for students and bolster the innovative Bryan Blueprint Series. It helps accelerate students’ personal and professional growth. 

“Marcus’ historic gift is just one part of his impact. He shows up. He spends time with students, cheers on our Spartans, and serves on the Bryan School Advisory Board and the UNCG Foundation Board. He not only believes in UNCG’s potential; he’s energized by the vision of where we’re headed,” the Chancellor said. 

The Alumni House has long been a hub for alumni leadership and meetings. It has also been a valuable resource for student groups, faculty, staff, and the larger community. 

“As an alumnus,” Board of Trustees Vice Chair Anita Bachmann said, “Marcus is investing in this building to preserve its legacy and ensure it remains a welcoming space that fosters connection and community, and we couldn’t be more grateful.” 

Community was a theme of the ceremony’s speakers. Another was a commitment to greater opportunity for all North Carolinians – as it has been a guiding star for this campus since its start. “UNCG has always championed access to education – from our founding mission to educate women, to our ongoing support for first-generation students and social mobility,” said Gilliam. “Many of our graduates are ladders for their families, creating a ripple effect that leads to increased opportunity and success.” 

The Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House is the first building on the campus to be named in honor of a person of color, the Chancellor noted. “That’s especially meaningful at a university where over half of our more than 18,000 students are people of color.”  

Marcus Johnson spoke about the importance of belonging, sharing that during his first year at UNCG, some of his dorm mates made him feel unwelcome. 

“I’m a firm believer that to whom much is given, much is required,” Johnson said, and told those gathered his motivation behind his historic gift. “I hope that act inspires someone else who may not feel like they belong, or who’s been told that they can’t – to know that they absolutely can.”  

Learn more about UNCG’s Light the Way: The Campaign for Earned Achievement, which has raised more than $200 million to increase access, elevate academic excellence, and enhance the tremendous impact of UNCG’s programs. 

Photographer: Sean Norona ’13