UNCW Seahawk sculpture moving to new spot

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW is making a change on campus.

The university plans to move the Soaring Seahawk sculpture from the middle of the Wagoner Drive traffic circle to a larger space on the Hoggard Hall lawn.

The university is moving the Soaring Seahawk as part of roadway improvements to Wagoner Drive. Beginning the week of May 20, the campus and community should plan for limited roadway access and closures along Wagoner Drive for the project’s duration, scheduled to end prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The project’s goals include:

• Improving crosswalks and storm drainage
• Providing better roadway access for buses and fire trucks
• Enhancing picture takers’ safety by moving the popular photo spot away from the center of a roadway and closer to Hoggard, the first building on the UNCW campus.

The late Irwin “Ike” Belk, a UNCW donor and business executive from Charlotte, provided funding for the Soaring Seahawk, created by local metal sculptor Dumay Gorham III.

The sculpture, installed in May 2009, serves as a special backdrop for alumni and student photos, especially after commencement.