UNCW to hold Celebration of Life for late Chancellor Jim Leutze

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The University of North Carolina Wilmington will hold a Celebration of Life next week honoring former Chancellor James “Jim” Leutze, whose leadership helped shape the university and left a lasting impact on generations of Seahawks.

The Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. at the Lumina Theater inside the Fisher Student Center on the UNCW campus.

An ice cream social will follow the ceremony in the Clock Tower Lounge.

Leutze died Friday, July 17, at the age of 90.

He served as UNCW’s chancellor from 1990 to 2003, a period marked by significant growth and campus development. During his tenure, Leutze helped transform the university both physically and academically.

His vision helped shape some of the campus landmarks that are now closely associated with UNCW, including Leutze Hall, the campus lakes and the iconic clock tower.

But those who knew Leutze say his legacy cannot be measured solely by the buildings and improvements that bear his influence.

Tom Rabon, who served on the UNCW Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1997, remembered Leutze as a humble leader, gifted teacher and close friend.

“Jim Leutze was one of a kind. When I think of him, I think of much more than his many accomplishments; I think of him being a remarkable human being, someone who had the ability to make others around him even better,” Rabon said.

Hannah Gage, who served on the UNCW Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2001 and later spent 16 years on the UNC System Board of Governors, said Leutze encouraged those around him to think beyond what seemed possible.

“He was a visionary with a capital V, and I don’t think you’d find anybody that would say anything different,” Gage said. “I think what I take from him is to explore the possibilities and think and dream big, and even if you have to scale it back, you usually achieve something remarkable.”

Gage said Leutze’s influence can still be seen while walking across the UNCW campus.

For members of the UNCW community, the upcoming Celebration of Life will provide an opportunity to remember a chancellor whose influence extended well beyond his 13 years leading the university.

While Leutze’s name remains visible across campus, those who knew him say his greatest legacy is found in the people he inspired and the university he helped build.

Celebration of Life for James “Jim” Leutze:

• When: Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m.
• Where: Lumina Theater, Fisher Student Center, UNCW campus
• Following the ceremony: Ice cream social in the Clock Tower Lounge