Giving Back on Day of Giving

Dean Bunce loved his time at NC State and has fond memories of many challenging courses. He grew up in a Wolfpack family and was a student during the 1983 men’s basketball championship run. He earned his bachelor’s in zoology in 1986 and went on to build a successful career in biotechnology. But there’s one thing he’d change about his college experience.

“There wasn’t much emphasis on academic advising and student support when I was a student,” he said. “I want to be able to provide students more opportunities than I had. I want to give them opportunities to interact with people in industry and see what career opportunities are out there.”

One of the ways Dean and his wife, Gail Bunce, accomplish this goal is by participating in the university’s annual Day of Giving. The Bunces are the only donors to pledge challenge gifts on every Day of Giving since the event was established at NC State in 2019. This year is no different. They have pledged a generous donation when 100 gifts are made to the College of Sciences Excellence Fund by 3 p.m. on March 26. The fund supports the college’s efforts in making bold discoveries, educating the next generation of science leaders, and recruiting and retaining top talent.

The Bunces regularly give back to the university through many other avenues, dedicating their time and efforts to improving the student experience at NC State. They endowed a scholarship in 2015 and are consistent members of the Dean’s Circle, the leadership giving society of the College of Sciences. Dean also participates in alumni panels, campaign events and the Student Networking Lunch Program. He was the college’s Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign chair and serves on the executive committee of the College of Sciences Foundation Board of Directors.

The Bunces’ philanthropic efforts are driven by the opportunity to give students and faculty opportunities they might otherwise not have had, as well as lightening their financial burden. 

“The university gave a lot to me, so I want to do what I can to give back to current and future students and administrators,” Dean said. 

Giving back is a core value for the Bunces — one they’ve passed on to their children. 

“Volunteering has always been something we do as a family,” Gail said. “We’ve been fortunate that Dean’s career has allowed us to volunteer, create scholarships and donate. And that all started with his great education at NC State.”