NEWS

UNC alumnus creates scholarship fund to honor Doug Clark’s memory

CHAPEL HILL -- In memory of good times enjoyed with legendary fraternity-party band Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumnus Mike Haley has created the Doug Clark "Thanks for the Memories" scholarship fund at the university.

The band’s founder and drummer, Doug Clark, died Sept. 16 after a long illness.

Haley’s $25,000 contribution established the endowment, which is open to all donors who wish to honor their memories of Clark with a gift. Funds from the endowment will provide one or more need-based scholarships to deserving students at UNC each year.

Haley, from Greensboro, is a 1960 UNC graduate.

"Doug Clark and his band provided entertainment to UNC students for nearly 50 years," he said. "My hope is that those who enjoyed his music will help build this scholarship fund."

Clark’s mother, Rebecca, said her son would be happy to know of his impact.

"Our family has been part of UNC since day one," she said. "My husband worked in South Building when Frank Porter Graham was president, and I worked at the Carolina Inn.

"Every Sunday, I would get Doug and his brother dressed for Sunday school and my husband would take the boys with him for an early trip to South Building before church. Dr. Frank would be there. He and the boys walked to the post office to pick up the mail while my husband tidied up his office."

She credits UNC fraternities for her son’s success as a bandleader.

"Doug went to the fraternities and said, ‘Let us play for y’all.’ He got his start right here in Chapel Hill. Since his death, flowers and condolences have come from all over the university and especially from the fraternities."

Checks to the Doug Clark "Thanks for the Memories" scholarship fund may be mailed to UNC’s Office of University Development, P.O. Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

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Office of University Development contact: Speed Hallman, (919) 962-0027

News Services contact: Deb Saine, (919) 962-8415