The Sarah Graham Kenan Endowed Scholarship in Excellence

Supports a rising senior who would have high academic standing, excel in their art form, be a person of strong character and ethical values and give personal service to the UNCSA community. The scholarship covers full tuition for the rising senior, as well as room, board, tuition, fees, books and equipment needed in their art form and a cash award to promote their careers. Any remaining funds support need-based scholarships for undergraduates and to support graduate student tuition reduction.

Established in 1976 by Thomas S. Kenan, III. Sarah Kenan was a life long resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, and is the great aunt of Thomas S. Kenan III. Mrs. Kenan studied piano from an early age and developed a passion for music which was enhanced by her friendship with the great opera singer, Nellie Melba, and by many trips to Europe which included attendance at major opera productions. Mrs. Kenan was a major supporter of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic during her life. The Sarah Graham Kenan Foundation’s (1962-1976) mission was to improve the quality of life for North Carolinians as well as people in many other places. The Foundation had a twofold purpose. First to continue the work of Sarah Kenan in her lifetime and in her bequests. And secondly was the endeavor to the trustees to meet the challenges of the 1960s and 1970s.