The NC State Philanthropy Podcast

Episode 39: All-In Alumni, With Lyndenise Berdecía Rivera

On the Season 5 finale of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Lyndenise Berdecía Rivera, chair of NC State Alumni’s board of directors, to talk about her experiences with the university and why she chooses to give back. Berdecía Rivera graduated from the Poole College of Management in 2006 and has gone on to become a consultant and digital analyst in higher education. Of all the universities she’s worked with over the years, there’s one particularly near and dear to her heart. That’s why she has chosen to give of her time, talents and even treasure in support of NC State — especially its Latinx community [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/2020/09/a-new-scholarship-is-in-the-works-for-nc-states-latinx-alumni-network/]. Learn how Berdecía Rivera re-engaged with her alma mater and what she’s doing now to help others find their place as students, alumni and friends of the Wolfpack. Transcript: https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/5.8-Lyndenise-Berdecia-Rivera.docx [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/5.8-Lyndenise-Berdecia-Rivera.docx].

Episode 38: Designing an Extraordinary Future, With Chuck Flink

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Chuck Flink, director of the university’s Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program, to talk about his decades-long relationship with NC State as a student, faculty member, volunteer and donor. Flink is a two-time alumnus of NC State’s College of Design, where he’s currently a professor of the practice in landscape architecture and environmental planning. He is also an award-winning author, landscape architect and planner whose work has benefited communities around the world. Together with his wife, Marjorie, Flink is a dedicated NC State supporter. In recognition of his contributions, Flink was selected as a 2019 Watauga Medalist, a 2006 Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Design and one of the original 50 recipients of the college’s Wings on Wings award. Flink played a key role in securing funding for the university’s real estate development program, which was made possible [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/2024/05/pappas-real-estate-development/] in large part by the generosity of his friend, Peter Pappas, who is a College of Design alumnus as well. To learn more about the Pappas Real Estate Development Program and how you can support it — especially on Day of Giving 2026 — visit go.ncsu.edu/designpod [https://go.ncsu.edu/designpod]. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Podbean. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing. Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack! Transcript available at https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/Transcript-5.7-Chuck-Flink.pdf [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/Transcript-5.7-Chuck-Flink.pdf].

Episode 37: Caring for Those Who Care, With Hyemi Sevening

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Hyemi Sevening, assistant dean of philanthropy for the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), to learn how donors can partner in its life-changing work. CVM is an invaluable component of NC State’s land-grant efforts, enabling the university to benefit animals — and people — across North Carolina and beyond. From training tomorrow’s veterinarians and ensuring the state’s food supply is safe to helping heal a beloved pet and much more, the college stands at the forefront of making the world a healthier and happier place through applied science. Medicine at CVM extends far beyond emergency care for cuts or broken bones, though. Oncology, cardiology, neurology and other specialized departments diagnose and treat all kinds of ailments in all kinds of animals. Much of the research taking place within the college’s cutting-edge facilities also holds implications for human health. As the only veterinary college in North Carolina, CVM provides an extraordinary philanthropic opportunity. Donors can benefit CVM’s students, faculty and staff through scholarships, professorships and programmatic support, as well as directly impact clients and patients of the college’s veterinary hospital by helping cover the costs of medical care. Whatever your veterinary passions, there’s a way to make your mark by giving to CVM. Visit cvm.ncsu.edu [https://go.ncsu.edu/cvm-podcast] to learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine, and click here [https://go.ncsu.edu/cvm-dog-26] to learn how you can support its work on Day of Giving 2026. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Podbean. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing. Transcript available here [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/Transcript-5.6-Hyemi-Sevening.pdf].

Episode 36: Helping Our ‘Fellow’ Pack Members, With Courtney Hughes

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Hughes, director of the University Fellowships Office, to discuss how it helps NC State students and alumni further their educations. Nationally and internationally administered fellowships play an instrumental role in how Pack members Think and Do. Hughes and her office are committed to helping every applicant find the right fit for their career plans and apply successfully. These awards can also provide a major visibility boost to the university as a whole, elevating the value of an NC State education in the eyes of the public. Listen to learn more about how they aid undergraduate and graduate students, and even alumni, in the search for invaluable academic funding. Transcript available here [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/12/5.5-Fellowships-With-Courtney-Hughes-1.pdf].

Episode 35: Supporting Wolfpack Families, With Kerri Fowler

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Kerri Fowler, executive director of Parents and Families Services, to learn how her team helps strengthen and support the Wolfpack community. Parents and Families Services does far more than welcome the members of each new student’s personal Pack to campus during orientation, although that is an important part of its work. Throughout a student’s academic career, the office’s staff seeks to ensure that family members and other key supporters have the information needed to help empower their students academically and beyond. From universitywide activities such as the annual Parents and Families Weekend to special “cheer kits [https://parents.ncsu.edu/cheer-kits/]” created for students who remain on campus during winter break, Fowler and her team work hard to ensure everyone finds their place in the Wolfpack. There are plenty of opportunities for supporters to contribute as well, including numerous volunteer openings. The upcoming Spring Fling [https://parents.ncsu.edu/events/spring-fling/], scheduled for March 6-8, 2026, is one of them. To learn more about Parents and Families Services, visit parents.ncsu.edu [https://parents.ncsu.edu/]. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing. Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack! Transcript available here [https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/TRANSCRIPT-Supporting-Wolfpack-Families-With-Kerri-Fowler.docx].