Thank You

UNCG Honors George Hoyle and Kathleen Kelly with Philanthropy Award



Each year on National Philanthropy Day, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Triad Chapter recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations from across the region for their philanthropic contributions that “Change the Triad with a Giving Heart.”

A Gold Sponsor of this year’s National Philanthropy Celebration held online on November 22, UNC Greensboro selected George Hoyle ’90 and Kathleen Kelly for the “Spirit of Philanthropy” award in recognition of their ongoing support and dedication to the University.

George is a member of UNCG’s Board of Trustees, where he serves on the Athletics and University Advancement Committees. He was a member of the Students First Campaign Steering Committee (2006-2008), served on the UNC Greensboro Foundation Board of Directors, and is a past president of the Spartan Club Executive Committee. As a student, George played on the 1987 Men’s Soccer National Championship team and was inducted into the UNCG Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.

Along with UNCG alumna Vanessa Carroll, George and Kathleen are co-chairs of the Spartan Athletics Campaign for Champions, dedicated to improving the experience of student-athletes and recruiting top coaching staff. The couple made a significant gift to this campaign and have given financial support to other Spartan Athletics funds for scholarships and enrichment for soccer and men’s basketball. They also established the George G. Hoyle & Kathleen A. Kelly Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund in 2010.

George and Kathleen support several other community nonprofits, including Operation Smile and the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, through board services and financial contributions.

“George and Kathleen embody the concept of leading with a giving heart. They are devoted community champions whose generosity extends beyond UNC Greensboro. George and Kathleen graciously give of their time and wisdom on a regular basis, and we’re exceedingly proud to honor them with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award,” said Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Beth Fischer.  

For more information about the AFP Triad Chapter National Philanthropy Awards and George and Kathleen’s philanthropic service, please visit  AFP Triad Chapter’s website.


Story by Chris Garton, Donor and Board Engagement