Donnie R. Koonce, ’81
Distinguished Alumnus Award
“Donnie Koonce was a true gentleman student,” says Dr. Herman Thomas, long time faculty member and mentor to many UNC Charlotte alumni. “He was both a student and an athlete and has many accomplishments beyond the classroom and the basketball court. He is an even-tempered individual whose leadership brings out the best in others.”
Donnie graduated with his Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics in 1981. He was a member of the men’s basketball program and served as co-captain his senior year. He received the Hugh McEniry academic award in 1978-79 and the Grubstate Award in 1981. A draftee of the Detroit Pistons, Donnie chose to play basketball overseas until 1986.
Upon returning to the States, Donnie received his MBA and began his banking career, returning to Charlotte in 1993 to work for Bank of America, where he currently serves as Senior Vice President and Credit Manager for Mortgage Underwriting.
It was at this point that Donnie reconnected with the university. He has been deeply involved in the life and work of both UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte community through his involvement and support of groups such as the Afro-American Cultural Center (which began in Black Studies/Afro-American Studies at UNC Charlotte). He worked tirelessly to assist with the development of short and long-range plans that culminated in the approval and subsequent construction of the Harvey B.
Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture, providing key leadership in obtaining support from the banking community.
“He is both a gentleman and a giant in the arena of competition, from the basketball court to the boardroom, with an unswerving commitment to excellence in performance,” says Dr. Thomas. “His intelligence, good humor, and steady nature have made a significant impact on those who know him.”
Donnie’s creative leadership has also benefited the Gregory Davis Endowment, a needs-based scholarship for minority students at UNC Charlotte. He and his wife Masherrill ’81 successfully steered the effort to bring the endowment from underwater and ensure that it was fully funded through their leadership as co-chairs of the Green Tie Gala.
A former Past President of the Alumni Board of Directors and 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Donnie is a green jacket level donor to athletics and a member of the university’s Bonnie E. Cone Society. He is a regular attendee of men’s basketball games and helps raise money for women’s athletics.
“Donnie continues to connect with his former teammates and works to get them involved with the university,” says Director of Athletics Judy Rose. “He has been a loyal volunteer, fan, donor, and friend.”