University of North Carolina Athletics
Fencing Receives $250,000 Gift
March 23, 2026 | Fencing
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Frank ('83) and Barbara ('84) Sullivan have made a $250,000 gift to Carolina fencing, one of the largest gifts to the program since its inception in 1967. The gift includes $200,000 directed toward the fencing endowment, and the remaining $50,000 is being used to launch a matching challenge in support of the Friends of Fencing Fund.Â
"What an incredible gift to our program," said Carolina fencing head coach Matt Jednak, only the second coach in school history. "The Sullivans have invested in today's student-athletes, as well as the future of our fencing program. We are thrilled they can see the recent competitive success of Carolina Fencing and are committing the resources needed to sustain that success."
Each of Carolina's 28 sports has its own operating endowment. The annual yield from these endowments is made available to each head coach to help meet specific needs that are not covered in the regular operating budget. Donations to "friends" accounts provide an immediate increase to a coach's operating budget and can be used at their discretion. The Sullivans are encouraging fans and supporters to help meet the $50,000 challenge.
"Carolina's commitment to Olympic sports is unmatched and we're incredibly proud of that," said Frank Sullivan. "Barb and I have seen how Coach Jednak has taken fencing to the next level in a short period of time. And we have been impressed with the interest in the program from incoming athletic director Steve Newmark. Now is the time to expand the resources available to the program."
Carolina fencing has seen more than a dozen All-Americas, five U.S. National Fencing Team selections and two Olympians, including John Friedberg ('83), Frank Sullivan's teammate.Â
In the 2026 ACC Championships, the men won two individual men's titles and a runner-up, and the women added an individual silver medal. Five athletes were selected to compete in the 2026 NCAA Championships, and Youseff Shamel took the title in men's epee, the second national title in program history.Â
For more information or to help meet the challenge, please contact Lewis Mickey, at The Rams Club, at 919-843-6445 or lewis@ramsclub.com.
"What an incredible gift to our program," said Carolina fencing head coach Matt Jednak, only the second coach in school history. "The Sullivans have invested in today's student-athletes, as well as the future of our fencing program. We are thrilled they can see the recent competitive success of Carolina Fencing and are committing the resources needed to sustain that success."
Each of Carolina's 28 sports has its own operating endowment. The annual yield from these endowments is made available to each head coach to help meet specific needs that are not covered in the regular operating budget. Donations to "friends" accounts provide an immediate increase to a coach's operating budget and can be used at their discretion. The Sullivans are encouraging fans and supporters to help meet the $50,000 challenge.
"Carolina's commitment to Olympic sports is unmatched and we're incredibly proud of that," said Frank Sullivan. "Barb and I have seen how Coach Jednak has taken fencing to the next level in a short period of time. And we have been impressed with the interest in the program from incoming athletic director Steve Newmark. Now is the time to expand the resources available to the program."
Carolina fencing has seen more than a dozen All-Americas, five U.S. National Fencing Team selections and two Olympians, including John Friedberg ('83), Frank Sullivan's teammate.Â
In the 2026 ACC Championships, the men won two individual men's titles and a runner-up, and the women added an individual silver medal. Five athletes were selected to compete in the 2026 NCAA Championships, and Youseff Shamel took the title in men's epee, the second national title in program history.Â
For more information or to help meet the challenge, please contact Lewis Mickey, at The Rams Club, at 919-843-6445 or lewis@ramsclub.com.
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