The Lundy-Fetterman School of Business is proud to recognize alumnus Rashad Gattison (’09), who was a recipient of the 40 Under 40 award for the city of Wilmington.
Gattison dreamed of a business career from a young age, but after graduating, he realized that landing a job following the recession would be more difficult than anticipated. His plans went in a different direction when a former coach encouraged him to apply at a non-profit called Communities in Schools. Ever since starting there, he has dedicated his life to helping his community.
“I want to embody for these kids the things that I felt like I needed when I was growing up,” Gattison said. A business administration graduate, Gattison has not only worked with Communities in Schools of Cape Fear, but also with Coastal Horizons Center and Brigade Boys & Girls Club. In addition to his current role as director of teen services at Brigade, Gattison currently serves as a Direct Care Staff member with Autism Support, and is associate head women’s basketball coach at New Hanover High School. Gattison is also the Chair of SECU Board of Advisors and Co-Chair of Support the Port, a non-profit organization that supports communities by providing a nonviolent environment for underserved communities.
“Campbell was a culture shock to me,” Gattison reflected. “I am from a city three times the size of Buies Creek, but I learned the values of family and developed lifelong bonds with some great people. I was constantly pushed out of my comfort zone. Professors like Dr. Yonai and Dr. Broadhurst made sure that I did not coast through school and made me give the effort I was capable of. April Pasziewics was the big sister that held me accountable and supported me along the way to graduation. I needed Campbell University. It showed me the realities of the world and the importance of networking and hard work.”
In his role with Brigade Boys & Girls club, Gattison is working to help provide an environment where local teens and children are kept away from violent activity. In a recent news release by the Wilmington StarNews, Gattison and his brother were lauded as local leaders helping kids stay away from violence through art, STEM and basketball at the Brigade Boys and Girls Club.
“Through love and engagement we can bring value to every person we meet,” Gattison told the Wilmington StarNews after accepting his 40 Under 40 award.
In his spare time, Gattison volunteers with Feed the Children, bookbag drives and peace rallies for Support the Port. He currently resides in Wilmington, NC with his wife and three kids.
Read more from Gattison’s interviews with StarNews here and here.