Donor Impact Spotlight: Tara Wilson ’89

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – When Tara Wilson (’89) first applied to college, she was looking for a place far from home. Growing up in California, attending Campbell became both a bold step of independence and a continuation of a family legacy. “It was 3,000 miles away from my parents,” she laughed. “I have a long family legacy at Campbell — my aunt went here, and my grandmother pushed pretty hard for Campbell.”

When she first stepped foot in Buies Creek, Tara found herself embracing a community that was vastly different from her California upbringing. She fondly remembers professors like Dr. Montashari, who still works at Campbell to this day, and unforgettable campus experiences like concerts by Billy Ocean or The Bus Boys in D-Rich Auditorium. She also formed friendships that still last to this day. “We still have a crew that goes to the beach every year. They’re not just casual friends, they’re very important people in my life.”

Tara says Campbell gave her the foundation she needed for both her personal and professional journey in life. “Campbell really helped me lay the foundation and have a decision-making grid within my personal moral values,” she explained. “Part of that private Christian education was a lot of character education and talking about making decisions, doing the right thing and advocating for yourself. I found that very useful and still do.”

That foundation is also what inspires her to give back. “I was raised that when you have time, you give your time. When you have talents, you give your time and your talents. And then when you’re able to financially contribute, you do all three. That was just the way I was raised and it seems like the natural thing to do,” Tara explained. “I really believe in Campbell’s mission and I see it. I see them creating the leaders of the future. I love being able to be a part of that.”

One way she chose to give back was by establishing the Giving Grace Scholarship Fund in honor of her grandmother, who paid for her Campbell education. “I was very lucky to have been given $20,000, which at the time paid for my entire education. I wanted to give that back to another student to be able to have this experience,” she explained. The scholarship provides emergency support for students facing sudden challenges like family hardship or unexpected expenses. “It’s not tied to academic performance. It’s solely based on if you have a need and you’re working towards graduation.”

Her involvement goes beyond financial giving. Whether handing out donuts at alumni events or packing meals for service projects, Tara sees volunteering as a two-way street. “Each and every time I’m connecting with students, I feel like I’m the one getting more out of it than they are. I hope they’re seeing an example and a mentor.”

What makes Campbell special to Tara is simple: the people. “Campbell is a place that genuinely welcomes everyone. You are made to feel welcomed here. You’re acknowledged. You’re brought into this Campbell family, and it’s genuine. It’s not just words — you feel it. From the folks that work in the cafeteria serving your meals to your professors, it’s every single person on this campus.”

To future students, Tara’s message is clear: “If you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, this is the place to be. You’ll be supported academically, spiritually and emotionally. You’ll find your tribe. You’ll find your friends.”