Six Years of #GivingPack: Why These Pack Members Support Textiles on Day of Giving

Each spring, members of the Wilson College of Textiles community step up to support the students, programs and research that strengthen their college. 

Created in 2019, Day of Giving is an annual, 24-hour fundraising event dedicated to bringing the entire Wolfpack together through friendly competition, fun challenges and meaningful philanthropy. 

Within the Wilson College of Textiles, Day of Giving funds help:

• award over 100 life-changing scholarships each year 
• provide students with an unparalleled, hands-on education
• recruit world-class faculty and staff who are experts in their fields
• support groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges

These contributions directly impact the lives of students, faculty and staff, which fuels the college’s ability to innovate and lead in the textile industry.

“The united commitment of our Pack is what makes Day of Giving so special,” says Michael Ward, executive director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), the philanthropic arm of the college. “Each gift, no matter the size, creates new possibilities for our students and programs, ensuring innovation can continue to thrive on campus and beyond.”

This year, Day of Giving takes place on March 26, and the annual fundraiser will allow donors to help uncover a tomorrow that’s brighter than ever for Textiles students, staff, faculty, programs and research. 

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Why these donors give year after year

Januka Budhathoki-Uprety ’12
Assistant professor of textile engineering, chemistry and science (TECS)

As a proud NC State graduate and faculty member, Assistant Professor Januka Budhathoki-Uprety considers the university her home. 

“I feel that it has invested so much in me,” she says. “Now that I am able, I like to give back so current and future students have the same rewarding experience that I had.”

Those who know Budhathoki-Uprety aren’t surprised by her passion for investing in students. As the 2024 recipient of NC State’s Outstanding Teacher Award, she has inspired countless students through her engaging teaching style and commitment to their success. Additionally, she leads the Budhathoki-Uprety Lab, which focuses on developing novel polymers, macromolecules and nanomaterials.

On Day of Giving, Budhathoki-Uprety supports the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund and TECS Enhancement Fund because she believes in the collective impact of the Wolfpack. 

“I want to show my support to our college community that deeply cares about our students both professionally and personally.”

Donna Grant
Associate program manager for the NCTF
Natalie Buitrago ’18
Registered nurse for Orlando Health; master’s student at the University of Central Florida
Noel Buitrago ’21
Doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania

When her daughter, Natalie Buitrago, received a Centennial Scholarship in 2014 to attend the Wilson College of Textiles, Donna Grant saw the effect of donor support firsthand. 

“This college is like a second family to me and my children,” she says. “And the Centennial Scholarship does so much to support our students.” 

Her role within the NCTF only strengthened her belief in the profound power of philanthropy.

Inspired by his sister, Noel Buitrago also attended the Wilson College of Textiles, where he studied textile engineering and discovered his passion for research. “During my time at the college, I felt a great deal of support from the community,” he emphasizes. “The wealth of opportunities and resources enabled me to soar both academically and professionally.”

Now, both siblings give back to ensure future students can thrive. 

“#GivingPack is about uplifting and empowering the next generation of Wolfpack students,” Natalie says. “As a woman of color in science, I know the importance of access, representation and support in higher education. Giving back to textiles is my way of ensuring that students of all backgrounds have the same chance to succeed.”

One fund holds a special place in the family’s heart: the NCTF Centennial Scholarship Endowment. On Day of Giving, the trio invites their loved ones to support the scholarship program that has profoundly shaped their family’s journey.

Zain Khan ’10, ’16
Vice president of commercial at Everra (formerly Stein Fibers)
Sarah Khan
Senior director of compliance at Ally Bank

As a proud Wilson College alumnus, Zain Khan has always felt that Day of Giving holds a special meaning for him and his family.

“It represents something greater than oneself,” he explains. “It’s a community united with a common goal to assist students through financial aid and support research and development to advance the college.” 

Khan’s passion for his alma mater has kept him actively engaged — first through his role on the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council and now on the Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (TATM) Industry Advisory Board. His connection has also built a critical pipeline for his company, Everra, to recruit top students. 

“The college equips students with technical, real-world skills that are highly valuable in the workforce,” he says. “Their proficiency in math, science and overall problem-solving makes them highly sought after, and Everra has hired several graduates.”

Furthering his commitment, he and his wife, Sarah, established the Khan Family Scholarship, which they support on Day of Giving along with the NCTF Centennial Scholarship Fund and the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund. 

“We created this scholarship to support students pursuing careers in the textile industry,” he says. “We believe in investing in the next generation of talent.”

Karen Leonas ’80
Professor of textile sciences in the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (TATM)
Michael Leonas
Engineering manager for the City of Holly Springs

Karen Leonas and her husband, Mike, fondly remember their time as undergraduate students at NC State. 

“By supporting students, we hope they too will positively reflect on their time here,” she shares. “We also hope they’ll consider and remember how they were supported and provide that support to others.”

While studying textile chemistry at the Wilson College of Textiles, Leonas developed her love for sustainability while also exploring the degradation of polymers. Today, as a champion for a circular textile economy, her research spans several areas, including reducing and evaluating the environmental impacts of textile and apparel production and consumption. Her expertise earned her the NC State Sustainability Award in 2023.  

The investment Leonas and her husband have made in the college aligns with their commitment to sustainability. On Day of Giving, they support the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund, which allows Dean David Hinks to direct financial assistance to areas of critical need as quickly as possible, including college-wide sustainability initiatives. Additionally, they donate to the TATM Enhancement Fund and the Textiles Student Emergency Fund during the university’s 24-hour fundraising event.

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How #GivingPack in 2024 fueled learning, research and opportunities

Day of Giving isn’t just about donations. It’s about transforming opportunities for students and programs.

Thanks to the generosity of the college community last year on Day of Giving, students from the Wilson College of Textiles have gained hands-on learning experiences, academic support and career-defining opportunities that will forever shape their futures.

Here’s how donor support on Day of Giving 2024 has made — and will continue to make — a difference:

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Show your Day of Giving support this year on March 26, 2025

Through donor support on Day of Giving, the Wilson College of Textiles can continue to drive our industry’s most significant advancements — from the playing field to the runway, shielding first responders from danger or even shoring up a human heart.

On March 26, there are a variety of ways that alumni, students, staff, faculty, industry partners and friends can get involved: 

• make a gift that will directly benefit students and the college
• view the college’s six priority funds to learn how to make an even greater impact
• become a Pack Leader to ignite your passion in others
• use templates to email, text and post about Day of Giving
• participate in a challenge through giving or engaging on social media
  • Here are two challenges to keep your eye on, which were made possible by generous donors who are proud Wilson College graduates.

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To learn more about how your Day of Giving support will propel the Wilson College of Textiles forward to lead textiles education, research and innovation, visit the college’s Day of Giving website.