Bert Bennett, UNC alum and political power broker who helped shape NC’s moderate reputation, dies

Posted Jul 18, 2018
Bert L. Bennett Jr., who for 40 years was North Carolina’s most important Democratic Party power broker helping shape the state’s reputation for moderation, died Monday at age 97 in Pfafftown. Bennett, a Winston-Salem businessman, used his extensive statewide network to elevate Democrats Terry Sanford and Jim Hunt to the governor’s office. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Campus Connections

Look back at UNC Commencement through the years
UNC celebrates the newest Tar Heel graduates at Spring Commencement on Saturday at Kenan Stadium. Commencement has a long history at Carolina. UNC was the...
Sat May 9, 2026

UNC Commencement Weekend Athletic Events Know Before You Go
With several home athletic events and commencement ceremonies dotting campus, parking will be complicated in Chapel Hill this weekend. Women's Tennis, Women's Lacrosse and Men's...
Fri May 8, 2026

Heart of a Heel encourages organ donor registration
Three Carolina seniors used experiences from their undergraduate studies and inspirational stories from other Tar Heels to help save lives. Rotimi Kukoyi, Emma Montero and...
Tue May 5, 2026

Roy Williams shares wisdom with Carolina seniors
Roy Williams is a basketball legend, a three-time national champion head coach, and, a proud Carolina alumnus. "You are a graduate of the University of...
Mon May 4, 2026