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

‘Witness’ Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War
To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, Wilson Library is hosting a new exhibition. “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” explores how...
Wed Aug 19, 2026

UNC students take first-day sips at the Old Well
It’s the first day of classes at Carolina, and as Tar Heels know, that means it’s also time to drink from the Old Well for...
Mon Aug 17, 2026

Nonprofit at UNC pairs those with chronic illnesses with a service dog
UNC’s chapter of Lux’s Purpose was founded this year. Service dogs cost as much as $50,000-$70,000, and there is not a single insurance plan that...
Sun Aug 16, 2026

UNC Gears Up for First Day of Classes
The Chapel Hill summer is wrapping up this weekend, as UNC students return to campus ahead of the first day of class on Monday. “It’s...
Sat Aug 15, 2026