A memorial service for former UNC Chancellor William Aycock, who died Saturday at the age of 99, will be held Friday at University United Methodist Church on Franklin Street.

Aycock served as chancellor from 1957 to 1964.

During that turbulent time in U.S. history, he stood up, in the name of free speech, against the N.C. General Assembly’s efforts to ban communist speakers on campus.

Jim Heavner, owner and CEO of WCHL’s parent company Vilcom Inc., remembers Aycock as a leader of great stature, who accomplished much in his service to UNC.

Former UNC Board of Trustees Chair Wade Hargrove was a student at UNC during Chancellor Aycock’s tenure.

“He was respected by the General Assembly, by the faculty, and by students,” Hargrove recalled. “He had these great communication skills. And he was genuine. You knew it was from the heart. And of course, he cared deeply for the university.”

Friday’s memorial at University United Methodist Church, located at 150 East Franklin Street, begins at 2 p.m.

Related Stories
‹
Remembering Chancellor William Aycock
A memorial was held on Friday afternoon for William B. Aycock. Aycock served as Chancellor at UNC from 1957 – 1964 and was a faculty member at the School of Law before and after his time as Chancellor. Overall, Aycock served the University of North Carolina for nearly 40 years, from his first faculty appointment […]
UNC Men's Lacrosse Beats No. 3 Syracuse in ACC Opener
No. 2 UNC earned another ranked win Saturday in a heavyweight clash vs. No. 3 Syracuse, beating the Orange 14-9 at Dorrance Field. 🗣️ HEELS WIN#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/KVdR277PVR — UNC Men's Lacrosse (@UNCMensLacrosse) April 4, 2026 UNC took a 1-0 lead inside a minute off an opening goal from Dominic Pietramala, but fell behind […]
Saturday Comeback Helps UNC Baseball Take Weekend Series vs. No. 22 Boston College
The Diamond Heels rebounded from a series-opening loss Thursday night and a 7-3 deficit in the rubber match Saturday to take two of three games from No. 22 Boston College at Boshamer Stadium during the weekend. Thursday’s opener saw Carolina go in front with a run in the second inning against Eagles ace A.J. Colarusso, […]
UNC Women's Lacrosse Crushes No. 25 Virginia to Stay Unbeaten in ACC
UNC used a lopsided first half and seven goals from a red-hot Chloe Humphrey to roll past No. 25 Virginia 19-4 in Charlottesville Friday afternoon. Road Dub 👐 The Heels stay perfect in ACC play with a dominant win at UVA!#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/5h0LTwIy7v — UNC Women's Lacrosse (@uncwlax) April 3, 2026 Humphrey’s productive day […]
UNC Freshman Taliyah Henderson to Enter Transfer Portal
Taliyah Henderson, who spent her freshman season with UNC, has announced her intention to enter the transfer portal when it opens Monday, April 6. Henderson made the announcement on social media Thursday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/yQoYiWcE8a — Taliyah Henderson (@taliyah_hend3) April 2, 2026 Henderson was rated as a five-star recruit and the No. 27 overall player in […]
UNC Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Joe Breschi Agrees to Contract Extension Through 2029
UNC men’s lacrosse head coach Joe Breschi, the winningest coach in program history, has agreed to a three-year contract extension through the end of the 2029 season. 𝑬𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 ✍️ Head Coach Joe Breschi has signed a three-year contract extension, through the 2029 season. #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/tcrmdWmOtG — UNC Men's Lacrosse (@UNCMensLacrosse) April 2, 2026 Breschi has […]
Chansky's Notebook: Credentials
While Tommy Lloyd appears to be UNC’s top choice for its next men’s basketball coach, Billy Donovan isn’t exactly the worst backup option.
UNC Sophomore Guard Lanie Grant to Enter Transfer Portal
Sophomore guard Lanie Grant, who helped lead UNC to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in 2025 and 2026, will enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens Monday, April 6. Grant made the announcement on social media Wednesday evening. Proud of everything we accomplished over the past two years with my teammates and coaches, and so […]
UNC Club Brings Solar Energy to TABLE, Saving the Pantry Money and Expanding Food Access
While not visible to those passing by, something new decorates the rooftop of TABLE’s downtown Carrboro facility.
Chansky's Notebook: Dead Man Walking?
With Hubert Davis dismissed, no seat will be hotter in Chapel Hill than UNC head football coach Bill Belichick’s this fall.
›