iLOVEUNCC: A match made on campus
This February, UNC Charlotte is asking alums to share their love stories of how they met their significant others as well as what they love about the University. Stories shared on social media, using #iLOVEUNCC qualify to win exclusive 49er swag, and alums are encouraged to make a gift to support programs, scholarships or departments at LOVE.UNCC.EDU.
Kevin Hedspeth was a senior and his future bride, Robin, was a junior when they were introduced by their roommates in October 1987.
“I knew Kevin was the one,” said Robin Hedspeth ’89. “When I met Kevin, I knew. I just knew. He is an intelligent and compassionate man. He supports my dreams unconditionally.”
“When I first saw Robin at an off-campus social event, I wanted to get to know her,” said Kevin Hedspeth ’88. “Once I got to know her, there was no doubt we fit. She is smart, selfless and loving.”
Hedspeth proposed on May 13, 1989, the day Robin graduated with a degree in education. They were married on Nov. 18, 1989, and have three children: Kelsey, 26; Andrew, 23; and Katie, 20.
UNC Charlotte always has been a part of the Hedspeth family. As alumni, they love spending time at UNC Charlotte supporting the football team in the fall and the basketball team in the winter.
Their two oldest children, Kelsey and Andrew, followed in their footsteps, choosing to attend UNC Charlotte. In fact, UNC Charlotte is the only school they applied to and both were accepted into the William States Lee College of Engineering.
Kelsey earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering in 2015, and Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018, exactly 30 years after his dad.
Their youngest daughter, Katie, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic art communications management with a minor in business at Appalachian State University.
“Watching our children pursue their goals at our alma mater was exciting,” said Robin Hedspeth. “I think both felt at home there because they attended many basketball games as children.”
Today, Kevin Hedspeth is the chief technology officer for Technimark LLC, a global leader and manufacturer of high-value, injection-molded packaging and components serving the consumer packaging, health care and industrial markets. He has been with the company for almost 26 years.
Robin Hedspeth is the director (and math tutor) of the Arabelle Center for Education, a nonprofit the couple started to provide educational support for all students regardless of socioeconomic status.
The center offers individualized one-to-one tutoring on a sliding scale. It has collaborative workspace, free drop-in homework help and free internet access for students.
“Outside of our three children, this is what I am proud to be a part of,” said Kevin Hedspeth.
“The education I received at UNC Charlotte has given me the tools I need to be successful in this endeavor,” said Robin Hedspeth. “My experience gave me the dream to create this center.”
The family has many fond memories of their time as UNC Charlotte students.
“UNC Charlotte has impacted my life in many ways, the education that started my career, the ongoing pride of being an alumnus, watching our children graduate and meeting the love of my life,” said Kevin Hedspeth.