Irwin Belk donated the sculpture.

The sculpture is a whimsical rendition of a pelican reading a book while sitting on a bench. Later this month, the university will also receive the world’s largest sea hawk statue for the front of campus.

University officials say art is a large part of learning at UNCW.

"It's whimsical, but it is also very appropriate that Mr. Pelican is reading a book just outside the library, which is where on gorgeous days like today we often have students out here reading,” said Marh Gornto, vice chancellor for university advancement. “So, he'll just become one of the crowd."

Irwin Belk donated the sculpture. Belk also contributed funding for a professorship at the university, a resident hall and an auditorium.