Engineering Alumna Leads Chocolate Movement in Charlotte, Summer Research Symposium Set, Niner Nation’s Summer Vibe and more

July 7, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Alumna Esa Weinreb ('83) preparing chocolate

Engineer-turned-Chocolatier is Leading Charlotte’s Craft Chocolate Movement

Rich, European chocolate was a childhood staple for Esa Weinreb ’83, who was born and raised in London, U.K. Eventually, she decided instead of sourcing her chocolate from overseas, she would just make her own. Now, she runs The Underground Truffle, which is anything but your average candy shop.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Facilities and Administrative Fees and Distribution: With most federal agencies signaling a reduction in F&A cost recovery to 15%, UNC Charlotte is adjusting its F&A distribution policy to prudently manage fiscal resources to protect research and innovation opportunities. Click here for details and to sign up for an F&A open Zoom session to address questions.
  • Summer Research Symposium: The Office of Undergraduate Research Summer Research Symposium 2025 is set! Celebrate the research and creativity of Charlotte’s undergraduates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, July 25, in the Popp Martin Student Union.
  • 2025 Hall of Fame Class: Charlotte Athletics has announced the Hall of Fame’s class of 2025. Gabe Garcia ’91, Chris Haney ’90, Rephel Martin ’00 and Larry Ogunjobi ’16 will be inducted at a ceremony Friday, Sept. 12, and will be recognized at of Charlotte’s Sept. 13 football game against Monmouth University during halftime.

what you need to know: students

  • Survey Reminder: Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 8, is the last day to complete the business services anonymous and confidential survey. Remember, there is a chance to enter a drawing for a $50 Barnes & Noble Charlotte gift card.
  • Niner Nation’s Summer Vibe: 100 members of Niner Nation voted in our summer special edition poll. Most are enjoying some rest and relaxation as “Just Chillin’” and “Beach Bum” accounted for 54% of the responses. Niner Nation’s summer anthem came from 15 genres with the top three being “Throwbacks,” “Country” and “Pop.” Your favorite sweet treat was by far “Ice Cream” (58%) and your ideal getaway was a “Tropical Beach” (46%). More than half of respondents said they are “Off Campus” this summer, so wherever you are, be safe and have fun!
  • FIFA Club World Cup: UNC Charlotte served as the base training site for Club de Fútbol Pachuca, one of the 32 teams competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

event spotlight

Don’t miss  Niner Nights at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, at Clutch Kitchen and Pour House in uptown Charlotte. This free event allows 49ers fans to hear from head coaches Tim Albin, Aaron Fearne and Tomekia Reed ahead of their 2025-26 seasons.

additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff

only at charlotte

Headshot of Venture Outdoor Leadership student leader Karabeth Savage

Karabeth Savage’s college journey was a winding path, much like a favorite hike. The senior biology major and Venture Outdoor Leadership student leader opens up about joining UNC Charlotte at age 32 and finding community in nature.

The Golden Nugget

“The Golden Nugget,” located outside the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, is a piece of quartz ore with gold veins that came from nearby Reed Gold Mine. Students are encouraged to rub the gold nugget to wish the 49ers good luck before an athletic event. In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed found a 17-pound gold nugget on his family’s farm in Midland, North Carolina. Reed and his father, John, are the namesake of the gold mine that can still be visited today.

campus resources

join the niner conversation on social media

There are a lot of ways to stay up-to-date and show your Niner pride. Make sure to follow Charlotte on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

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