Precision engineering receives transformative gift, Niner love stories and more

March 5, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

Technician operates precision equipment, focusing on measurements in a lab environment, with instruments visible in the foreground. — Adeniyi Adeleke, a winner of a scholarship contest sponsored by Zeiss, uses a coordinate measuring machine to measure a part’s feature.

UNC Charlotte announces transformative gift to propel precision engineering

The William States Lee College of Engineering has announced a legacy gift from Brenda and Graham Siddall that will refine the landscape of precision metrology for generations to come. This investment will provide critical support to the Center for Precision Metrology, an institution that stands as the premier academic research center of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Measured success: Read more about Charlotte’s rise to international metrology prominence.

Niner couple embrace outside Cauble Quad

Niner love stories

They came for a degree. They found something that would last a lifetime. Read about Niners whose love stories were shaped at UNC Charlotte.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Self-appraisals are open: Take a few minutes to reflect on your accomplishments and share your progress. Learn how AI can help you streamline your self-appraisal; then head to NinerTalent to begin.
Oliver Max Gardner Award nominee: Jordan Poler, professor of chemistry, is UNC Charlotte’s nominee for the 2026 Oliver Max Gardner Award. Presented annually by the UNC System, the award recognizes a faculty member who, during the current academic year, has made “the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.”
Strategic Plan Refresh Survey: The UNC Charlotte Strategic Plan, Shaping What’s Next, reaches its five-year milestone this year. This is an opportunity to review and refresh the plan. Share your feedback by completing this survey by 11:59 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, March 6.
Board of Governors update: The UNC System Board of Governors met Feb. 25 and 26. A summary is available of reports shared during the meetings and actions taken by the board.
On the podium: Charlotte indoor track and field broke three school records and earned podium finishes in six events at the American Conference Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Alabama.
Commencement ceremonies: Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place in Halton Arena on Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; and Saturday, May 9.

what you need to know: students

Green Dot training: Sign up for the last Green Dot Overview training of the semester on Thursday, March 19, to learn to recognize, react and prevent interpersonal violence at Charlotte.
Bell ringer applications: Applications for Spring Commencement bell ringers are open through Sunday, March 15. The bell ringer performs the longstanding tradition of ringing the UNC Charlotte “victory bell,” and one bell ringer will be selected for each commencement ceremony.
Commencement ceremonies: Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place in Halton Arena on Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; and Saturday, May 9.
Strategic Plan Refresh Survey: The UNC Charlotte Strategic Plan, Shaping What’s Next, reaches its five-year milestone this year. This is an opportunity to review and refresh the plan. Share your feedback by completing this survey by 11:59 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, March 6.
Board of Governors update: The UNC System Board of Governors met Feb. 25 and 26. A summary is available of reports shared during the meetings and actions taken by the board.

the difference is charlotte

American Indoor Track and Field Championships

Charlotte indoor track and field broke three school records and earned podium finishes in six events at the American Conference Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Alabama.

upcoming event

The Botanical Gardens offers two signature events, free to students, to help you connect with nature. The next Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, March 6; the next Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 7. Registration is required for both events.

professional development: faculty and staff

P-card training: Register for the Concur for Purchasing Card (non-travel) virtual training at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 10. Register on the learning and development portal.
Virtual Green Dot training: Faculty and staff at Charlotte play a key role in preventing interpersonal violence. Attend a virtual Green Dot training from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, to learn to recognize, react and prevent sexual assault, dating violence and stalking on campus.
CTL workshop: Step into spring at the Center for Teaching and Learning’s “Walkshop on Narrative Intelligence: The Power of Story in your Teaching,” from 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26.
Country Culture Workshop: Attend the 2026 Country Culture Workshop spotlighting Vietnam from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday March 31, in Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room. This annual event explores a country with high enrollment of international students through language, etiquette, cultural norms, history and personal experience. An authentic Vietnamese lunch will be served; RSVP here.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Try today’s trivia: In this week’s trivia we’re jumping in the time machine, flashing back 10 years and testing how much you remember about the year 2016!
Nominate today: Last call to recognize a member of the UNC Charlotte community for their global impact. Nominate faculty, staff, students or alumni for International Women’s Day awards by tomorrow, Friday, March 6. Then, join the celebration from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room. Click here for details and the nomination form.
Connect with nature: The Botanical Gardens offers two signature events, free to faculty and staff, to help you connect with nature. The next Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, March 6; the next Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 7. Registration is required for both events.
Remind first-gen students: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards are open through Sunday, March 15. Graduating first-gen Niners are encouraged to apply for the Golden Achievement and the Community Impact Awards. This semester, three new awards are open to all first-gen Niners.

to-do list: students

Try today’s trivia: Hey fam! In this week’s trivia we’re jumping in the time machine, flashing back 10 years and testing how much you remember about the year 2016!
Nominate today: Last call to recognize a member of the UNC Charlotte community for their global impact. Nominate faculty, staff, students or alumni for International Women’s Day awards by tomorrow, Friday, March 6. Then, join the celebration from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room. Click here for details and the nomination form.
Apply for First-Gen Excellence Awards: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards are open through Sunday, March 15. Graduating first-gen Niners are encouraged to apply for the Golden Achievement and the Community Impact Awards. This semester, three new awards are open to all first-gen Niners.
Get gaming gear: NinerTech outfitted UNC Charlotte’s Esports and Gaming Arena, and now you can gear up with the same pro‑level equipment. Shop in-store at the Popp Martin Student Union or explore the full lineup online.