Distinguished Service Award Winner, Niner Nation Gives ends today and more

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan receives UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award

Brian Moynihan, chair and chief executive officer of Bank of America, one of the nation’s largest financial institutions, is the 2026 recipient of the UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the University.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Give today: Niner Nation Gives, Charlotte’s annual 49 hours of giving, ends today, Thursday, April 2. Every gift makes a difference in building the future of Niner Nation; you can make a one-time gift or donate through payroll deduction online.
• Take action: Performance planning opened Wednesday, April 1. SHRA supervisors, log into NinerTalent Stakes to start building SMART goals. EHRA staff, log in to enter the SMART goals you discussed with your supervisors. Email questions to NinerTalent Stakes.
• Tree Campus Higher Education recognition: UNC Charlotte has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2025 Tree Campus Higher Education institution.
• OneIT training: Check out the expanded training offerings on AI and Google tools for your daily work.
• New CHHS department: The College of Health and Human Services departments of Epidemiology and Community Health and Health Management Policy will merge, effective July 1, and become the Department of Public Health and Health Administration.

what you need to know: students

• Give today: Niner Nation Gives, Charlotte’s annual 49 hours of giving, ends today, Thursday, April 2. Every gift makes a difference in building the future of Niner Nation.
• Science in the Community: Engage in roundtable discussions, network and enjoy light refreshments at Science in the Community from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.
• Tree Campus Higher Education recognition: UNC Charlotte has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2025 Tree Campus Higher Education institution.

the difference is charlotte

From checking in on a colleague to stepping up during a busy time or bringing creativity and care to a department, the inaugural UNC Charlotte Faculty GOLD Awards celebrate the moments that often go unrecognized but make a lasting impact. Chancellor Gaber surprised this year’s recipients with plaques and bouquets of flowers.

Network with distinguished alumni over an exclusive three-course meal at the second annual Dinner with 9 Niners from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the Harris Alumni Center. Whether you’re looking for professional insights or just want to practice your dinner etiquette in a professional setting, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. The RSVP deadline is today! 

upcoming events: students

Join the campus watch party for the NCAA final four and championship games in Upper Prospector on Saturday, April 4, and Monday, April 6. 

• Wellbeing Block Party: Join Health and Wellbeing and Niner Finances for the fifth annual Wellbeing Block Party at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 8. Enjoy a community wellness fair, food trucks, giveaways, games and more.
• Student Garden Day: Repair, rejuvenate and plant the volunteer garden areas on campus — student gardens, staff gardens, pollinator gardens and Niner Pantry gardens — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 17.
• Wear, Care, Repair: Learn to give life to your old clothes with sewing machines and hand-sewing materials from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at Atkins Library, Area 49er Makerspace.

professional development: faculty and staff

• Concur virtual training: Register to attend the Concur for Travelers virtual training from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 7.
• Violence Prevention is Public Health Symposium: RSVP for the Violence Prevention is Public Health Symposium from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 9, in Union Theater. Hosted by the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, this symposium brings together students, researchers, practitioners and community partners to explore interdisciplinary approaches to violence prevention.
• AI discussion: Join your colleagues for AI@Work, a new discussion series focused on real-world AI applications and honest peer-to-peer learning. The first session is from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Thursday, April 9, and focuses on using AI for scheduling and student training.
• AI Summit for Smarter Learning: The schedule is now available for the fourth annual Charlotte AI Summit for Smarter Learning. Register today to participate in this free, full-day event.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• UNC Charlotte history trivia: As we build the future of UNC Charlotte, test your knowledge of the University’s landmark moments.
• Connect with nature: The Botanical Gardens offers two signature events free to faculty and staff. The next Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, April 3; the next Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 4. Registration is required for both events.
• Watch Final Four at Oasis: Join the campus watch party for the NCAA final four and championship games in Upper Prospector on Saturday, April 4, and Monday, April 6.
• Repair old clothes: Learn to give life to your old clothes with sewing machines and hand-sewing materials from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at Atkins Library, Area 49er Makerspace.

to-do list: students

• UNC Charlotte history trivia: As we build the future of UNC Charlotte, test your knowledge of the University’s landmark moments.
• Light Rail Weekender: From Charlotte SHOUT to new eats in SouthEnd, check out things to do in Charlotte this weekend accessible via the light rail.