Alumnus fuels NASCAR pit crew performance, Steven Bowers’ new HVAC technology and more

August 10, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
A Hendrick Motorsports staff member stands with arms crossed inside a modern training and performance facility equipped with cardio machines, weightlifting stations, and digital timing displays.

Alumnus fuels NASCAR pit crew performance

Evan Kureczka ’09 built his career through hard work, strong connections and a willingness to take on new challenges. From changing his path as a student to becoming an athletic trainer, Kureczka has continued to grow while building a career in NASCAR.

What you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly Digest: Register for an information session on how to submit proposals for funding to conduct Globally Networked Learning projects and courses, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Summer Commencement recap: UNC Charlotte conferred more than 1,100 degrees during the 2026 Summer Commencement ceremony held in Dale F. Halton Arena, Friday, Aug. 7. Check out a few of the many great moments from the ceremony.
  • Don’t forget: Register for University Convocation at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340 and the fall faculty meeting following convocation at 10:45 a.m.
  • Partnership with NCSSM:The University is expanding summer opportunities for students across North Carolina by partnering with the NC School of Science and Mathematics to host mentorships in AI and machine learning, bioinformatics, computer science and data science.
  • Make an impact:The Office of Undergraduate Research is seeking faculty fellows and advisors to provide leadership, mentor students and faculty, and expand opportunities for undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities.
  • Research program:The Office of Undergraduate Research is now accepting submissions for mentored project proposals for the 2027 Spring Research Program.
  • Free estate planning guide: August is National Make-a-Will Month, and the gift planning team is sharing a free estate planning guide to help you organize your plans.
  • Tuition credits: Put your tuition credits to work and strengthen your skills as a higher education professional. Explore UNC Charlotte’s M.Ed. and Ed.D. programs in Educational Leadership , which focus on higher education administration. Contact Cathy Howell, program director for details.
  • Study abroad visit: Kingston University nursing and social work students spent two weeks at UNC Charlotte exploring U.S. healthcare, social services and local culture through a customized program developed by Charlotte Global and the College of Health and Human Services.

What you need to know: students

  • Summer Commencement recap: UNC Charlotte conferred more than 1,100 degrees during the 2026 Summer Commencement ceremony held in Dale F. Halton Arena, Friday, Aug. 7. Check out a few of the many great moments from the ceremony.
  • Gold Rush is here: Gold Rush events and activities that welcome new and returning students to campus kick off Friday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Sept. 4.
  • Study abroad visit: Kingston University nursing and social work students spent two weeks at UNC Charlotte exploring U.S. healthcare, social services and local culture through a customized program developed by Charlotte Global and the College of Health and Human Services.
  • Academic calendar: Plan ahead by reviewing the 2026-27 academic calendar, which includes important academic dates, University holidays, deadlines and more.

the difference is charlotte

Steven Bowers holding SC Add-On

U.S. Air Force veteran and engineering student Steven Bowers is developing smart HVAC technology designed to detect problems and predict system failures before they happen.

professional development: faculty and staff

TO DO LIST: FACULTY AND STAFF

  • Fresh Air Rides: Participate in Mecklenburg County’s Fresh Air Rides Challenge until Sunday, Aug. 30, and be entered to win weekly and grand prizes for choosing alternative transportation. Faculty and staff are eligible for a discounted CATS All-Access Pass for CATS transit, including buses and the light rail.
  • International student panel discussion: The Cultural Ambassador Program facilitates panel presentations by international students in classrooms and trainings. Faculty interested in having cultural ambassadors present should complete the online request form by Friday, Aug. 14.
  • Movie night returns: Charlotte Athletics’ movie night returns to Jerry Richardson Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, featuring “Zootopia 2.” Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and fans are encouraged to bring blankets.
  • Nomination reminder: Nominations are open through Monday, Aug. 31, for the 10 Under Ten Alumni Awards, honoring alumni who have distinguished themselves with significant professional accomplishments or extraordinary service to their communities.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to do list: students

  • New Pickaxe Express: This new service from Barnes & Noble Charlotte allows you to schedule a convenient pickup day and time after receiving notification that your course materials are ready. Pickup begins today, Monday, Aug. 10.
  • Move night returns: Charlotte Athletics’ movie night returns to Jerry Richardson Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, featuring “Zootopia 2.” Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and fans are encouraged to bring blankets.
  • Niner Insider Instagram: Follow Niner Insider on Instagram and check out our latest reel with Atkins library celebrating National Book Lovers Day.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.