Formal dedication of Hauser Alumni Pavilion set for Saturday

Following a significant gift commitment from alumni and longtime UNC Charlotte supporters Nancy and David Hauser, a striking new campus facility for football tailgating and other events makes its debut this fall.

Construction on the Hauser Alumni Pavilion was completed in early September. The 8,000-square-foot brick-and-steel structure has enough space to accommodate 700 people.

The Hauser Alumni Pavilion will be dedicated officially on Saturday, Sept. 26, prior to the Charlotte 49ers football game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Located along 49er Way, a pedestrian path between the main campus and the stadium, the Hauser Alumni Pavilion features a catering station, restrooms and utilities to support outside entertainment.

“We’re calling it an alumni pavilion,” David Hauser said, speaking of the structure’s conceptual design and architectural style, which blends well with the rest of the campus. “But I think it will be much more than that.”

He added: “Nancy and I believe there will be numerous opportunities to use this new pavilion to enhance the collegiate experience for alumni, current students and others. In large part, we were motivated by our desire to create a venue that will attract alumni back to reconnect with their classmates.

“We hope it also becomes a place where alumni and current students can mingle and create new bonds,” Hauser said. “We’re hoping it becomes part of a new and lasting tradition here at UNC Charlotte.”

During the off-season, the facility will be available for alumni, faculty, staff and students to rent for other events, including music performances and other occasions.

“The Hauser Alumni Pavilion is a beautiful facility and will serve as a gathering place for alumni tailgates and other activities throughout the year including graduation parties, University celebrations, festivals, weddings or other outdoor events,” said Jenny Jones, executive director of alumni affairs.

For several years, David Hauser has served on the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees. He also had a role in bringing football to campus. In 2009, Hauser served as one of the executive chairs on the 49ers Football Fundraising Capital Team. Hauser earned his M.B.A. from the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte in 1977, the same year his wife Nancy earned her master’s degree in history from the University.

Hauser, who is now retired, held numerous high-level executive positions during his career, including chairman and chief executive officer at FairPoint Communications, and chief financial officer at Duke Energy.