Paul Riefenberg ’90 is NUTS for Charlotte, Congratulations, 2025 Summer Graduates, Building Access Changes and more

August 11, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Paul and Terrie repping UNC Charlotte at the 2019 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.

Paul Riefenberg ’90 is NUTS for Charlotte

Paul Riefenberg ’90 has a passion for all things UNC Charlotte. A proud Belk College of Business alumnus, he shares his experience as a student, how his student connections led to a successful career and why he gives back every chance he can.

A group of graduates at Summer Commencement

Congratulations, 2025 Summer Graduates

UNC Charlotte conferred more than 1,000 degrees during the 2025 Summer Commencement ceremony held in Dale F. Halton Arena, Saturday, Aug. 9. Check out a few of the many great moments from the ceremony.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Faculty are invited to apply for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, which offers a wide range of international opportunities for scholars at all career stages. Learn how to apply, along with other important announcements in this week’s news digest.
  • Building Access Changes: Effective today, Monday, Aug. 11, University building access schedules and procedures have changed. You may need your 49er ID card to access buildings. Review this webpage for building schedules and more information.
  • Register to Attend Convocation: This year’s University Convocation is at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Multipurpose Room; please register to attend. The fall faculty meeting will take place immediately following convocation at 10:45 a.m.
  • Construction Notice: Construction personnel and equipment will begin staging near the football stadium today, Monday, Aug. 11, to prepare for the Jerry Richardson Stadium expansion project. Major construction won’t begin until after Saturday, Sept. 6.
  • Teaching Awards Renamed: UNC Charlotte’s two University-wide teaching awards now share a single name: the UNC Charlotte Awards for Teaching Excellence. One award will continue to recognize tenured faculty, while the other will continue to honor non-tenure-track faculty. While the name has changed, the commitment to excellence in teaching remains the same. An announcement about this year’s finalists is forthcoming with the award ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11.
  • From Brazil to Charlotte: The Office of International Programs hosted 44 English teachers from Brazil for a six-week professional development program. This grant-funded initiative aims to improve the participants’ spoken English, expose them to new teaching methods and immerse them in U.S. culture.
  • Mandatory Research Training: Attention all researchers with active federal funding and those planning future proposal submissions to federal agencies. The Division of Research has posted updates for Mandatory Research Security Training. Read the Policy and Procedure Updates for details on how to take action.
  • Call for Nominations: 49er Alumni Campus Employees Awards honors the achievements of Charlotte’s 49er ACEs and their loyalty for the University. Nominate a deserving member by Sunday, Aug. 31.
  • OneIT Resources: OneIT is here to ensure you have a smooth and successful start to the 2025 fall semester. Here are some important updates, helpful resources and exciting new tools to support you.
  • Crowdfunding Opportunity: Join an information session at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26, to learn more about fundraising for a student organization or special project through Pickstarter. You can also apply for crowdfunding, and learn more about Pickstarter online or by emailing Jasmine Amaniampong.

what you need to know: students

event spotlight

Women's basketball school supply drive

The Charlotte women’s basketball team is hosting a school supplies drive to support kids in Gaston County. Donations of pencils, notebooks, binders, highlighters and other essential supplies can be brought to the women’s basketball office in Halton Arena by Thursday, Aug. 14. Email Coach Chase Campbell with questions. 

New Student Welcome, Chancellor's Cookout

All first-year and new transfer students are encouraged to attend the New Student Welcome and Chancellor’s Cookout, starting at 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17, in Halton Arena. Afterward, don’t miss the Student Orgs Showcase, 49er Frenzy and RecFest — all beginning at 4 p.m.

additional news, events and announcement

only at charlotte

Andy Gould ’13, left, is an engineer with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. He is training students to work with state-of-the-art SEL equipment.

UNC Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering recently announced a partnership with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories , a global leader in energy grid automation and protection. SEL has donated state-of-the-art equipment to the University’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology program, the only one of its kind in the UNC System.

around campus

Gold Rush Week

Students are invited to Fall Gold Rush, Aug. 15-30! All Gold Rush events — hosted by campus departments and student organizations — are free for students.

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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