Tepper gift supports Charlotte’s women student-athletes, March Madness watch party and more

UNC Charlotte announces gift from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation to support Women’s Athletics

UNC Charlotte announced a $250,000 gift from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation to support the University’s Let Me Play initiative, strengthening opportunities for women student-athletes across Charlotte Athletics.

Enjoy March Madness at Oasis Café

The first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament begins today! Don’t miss out on March Madness Watch Parties in upper Prospector, through Friday, March 20. Play games, unlock special discount codes and enjoy a themed menu at the Oasis Café until the last game ends.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Let’s build together: Early giving for Niner Nation Gives is officially open. Early gifts lay the foundation for the entire giving day and show our students that Niner Nation stands behind them. You may also donate through payroll deduction online . There’s still time to register for the Niner Nation Gives Faculty and Staff Kickoff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, Popp Martin Student Union, third floor.
• Public service award nominee: Colleen Hammelman, an associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, was selected as UNC Charlotte’s nominee for the 2025 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service.
• Welcome to Charlotte: Facilities management is adding two new leaders to its team. Chad Carwein has been appointed campus sustainability officer, and Kent Reid has been named senior director of planning, design and construction and university architect. Both appointments take effect Monday, March 23.
• Marriott reopens: Power has been fully restored to the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, and the property is now accepting reservations. The M‑Club and grab‑and‑go market are open. The Golden Owl restaurant will reopen Friday, March 20. The facility has been offline since mid-February due to a pipe leak that caused the electrical outage.
• Calling campus caregivers: Atkins Library and the Charlotte Parent Organization invite students, faculty and staff who are parents or caregivers to drop in for a family-friendly afternoon of exploration and connection from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at Atkins Library.
• ThinkAI Research and Innovation: The Charlotte AI Institute for Research is partnering with AI//Forward for its inaugural symposium , “ThinkAI Research and Innovation,” Thursday, May 14, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. Applications for poster presentations, product demonstrations, speakers and sponsors are open.

what you need to know: students

• Swipe Out Hunger today: Make a real impact on Niner students facing food insecurity by donating up to two meal swipes through Swipe Out Hunger. Drop by Social 704 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., today, Thursday, March 19, to donate a swipe and spin the wheel for prizes.
• ThinkAI Research and Innovation: The Charlotte AI Institute for Research is partnering with AI//Forward for its inaugural symposium, “ThinkAI Research and Innovation,” Thursday, May 14, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.

the difference is charlotte

Eight UNC Charlotte students have been nominated for four nationally competitive awards — the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship and the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program.

upcoming events: students

Pet puppies, build a stress relief kit and connect with campus resources at Canine Connections from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at Star Quad.

• Calling campus caregivers: Atkins Library and the Charlotte Parent Organization invite students, faculty and staff who are parents or caregivers to drop in for a family-friendly afternoon of exploration and connection from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at Atkins Library.

professional development: faculty and staff

• Concur users: Attend the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 24. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal.
• Proactive campus safety: Register for the virtual training, “Bridging the Gap: A Behavioral Approach to Campus Safety and Violence Prevention,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, to learn about the shared responsibility of safety on college campuses and how to spot and report concerning behaviors.
• Community Engagement Showcase: The Charlotte Urban Institute is hosting a Community Engagement Showcase featuring the Cato College of Education from 2 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. This event will highlight local education-centered research, programs and partnerships through lightning presentations. A networking reception will follow.
• Business Services resource fair: Faculty and staff are invited to stop by the Business Services resource fair from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, March 25, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 200. Enjoy refreshments, games and learn about key campus services.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Thursday trivia: Tuesday was St. Patrick’s Day, so this week’s trivia is green themed. Take your best shot.
• Spring into health: Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less begins the week of April 20, and is free for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Standard PPO, Plus PPO, or 70/30 Plans. Use voucher code GNC2026 to register. Join a brief informational webinar at noon on Tuesday, March 24, or Wednesday, March 25, to learn more.
• Save the date: UNC Charlotte Fulbright Week is April 13-17. This week offers faculty the opportunity to learn more about the Fulbright application process, gain insights into conducting research or professional work abroad and connect with Fulbright alumni on campus.

to-do list: students

• Thursday trivia: Tuesday was St. Patrick’s Day, so this week’s trivia is green themed. Take your best shot.
• Light rail weekender: The light rail station next to campus opened eight years ago this week. Check out where it can take you, from thrift shops to vintage markets.