Charlotte’s lasting commitment to veterans, Million Dollar Research Circle, Niner Nation Gives BIG Student Event and more

Continuing Charlotte’s founding commitment

UNC Charlotte started as an evening college, initially serving 278 WWII veterans. Today Military and Veteran Services is keeping Charlotte’s promise to support the military community — ranking as the No. 9 most-military-friendly institution in the country, and certifying VA benefits for a record 1,652 military-affiliated students in fall 2025.

• Hit the road with Elizabeth Beattie: Since Elizabeth Beattie ’20 joined Military and Veteran Services, student certifications have surged. Read how this alumna, with no military background, connects with the veteran community. 

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Million Dollar Research Circle: The Division of Research proudly announces the newest members of Charlotte’s Million Dollar Research Circle, honoring faculty from across campus leading impactful initiatives with $1 million or more in active external funding.
• Director announcement: Kevin Martin ’97 has been named the director of emergency management at UNC Charlotte.
• Let’s build together: Early giving for Niner Nation Gives is 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 online through payroll deduction.
• 49-Minute Pitch Competition: Innovation, entrepreneurship and impact take center stage at the 49-Minute Pitch Competition from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City. Hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, this year’s competition features a reimagined format and is the culminating experience of the 49er Foundry program.

what you need to know: students

• Book launch and fireside chat: Celebrate the power of community at the “Friends of the Good” book launch featuring a conversation with esteemed alumnus and philanthropist Demond T. Martin ’97 from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. 
• 49-Minute Pitch Competition: Innovation, entrepreneurship and impact take center stage at the 49-Minute Pitch Competition from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City. Hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, this year’s competition features a reimagined format and is the culminating experience of the 49er Foundry program.

the difference is charlotte

UNC Charlotte will welcome alumnus, philanthropist and WellWithAll CEO Demond T. Martin ’97 on Tuesday, March 31, for the campus launch of his new book, “ Friends of the Good.” The event begins at 5 p.m. in the Popp Martin Student Union and will feature narrative conversations with individuals who shaped Martin’s personal and professional journey, including former roommates, fraternity brothers and mentor Erskine Bowles. A reception will follow.

The Charlotte men’s club snowboarding alpine team — Josh and Noah Marsico, Martin Tox and Luke Wilson — placed second overall at nationals, the highest finish in club history. Read about the team’s performance in the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard National Championships at Lake Placid, New York.

upcoming events: students

Celebrate student impact, show your campus pride and support the campus organizations, clubs and initiatives that matter to you at the Niner Nation Gives BIG Student Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Cauble Quad.

• Earth Day Festival: Kick off Earth Month and connect with environmental stewards in the Charlotte region from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at Belk Plaza. At the festival, refresh your wardrobe sustainably at Swap Til Ya Drop.

professional development: faculty and staff

• Accessibility awareness: Celebrate Accessibility Awareness Month this April with an information session on the new digital accessibility policy, workshops and drop-in clinics.
• Attention managers: Refresh your skills by reviewing the performance management cycle for SHRA employees and joining a virtual Q&A session at 10 a.m., Friday, March 27, or Friday, April 17. Register on the learning and development portal.
• April workshops: Register for three Unleash Your Niner Potential workshops, presented by the HR learning and development team, centered around productivity, successful meetings and self-accountability. View the April schedule.
• Digital Humanities Meet-up: Connect with colleagues across campus over digital humanities collaborations at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Atkins Library.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• 90s trivia: Break out the slap bracelets and the N64 because we’re heading back to the decade of neon, nostalgia and nonstop pop culture — the 90s. Give it a try.
• Prepare for Canvas Portfolio: The new Canvas Portfolio launches Monday, March 30. Ready to explore? Get started with these FAQs.
• Earth Day Festival: Kick off Earth Month and connect with environmental stewards in the Charlotte region from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at Belk Plaza. At the festival, refresh your wardrobe sustainably at Swap Til Ya Drop.

to-do list: students

• 90s Trivia: Break out the slap bracelets and the N64 because we’re heading back to the decade of neon, nostalgia and nonstop pop culture — the 90s. Give it a shot. 
• Save the date: Don’t miss food, giveaways and games at the 4/9 Day Celebration at Barnes & Noble Charlotte from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 9.