General News

Almost 50 years in the making, the William States Lee College of Engineering has a rich history of educating engineers and technologists who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities.

And the impacts of these contributions are the college’s legacy and the focus of a recent celebration – the Engineering Legacy Banquet.

University leaders lauded the campus’ community of givers whose Giving Green contributions and pledges totaled $181,395.27 for this year’s annual campaign.

Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, speaking at the donor appreciation breakfast, noted employees’ generosity will enhance the work of the Arts & Science Council, agencies affiliated with the State Employees Combine Campaign and the UNC Charlotte Foundation.

Giving Green campaign co-chair Darin Spease, senior associate athletic director, echoed the chancellor.

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will host a retirement reception for Larry Mellichamp, professor of botany and director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts Lobby. He is retiring after 38 years of service.

Nearly 70 nontraditional students were recognized for their academic achievements during the annual scholarship luncheon held by the Office of Adult Students and Evening Services (OASES).

Twenty-seven of the honorees were awarded Osher Reentry Scholarships established through an endowment by the Bernard Osher Foundation, and 11 students were recognized with the Carol Ann Douglas Reentry Scholarship. Also, for the first time, the Foundation for the Carolinas provided support for the ANSWER and Gratitude Endowment scholarships.

The N.C. Energy Policy Council, chaired by Lt. Gov. Dan Forest (’93, ’94), will meet from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the EPIC Building, Room 1332.

The Energy Policy Council is a part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and it is the central energy policy planning body for the state and communicates and cooperates with federal, state, regional and local bodies and agencies to develop a coordinated energy policy.

UNC Charlotte’s “Zero Waste Initiative” for Richardson Stadium was named the 2014 Wells Fargo Green Award winner at the annual Charlotte Chamber Energy Summit. The University was recognized in the large business category for “its impressive efforts” to eliminate waste in the 16,000-seat stadium.

The 2014 Wells Fargo Green Awards are presented to “member companies who have incorporated innovative, sustainable practices in the products they produce, the services they provide and within the culture of their company.”

Chancellor Philip L. Dubois recently received an honorary Doctor of Arts from Kingston University, located in London, England.

In presenting the honorary degree, Julius Weinberg, professor and vice chancellor at Kingston University, noted it was in recognition of the chancellor’s “outstanding contribution to internationalism, specifically to acknowledge the depth and value of the partnership between Kingston University and UNC Charlotte over the past 30 years, which has enhanced the academic life of so many students and staff across both institutions.”

The NinerTech store, located in the Student Union, will hold a “Pre-Black Friday” sale with educational discounts and store gift card incentives during the week of Nov. 17-21.

Operating as a nonprofit service of the University, NinerTech offers students, faculty and staff a combination of Apple, HP and Dell computers, as well as peripheral products. University members can shop for a wide array of accessories from items to protect their devices to earphones for walks on campus to accessories to keep their fitness on track.

As part of the on going series “Forty IX’ers: Know Your Title IX,”  the University will host a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 17, in the Student Union, Room 340 CF.

The “Forty IX’ers: Know Your Title IX” series is sponsored by the UNC Charlotte Title IX Office, Center for Wellness Promotion and the Dean of Students Office, in conjunction with the Feminist Union. Its purpose is to address issues of sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence.

The Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less annual holiday challenge to “Maintain, Don’t Gain” will run from Monday, Nov. 17, through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Members of the State Health Plan can sign up for this free challenge, which includes seven weekly newsletters, daily tips, health holiday recipes and motivation and support from other participants. More information and registration is online.