General News

Bell ringers for the 2022 Spring Commencement were Samantha Shefte, Kiran Budhrani and Ryen Boleware; the trio were outstanding student leaders who demonstrated exemplary 49er spirit.

The University has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, May 13-14. Because we want to be able to celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments, we will move forward with the outdoor Commencement ceremonies as scheduled. However, in consideration of the forecast for the possibility of widespread rain both days, we will shorten the length of the ceremonies with a focus on what is most important — ensuring our graduates have the ability to walk across the stage. We continue to receive questions about moving the ceremonies to Halton Arena.

A group of architecture and chemistry students spent the spring semester working together to translate the nanoscale of chemistry to the macroscale of architecture.

Students from the Graduate Topic Studio, led by Rachel Dickey, assistant professor of architecture, and graduate research assistants from the lab of Christopher Bejger, associate professor of chemistry, teamed to design proposals for a nanoscale science pop-up museum. They built full-scale components, which were displayed at the Science Building for a juried competition.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden recently honored Larry Mellichamp ’70, retired director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, as only the seventh recipient of its Flora Caroliniana Award.

Priya Patel grew up in North Carolina’s Lake Norman area. A member of the Class of 2022, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University’s College of Health and Human Services. An aspiring physician, Patel discusses her Charlotte journey and plans for the future.

Marice Raynor, a native of Kinston, North Carolina, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Belk College of Business. Raynor’s post-Commencement plans are set, as he will be working with Bank of America as a wholesale credit analyst. A member of the Class of 2022, he talks about his Belk College experience, his campus involvement and offers a piece of advice.

Dakota Walker grew up in North Carolina’s Kings Mountain area. As a member of the Class of 2022, she will complete a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University’s Cato College of Education. Starting this fall, she will be teaching in an exceptional children’s resource room at Kings Mountain Intermediate School.

Kendall Britton, as a member of the Class of 2022, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University’s William States Lee College of Engineering. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Britton, as part of his senior design project, delivered a presentation to Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation. He discusses that opportunity along with offering advice to prospective engineering students.

Kaela Williams, from Sanford, North Carolina, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. An aspiring physician, Williams also minored in sociology. As Commencement nears, Williams reflects upon Charlotte’s impact on her life and career aspirations.

Skyler Parrow-Strong is graduating from the University’s College of Arts + Architecture as a member of the Class of 2022. Originally from Baldwinsville, New York, she will complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Learn how she arrived in Charlotte, the best part about her internship and her post-Commencement plans.