First Citizens Award, Countdown to Commencement, Charlotte SHOUT! Signature Event, Campus Beautification Day and more

March 31, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
2025 First Citizens Franz Kellermanns

Belk College Professor Earns UNC Charlotte’s Outstanding Scholars Award

World-renowned business researcher Franz W. Kellermanns is the 2025 recipient of the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal , presented at the UNC Charlotte Leaders in Research celebration on Thursday, March 27. First awarded in 1988, the medal recognizes outstanding scholarship, creativity and research among the University’s senior full-time faculty members.

Countdown to Commencement

Countdown to Commencement Starts this Week

Spring graduates should attend the Commencement Kickoff from noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Barnes and Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union. 

  • Jumpstart Commencement Season: Pick up your commencement attire; order a class ring; purchase a diploma frame; learn about resources for graduates; and enjoy free swag, food and door prizes.
  • Can’t make the kickoff? Pick up your attire until 6 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Charlotte on Wednesday or from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Nexus: Networking Across Disciplines fosters the emergence of interdisciplinary research teams by providing faculty with structured opportunities to learn about one another’s research and brainstorm areas of mutual interest. Learn more about Nexus 2025, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Strategic Plan Update: Kim Bradley, chair of the Strategic Plan Update Working Group, shares a message with the latest information on the plan and a chance for campus to offer feedback.
  • Volunteer for Commencement: Volunteers are needed at Spring Commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. 
  • Schul Forum Last Call: Register for the Charlotte Urban Institute’s Schul Forum from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. This event will explore how using data and research can make a difference in our lives and our communities.
  • Niner Nation Gives Kickoff Luncheon: Enjoy a delicious lunch, hear from one of the University’s amazing student scholarship recipients and take part in a fun activity that enters you into exclusive giveaways at the Niner Nation Gives Faculty and Staff Kickoff Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, in the Popp Martin Student Union, third floor.

what you need to know: students

event spotlight

Charlotte SHOUT! Event

UNC Charlotte will present “Timelines: Past Perspectives. Future Insights,” a full-day signature event on Saturday, April 5, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. The event, part of Charlotte SHOUT!, features thought-provoking conversations, interactive panels and creative expressions; admission is free for University students, faculty and staff.

upcoming events: students

  • Upcoming Earth Month Events: Register to participate in Campus Beautification Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, in Greek Village. Come ready to get your hands dirty and help make campus more beautiful. Don’t miss out on Climate-Themed Board Game Night, from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 11, in Norm’s Gameroom.
  • Wellbeing Block Party: Join the Health and Wellbeing Unit and Niner Finances at the fourth annual Wellbeing Block Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at the CHHS/CoED Plaza. Enjoy a community wellness fair, food trucks, giveaways, games and more.
  • UNC Charlotte at Charlotte SHOUT!: UNC Charlotte will present “Timelines: Past Perspectives. Future Insights ,” a full-day signature event on Saturday, April 5, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. The event, part of Charlotte SHOUT!, features thought-provoking conversations, interactive panels and creative expressions; admission is free for University students, faculty and staff.
  • AI, Copyright and the Future of Creativity: Register to join the discussion with the Division of Research, the College of Arts + Architecture and the director of the U.S. Copyright Office at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, in Rowe Arts Building. 
  • #NNG Big Student Event: Grab food, swag and connect with student orgs while making an impact at the Niner Nation Gives Big Student Event, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at the CHHS/CoED Plaza.

Additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff

  • Countdown to Commencement: Please encourage spring graduates to attend Countdown to Commencement from noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Barnes and Noble Charlotte to pick up their commencement attire, order class rings and purchase their diploma frame.
  • Upcoming Earth Month Events: Register to tour the recycling and waste management facility on campus as part of the Earth Month tour series from noon to 1 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1. Don’t miss out on the Earth Day Festival , scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, April 3, in Belk Plaza.
  • Important Motor Fleet Information: In an ongoing effort to streamline operations, reduce costs and promote sustainability, fleet management is discontinuing the use of certain motor fleet vehicles on campus , effective Monday, June 30. Cars, minivans and midsize SUVs, which have been used for various campus operations will no longer be available for departmental use. This change excludes 15-passenger vans.
  • Call a Niner Engineer: Last week, Emmy-winning home-improvement series “This Old House” consulted Niner engineer Wayne Goff, Charlotte’s construction management authority, for expert insight.
  • AI, Copyright and the Future of Creativity: Register to join the discussion with the Division of Research, the College of Arts + Architecture and the director of the U.S. Copyright Office at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, in the Rowe Building Recital Hall.
  • Time Management Course: Register for “Mastering Time Management: Proven Techniques for Overcoming Procrastination and Prioritizing Tasks ,” part of human resources’ Unleash Your Niner Potential series for Charlotte employees, from 3 to 4 p.m., Thursday, April 14, in Colvard Building, Room 5092.
  • Online Student Support Communities: Register for the Center for Teaching and Learning’s Symposium on AI-Powered Online Student Support Communities with InScribe from 12:30 to 4 p.m., Friday, April 18, in the Cone University Center, Room 112. Explore innovative ways to strengthen student support systems on campus.

only at charlotte

Kathryn Horne, director of planning, design and construction in facilities management

Kathryn Horne, director of planning, design and construction in facilities management, has made quite an impact on UNC Charlotte’s campus master plan since joining the University in 2015. No two days have been the same for the registered architect who recently announced her retirement from the University, effective March 31.

This Old House calls Wayne Goff

Last week, Emmy-winning home-improvement series “This Old House” consulted Niner engineer Wayne Goff, Charlotte’s construction management authority, for expert insight.

around campus

EHS Lab Safety Champions

Congratulations to Environmental Health and Safety’s 2025 Laboratory Safety Champions. These recipients were nominated by their peers for displaying exceptional laboratory safety practices. Well done, Niners! 

show us your 49er spirit!

Sports Analytics Spirit Photo

Niner Stats represented the Sports Analytics program and the University at the Board of Visitors meeting, Wednesday, March 26.

Send your spirit photos to ninerinsider@charlotte.edu.

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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