Charles “Vince” Graham, a senior finance major with a concentration in accounting and minors in management information systems and Spanish, serves as president of the senior class. Learn why Graham chose to attend UNC Charlotte, his favorite thing to do on campus and what advice he has for fellow 49ers.
What drew you to UNC Charlotte?
I never visited campus prior to applying to UNC Charlotte. I just saw an opportunity. I grew up in a small rural community in North Carolina. A college administrator visited during my senior year of high school and said “come here and be a name not a number.” I told myself I wanted to do that but at a bigger university. I have done that while also building lifelong friendships.
What made you decide to join the Student Government Association?
I joined the Student Government Association (SGA) because I wanted to have a positive impact on the community. I knew once I visited UNC Charlotte, I wanted to get involved on campus. This feeling only grew as I joined SGA and met all the members of this organization and my passion continued to grow. SGA was the first organization I joined, the first semester of freshman year.
How has it changed with COVID-19?
COVID-19 has definitely made me prioritize my passions and values. I spent most of my sophomore year and all of junior year online. It wasn’t great, but I grew and adapted. I actually created a social media presence with around 30,000 followers and supporters around my niche space. I did this while being a full-time student, taking core business classes, and serving as student body vice president while taking part in other organizations like my fraternity and serving as a student ambassador!
What do you enjoy about attending UNC Charlotte?
I have enjoyed building friendships. All the people I’ve met at UNC Charlotte have positively impacted my life. The people at UNC Charlotte make the university great, which is something that makes us unique from other schools. Yes, we are here to get our education, but it’s also about our journey and the people who help us along the way.
What is one spot every student should go to before they graduate?
Go to the top of Atkins Library.
What are your favorite things to do on campus?
My favorite thing to do is study with friends in Atkins Library, maybe staying up until 4 a.m. or just pulling an all-nighter.
What advice do you have for fellow 49ers?
Enjoy your time at UNC Charlotte. It goes by fast, trust me.