
Welcome to SYC, a new monthly digital experience that highlights UNC Charlotte’s mission as
North Carolina’s urban research university. SYC replaces the previous offerings Community Advance and Capital Connections. We hope you will share these stories as you Stake Your Claim.
International Festival Sept. 20, Watch Live Stream from Anywhere
For nearly four decades, UNC Charlotte has held the region’s largest, most culturally diverse festival. Now entering its 39th year, the annual International Festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to experience the world in a day. With more than 50 nations represented, this colorful festival lets individuals engage in a vast array of activities including art, costumes, games, music, dance, and of course, food.
Chancellor Speaks On Economic Development in Union County

Chancellor Phil Dubois was the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Hook and Slice Industry Appreciation Banquet presented by Monroe-Union County Economic Development on Thursday, Sept. 4. In his remarks to an audience of about 100 industry leaders in Union County, Dubois emphasized UNC Charlotte’s shared goals of economic prosperity and other connections with Union County. He enjoyed meeting local elected officials including Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore, industry leaders and many alumni who are making a difference in Union County.
Education Professor Receives 2014 Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence

Associate Professor of Education Tracy Rock is the 2014 recipient of the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence - one of the University’s most prestigious honors for faculty members.
Violins of Hope Reading, Performances Sept. 11; Will be Live Streamed

James A. Grymes, interim chair of the UNC Charlotte Department of Music, will read from his new book, Violins of Hope: Instruments of Hope and Liberation in Mankind’s Darkest Hour, with performances of related music throughout the evening beginning at 7:30 PM on Thursday, Sept. 11, in Belk Theater at Robinson Hall.
Help Name the UNC Charlotte Marching Band

The UNC Charlotte Department of Music is soliciting suggestions for an exciting name for the University’s new marching band that will take the field in fall 2015.
John Erickson, '74 Shares a "Sweet" Memory of Miss Bonnie
UNC Charlotte alumnus and Charlotte resident John Erickson reminisces about his first encounter with Dr. Bonnie Cone. As a freshman in 1969, Erickson was the first student to live on campus and Miss Bonnie greeted him in her typical, gracious Southern style. Erickson holds a BA and a MA in English.
Alumni Football Tailgate Packages Now Available
The second season of 49er football is now underway, and the Alumni Association’s tailgate packages for all home games are available for purchase, with single-game tailgate options also available. Tailgates are open to all alumni and friends of UNC Charlotte. Additionally, the colleges and affinity networks will have gatherings for their alumni throughout the season.
Events, September 2014
- Thursday, Sept. 11: Stories and Music from the Violins of Hope
- Friday, Sept. 12: Health Psychology Doctoral Program Info Session
- Friday, Sept. 12: MACC Online Info Session
- Saturday, Sept. 13: Alumni Away Tailgate at NC Central
- Saturday, Sept. 13: MBA Preview Day
- Saturday, Sept. 13: MACC Preview Day
- Tuesday, Sept. 16: MS in Economics/MS in Mathematical Finance Online Info Session
- Thursday, Sept. 18: Personally Speaking: Middle Class Meltdown
- Saturday, Sept. 20: MS in Mathematical Finance Preview Day
- Thursday, Sept. 25: MS in Real Estate Info Session
- Saturday, Sept. 27: 49ers vs. Charleston Southern
- Tuesday, Sept. 30: MBA Online Info Session
- Wednesday, Oct. 1: An Evening at Childress Vineyards
In the News, September 2014
- Chancellor Phil Dubois was the keynote speaker at an industry appreciation event in Union County, as reported by The Enquirer-Journal Sept. 6.
- Andy Bobyarchick, associate professor of earth sciences, spoke to WFAE's Charlotte Talks about fracking in North Carolina on Sept. 3.
- Chancellor Phil Dubois spoke to WFAE's Charlotte Talks on Sept. 1 and Sept. 4 as part of a series on the affordability of higher education.
- On Aug. 30, the Charlotte Observer highlighted the construction of the LYNX Blue Line light rail extension, which will have two stops on UNC Charlotte's campus.
- On Aug. 29, the Charlotte Business Journal reported on the $6 million revenue brought in by UNC Charlotte football in its first season.
- Professors Chris Blanchette (Health & Human Services), Richard Buttimer (Belk College) and Mark Armstrong (Computing & Informatics) spoke to WFAE's Charlotte Talks about the Data Science and Business Analytics Initiative (Big Data) on Aug. 28.
- TWC News 14 and WCNC covered the opening of the CMS and UNC Charlotte STEM-focused early college high school on campus, Charlotte Engineering Early College, on Aug. 25.
- UNC Charlotte's EPIC (Energy Production and Infrastructure Center) has begun working on product development with clean energy startup CLT Joules, as featured by the Charlotte Observer Aug. 22.
- UNC Charlotte and Salisbury City Council are partnering to bring more high-tech businesses to Salisbury, as reported by the Salisbury Post Aug. 21.
- The Charlotte Business Journal named Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Beth Hardin as CFO of the year in the "large nonprofit/government organization" category Aug. 19.
- WSOC featured the Niner Choice program on Aug. 18, a partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department to ensure safe off-campus housing for students.
- Anita Blanchard, associate professor of psychology and organization science, discussed healthy use of social media on WFAE's Charlotte Talks Aug. 14.
- Fox Carolinas 46 reported on the economic impact on University City of more than 27,000 UNC Charlotte students returning to campus on Aug. 13.
- Carlos Alexis Cruz, assistant professor of voice and movement, received the $25,000 McColl award to create a new work of art, as reported by the Charlotte Observer Aug. 10.
- WCNC highlighted the University's emergency drill at Jerry Richardson Stadium on Aug. 7.