Alumni

The Aruna Quartet, a saxophone group that includes UNC Charlotte alumnus Andrew Schoen, won the Grand Prize in the 46th annual Fischoff Competition. Hosted by the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, the competition is the largest chamber music competition in the United States. The Grand Prize-winning ensemble receives $13,500, a winner’s tour of the Midwestern United States and select appearances at the Emilia Romagna Festival in Italy this summer.

This spring, the three pre-commencement events hosted by the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association—the 49er Ring, Donning of the Kente and Legacy Draping ceremonies—experienced some of their largest attendance numbers yet.

It was a busy week for UNC Charlotte employees who used their paid community service leave to volunteer across the campus and city of Charlotte during National Volunteer Week, April 8-12.

Employees packed 1,200 meal supplement backpacks, 1,500 pencil pack kits, 1,500 toiletry kits and made 2,500 sandwiches. University alumni helped sort clothing donations at Crisis Assistance Ministry.

The seven alumni, faculty and friends of the University who were honored at the 2019 Alumni Awards Luncheon included accomplished business leaders, public servants, community leaders, educators and philanthropists.

For C.T. Lefler ’11, one of the best-selling points for UNC Charlotte’s Legacy Program is the draping ceremony for graduating students. During the ceremony, a family member who is also a UNC Charlotte graduate places a stole on the student and, in turn, the student pins the family member.

“It’s a real family event,” said Lefler, a third-generation alumnus who graduated with a mechanical engineering degree.

A garden for autistic children, lab coats for new nursing graduates and scholarships for legacy students are among the latest round of spring crowdfunding projects that the UNC Charlotte community can support. Crowdfund UNC Charlotte is an online platform that helps University faculty, staff and students fund unique projects.

Kevin Brawley ’13, an alumnus of the Department of Music, has been named a 2019 Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association Foundation. Brawley was one of 30 music teachers nationally to receive recognition “for their commitment to shaping the next generation through music.” He will be presented the award formally at a ceremony on April 30 in Nashville, Tennessee. The honor also comes with a $5,000 prize ($2,500 for classroom needs and $2,500 unrestricted).

This is the second article in a series highlighting the impact of the Green Tie Gala, which raises money for scholarships at UNC Charlotte. Gala attendees get to choose which scholarship their donations will support. Click here to purchase tickets or learn more about the gala.

This February, UNC Charlotte is asking alums to share their love stories of how they met their significant others as well as what they love about the University. Stories shared on social media, using #iLOVEUNCC qualify to win exclusive 49er swag, and alums are encouraged to make a gift to support programs, scholarships or departments at LOVE.UNCC.EDU.

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association will hold its 2019 Alumni Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 5, at The Westin Charlotte.

Tickets are now on sale for this event, which will honor seven alumni, faculty and friends whose careers have been distinguished by significant accomplishments and through extraordinary service. RSVP by Friday, March 29.