University Advancement

 In recognition of national Small Business Week, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) toured UNC Charlotte’s Partnership, Outreach and Research to Accelerate Learning (PORTAL) facility on Wednesday, May 4. During her visit, she met with Robert Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development; Paul Wetenhall, president of Ventureprise; and Henry Rock, executive director of City Startup Labs.

UNC Charlotte is a vibrant, expanding institution, and the University is making plans for another transformational jewel in its crown.

 The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) is an approximately nine-mile addition to the Queen City’s existing light rail service that will connect UNC Charlotte Center City and the main campus. There will be two stations that will provide service to the University. 

The mid-1990s heralded a new Latino South, during which the Charlotte region became a destination for Latino migration. This wave shows no sign of cresting and is expected to continue as a major demographic trend for years to come.

The Dale F. Halton Arena opened Dec. 2, 1996, as a state-of-the-art facility intended to showcase sporting events and major functions. It honors a generous University supporter whose name also graces a reading room in Atkins Library and the tennis complex.

Halton is the granddaughter of Henry Barksdale Fowler, the founder of Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Charlotte, which was established in 1905 as the nation’s first Pepsi franchise. At the time, Charlotte had a population of about 15,000.

Faculty and staff members are invited to join colleagues for socializing and networking at a Faculty and Staff Social, which will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, at Hauser Alumni Pavilion.

Sponsored by Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, the social will feature light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soft drinks. Register to attend online.

UNC Charlotte donors’ contributions have significant impact that benefit the campus; students recently acknowledged their efforts during “Green with Gratitude.”

Crowdfund UNC Charlotte, an online platform to generate financial support for various campus ventures, returns this month with three new initiatives.

The fundraising projects are student- and alumni-driven initiatives with guidance from faculty or staff members; proposals are submitted to the Division of University Advancement before being promoted through Crowdfund UNC Charlotte.

Spring 2016 Crowdfund UNC Charlotte projects are “Operation SAA Uniforms,” “Women’s Soccer Team Europe Trip” and the “Burkhalter-Rassel Scholarship.”

State appropriations and tuition and fees are among the funding sources for the University; however, the “extras” that add to academic and research opportunities and enhance campus facilities often result from the generosity of donors.

“Green with Gratitude” is a campus-wide initiative to inform students about the importance of philanthropy and to create the chance for them to express their appreciation to donors to the Chancellor’s Fund.

UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois continues to educate the greater Charlotte region on the benefits of the Connect NC bond. On Wednesday, he joined Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College, at a luncheon meeting of the Hood Hargett Breakfast Club.

The $2 billion Connect NC bond, which is on the March 15 ballot, would fund a number of projects across the state with almost half allocated to the UNC system. For UNC Charlotte, if the bond is approved, the University would receive $90 million to construct a new science building.

Trustee Sharon Decker calls Connect NC bond “essential” to state’s economic future.