UNC Charlotte : the magazine of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for alumni and friends |
Previous | 35 of 38 | Next |
|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
|
This page
All
|
Wiintteerr 2007 Voll.. 14 No.. 1 THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS Making History for the Next 60 Years: Amazing change and growth continue Dear alumni and friends, General Assembly support for UNC Charlotte is growing As the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2007 session approaches, all 49ers have reason to be pleased with the support UNC Charlotte received from the legislature in 2006; we will work to ensure that type of support continues in the coming year. The 2006 session ranks as one of the most successful for the University of North Carolina system overall, with a 10-plus percentage increase in its authorized budget. UNC Charlotte shared in that increase through one hugely significant capital appropriation, salary increases for faculty and staff, funding to support our rapidly-expanding enrollment of students, and expanded authorization for building projects. The capital budget committed $45.8 million in certificates of participation – full funding – for our classroom and office complex at Ninth and Brevard streets in Center City Charlotte. The building will provide 150,000 gross square feet for academic programs targeted toward graduate, professional, and continuing education. Our Belk College graduate programs, including the MBA and our new Master’s in sports management and marketing, will be headquartered there, as will graduate-level programs in engineering management, health administration, information technology, public administration, urban design, organizational science, public history, liberal studies, and other fields. UNC Charlotte Center City will also house a significant presence for the Office of Continuing Education, and will be the new home of the Charlotte Community Design Studio. The Center City building will anchor a mixed use development in a major redevelopment of Charlotte’s First Ward that will include several condominiums, retail shopping, a four-acre park and an underground parking deck. In securing funding for the building, UNC Charlotte can begin establishing a highly visible, very substantial beachhead in the Center City. We’ll be more competitive than ever and more visible to the business community. Design should start in earnest early in 2007, with the grand opening due in early 2010. Let the countdown begin! The other major capital improvement win that we achieved involved increased authorization for the most significant – and most expensive – structure ever built on the UNC Charlotte campus – the new $65 million Student Union complex. The new Union will rise across Craver Road from our new College of Education and College of Health and Human Services. It will feature 195,000 square feet under roof and will connect to Cameron Blvd. residence halls via a walking bridge. The entire cost of the Union is being paid for through bonds to be repaid by student fees. Our students are really stepping up to the plate, guaranteeing a facility that will be enjoyed by fellow students for generations to come. In addition, funding to support faculty salaries was increased by 6 percent, while our staff enjoyed the 5.5 percent “across the board” increases authorized for all state employees. The sum of $5 million was created as a faculty competitiveness fund to be administered by UNC President Erskine Bowles to help campuses recruit and retain the best faculty. UNC Charlotte also received more than $10.5 million in funds for enrollment growth as we expanded to more than 21,500 students this past fall. And in one of the most significant legislative actions in recent years to address the conditions of our existing buildings, UNC Charlotte received just over $5 million in “repair and renovation” funding. Although we still rank 13th in the UNC system in per student funding, all of these additions to our budget were very much welcome! With the help of President Bowles and the Board of Governors, support from Governor Mike Easley, and effective advocacy by hard-working legislative leaders and supporters in both parties, there is growing realization statewide that The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a true gem. Go Niners! Cordially, Philip L. Dubois, Chancellor F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 3 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 Contents Winter 2007 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 Volume 14, Number 1 THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE PHILIP L. DUBOIS Chancellor MALCOLM E. “MAC” EVERETT III Chairman of the Board of Trustees VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS David Dunn EDITOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS John D. Bland, APR STAFF WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ben Baran Paul Nowell Denise Buff Stephens CLASS NOTES Katie Suggs PHOTOGRAPHER Wade Bruton CIRCULATION MANAGER Cathy Brown UNC Charlotte is published four times a year by The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28223-0001 ISSN 10771913 Editorial offices: Reese Building, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. 28223. Telephone: 704-687-4385; FAX 704-687-6379; e-mail: jdbland@email.uncc.edu The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is open to people of all races and is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. 74,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $20,495 or $.28 per copy. Printed on Recycled Paper 2 News Briefs 4 Faculty Honors 7 Staff Briefs 26 DEVELOPMENT/GIVING 29 ALUMNI PROFILES 30 ALUMNI NOTES UNC CHARLOTTE MAKING HISTORY FOR THE NEXT 60 YEARS On The Cover William H. Grigg Hall p2g. 2 STUDENTS IN FREE ENTERPRISE DRIVEN BY SERVICE p1g. 6 IRWIN BELK: A LEGENDARY GIVER pg1. 0 2 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ N E W S B R I E F S UNC Charlotte selects branding firm Comprehensive study will feed strategic marketing plan In November UNC Charlotte selected the Stamats firm of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to conduct a comprehen-sive branding study from which the university will develop a strategic marketing plan. This will be the first comprehensive branding study by the university. At press time, the study was expected to begin in December and extend into early spring. It will encom-pass marketing, public relations, community affairs, graphic design, advertising and related disciplines. Stamats, which specializes in providing integrated marketing communications strategy and creative services to colleges and universities, won the assignment after UNC Charlotte conducted a nationwide search. David Dunn, vice chancellor for university relations and community affairs, led an evaluation committee representing a cross-section of UNC Charlotte divisions and colleges. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois identified the branding study as a priority soon after returning to UNC Charlotte. In his installation address he said, “We must expand our presence in the greater Charlotte region and distinguish ourselves in the higher education marketplace with an identity that is both recognizable and respected. Such an identity, expressed as part of a strategic market-ing plan which addresses all forms of the media and the worldwide web, is critical to student recruitment, the development of student internship and job placement opportunities, private fundraising, and the formation of university-private sector research partnerships.” Dubois also noted that an effective identity is not simply a slogan or a tag line. “Our constituents – whether our students, alumni, research partners or the public at large – must actually experience what we say we are,” he said. “Whatever we may do in branding and marketing cannot end with the public relations and community affairs staff or the Web page. UNC Charlotte must actually become better connected to the region we serve.” “Open For Business” economic development initiative seeks partnerships Backed by a $900,000 grant, and with the hiring of a project manager UNC Charlotte in November officially kicked off “Open For Business,” a three-year pilot project to develop a model for universities to build the nation’s best partnerships with businesses. Erskine Bowles, UNC system president, selected UNC Charlotte from among the entire 16-constituent UNC system to receive the grant. “UNC Charlotte is increasingly an engine for economic development,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “University organizations such as the Charlotte Research Institute kick-start growth in new technologies for the region, creating intellectual capital, jobs and a more enticing environment for attracting business.” Dubois said that UNC Charlotte professors are already doing important research – and developing useful products – in areas as unique as laser-guided tools for hip replacements to engineering faster speeds for the motor sports industry. The Charlotte Research Institute, the portal for university-business technology partnerships, is leading the “Open for Business” project. “UNC Charlotte has demonstrated strong results in connecting world-class applied research at the university with growing businesses in the region and beyond,” said Robert Wilhelm, executive director of the CRI. “We want to make our university even better at responding to the needs of our business partners.” In its first year, the project focuses on information-gathering. Interviews are in process with executives from companies with as few as 10 employees up to conglomer-ates with tens of thousands of employees. Trade associations, independent research organizations and other higher education institutions are also on the docket for input to ensure input that covers potentially unique partnership activities. International programs executive chosen for UNC-wide role Joël Gallegos, executive director of UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs, has been appointed by the UNC General Administration (UNC GA) to chair the University of North Carolina Exchange Program (UNCEP) advisory board and the University Council on International Programs (UCIP). “UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs has flourished under Joël’s leadership,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Joan Lorden. The UNCEP is an administrative unit of UNC GA located at UNC Greensboro that manages a multilateral exchange program made up of several system-to-system wide relationships including Germany, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Gallegos has served on the advisory board of this program for several years. Several UNC Charlotte faculty members also serve on the program-specific faculty advisory committees. The UCIP was established to help advance the international agenda across the UNC system. It consists of the senior international education officer from each of the 16 constituent institutions. Joël Gallegos N E W S B R I E F S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 3 Laura Simic receives fundraising Executive of the Year award In November, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and Secretary of the UNC Charlotte Foundation, Laura Simic was honored by the Charlotte Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Simic was presented with the Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive of the Year Award. Since coming to UNC Charlotte in 2000, Simic directed the comprehensive It Takes A Gift Campaign for the university with gifts and pledges of more than $116 million. The campaign is the largest and most successful fundraising initiative in the history of UNC Charlotte. In the most recent fiscal year, the university recorded gifts and pledges of more than $16 million, a record for a non-campaign period. “Good fundraisers are highly organized, attentive to detail, and always follow up,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois in Simic’s nomination letter. “But more than anything, they are good listeners. Laura Simic demonstrates all of these important qualities. Our It Takes A Gift campaign would not have been successful without her.” Simic has enriched every college community in which she has lived and worked. She is easily identified on campus – the license plate on her car reads, “Giv2UNCC.” College of Education honored nationally for impact on urban teaching, learning In October, UNC Charlotte’s College of Education won the national 2006 Urban Impact Award by the Council of the Great City Schools for its work in behavior and reading, in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The award focuses on the positive impact of the U.S. Department of Education project Behavior and Reading Improvement Center, which has been directed at UNC Charlotte by Professors Bob Algozzine, Nancy Cooke and Richard White. The goal of the Behavior and Reading Improvement Center at UNC Charlotte is to evaluate the effects of school-wide behavior improvement and reading enhancement programs for students in kindergarten through third grade. “This award underscores the longstanding partnership between the university and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and our shared commitment to helping children learn,” said Mary Lynne Calhoun, dean of UNC Charlotte’s College of Education. “Bob Algozzine, Nancy Cooke and Richard White have provided visionary leadership and research into reading, social and behavioral development of local children during the past five years. We also applaud CMS for applying recommendations from the Behavior and Reading Improvement Center.” The Urban Impact Award is given annually by the Council of the Great City Schools to a university that is committed to improving teaching and learning science for urban children. It also recognizes outstanding school-based projects, conducted by faculty from its associated member institutions, which have had a positive and significant impact on teaching and learning. UNC Charlotte dedicates two new Charlotte Research Institute buildings UNC Charlotte marked a major university milestone in September with the formal dedication of Duke Centennial Hall and William H. Grigg Hall on the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) campus. The 106,786-sq.-ft. Duke Centennial Hall is home to The William States Lee College of Engineering, The Center for Biomedical Engineering Systems, The Center for Precision Metrology, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science and the North Carolina Motorsports and Automotive Research Center offices, as well as laboratories and computing and research labs. The 96,820-sq.-ft. Grigg Hall is home to the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, and the university’s graduate-level physics program. “Today’s dedication reflects the power of partner-ship between UNC Charlotte and Duke Energy to provide intellectual capital and drive economic develop-ment in the Charlotte region,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “With the brainpower, equipment and resources housed inside these buildings, the Charlotte Research Institute is truly a force for the future as UNC Charlotte advances the research frontier.” The concept of the Charlotte Research Institute was only a vision six short years ago, when Advantage Carolina shared results of a study proposing creation of such an entity. In 2002, The Duke Energy Foundation announced a $10 million gift to UNC Charlotte’s capital campaign to fund CRI programs and initiatives. Construction of The Duke Centennial Hall and William H. Grigg Hall began in 2003, with funding provided by $3.1 billion bond referendum approved by North Carolina voters in 2000. The William H. Grigg Hall is named in honor of Duke Energy Chairman Emeritus William H. Grigg, who served the company with distinction for nearly 35 years prior to his retirement as chairman and chief executive officer in 1997. Laura Simic Mary Lynne Calhoun 4 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F A C U LT Y H O N O R S Nursing professor selected as post-doc scholar The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, part of the New York University College of Nursing, has named UNC Charlotte Assistant Professor Meredith Flood, Ph.D., to be a scholar in its 2006 Geriatric Nursing Research Scholars Program. The Institute selected Flood for her significant research in gerontologic nursing and for her strong leadership potential. She is one of 14 nurses selected for this program from a national pool of outstanding applicants. The program, now in its ninth year, and co-sponsored by the American Journal of Nursing, is designed to foster new gerontological nursing researchers. Its long-term goal is to augment the contributions of nurse researchers toward enhancing evidence-based practice and improving the quality of health care for older adults. Flood’s research is an examination of the relationships among creativity, depression and successful aging. “Our program aims to bring together outstanding new scholars who are conducting significant research in gerontologic nursing and to give them an opportunity to interact with leading experts in the field,” said Elizabeth Capezuti, Ph.D., co-director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. “This unique opportunity to hone research skills helps these individuals to gain the competitive edge they need to attract research funding and publish the results.” The 14 scholars attended a weeklong seminar led by Dr. Capezuti at New York University’s College of Nursing from July 17-21. During the seminar, they were brought together with teaching faculty – all nationally recognized nursing researchers – for an intensive and interactive experience in which they gained critical analysis and research skills. Economics professor’s paper wins award Peter M. Schwarz, professor of economics and senior faculty fellow in the UNC Charlotte Global Institute of Energy and Environmental Systems (GIEES) was awarded the 2006 Contemporary Economics Policy Editor’s Choice Award for his paper, “Multipollutant Efficiency Standards for Electricity Production,” which was published in Contemporary Economic Policy (July 2005). Schwarz’s study contains a simulation of a coal-fired electric plant subject to multiple pollutant standards for sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide. It shows that firms may not choose the lowest cost technology. Schwarz received funding for the study from the GIEES and Duke Energy, as well as a UNC Charlotte research grant. He received the award at the recent meeting of the Western Economic Association. Malmgren nominated for U.S. Professor of the Year For his dedication to and excellence in teaching throughout his career, UNC Charlotte has nominated Dr. Ed Malmgren for the 2006 U.S. Professors of the Year Award. According to his students and colleagues, Malmgren’s impact on his students has been tremen-dous. One of his former students, Erik Cobb, said, “A professor’s legacy and impact is determined by the quality of students they produce. The best and most influential professors are those who not only prepare a student for a career, but also motivate and inspire to be the best and brightest in your field.” A Certified Public Accountant, Malmgren joined UNC Charlotte in the department of mathematics in 1972 and later joined the department of accounting faculty in the Belk College of Business in 1976. As an associate professor of accounting, his primary teaching focus is financial accounting at the undergraduate level. For the past eight years, he has also acted as the faculty advisor for all accounting majors at UNC Charlotte. Malmgren’s previous honors include a NationsBank (now Bank of America) Award for Teaching Excellence (1984), the accounting depart-ment’s first Tom Turner Teaching Award (1994), and being the first and only faculty member to receive the Tom Turner Teaching Award a second time (2004). Since 1981, the U.S. Professors of the Year program has rewarded outstanding professors for their dedication to teaching, commitment to students, and innovative instructional methods. It is the only national program to recognize college and university professors for their teaching skills. The program is sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Awards are given annually in the fall. Ed Malmgren Peter Schwarz Meredith Flood (right) F A C U LT Y H O N O R S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 5 Bank of America Award recipient: Jim McGavran Dr. James H. McGavran Jr. described himself as “young and idealistic” when he decided to pursue a career as a liberal arts professor. Thirty-three years after earning his Ph.D. in English, he wrote about his teaching philosophy, stating “I am much more knowledgeable and experienced now than I was when I started, but some might still call me idealistic – because I still believe that by teaching the great literary works of the past I can help my students to build the skills they will need to strengthen both their own lives and their society. And I still love my job.” For his dedication to teaching and student success, McGavran was chosen in September as the 2006 recipi-ent of UNC Charlotte’s Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence. Former students praised his teaching ability and genuine concern for learning. “James McGavran has impacted my life this semester in more ways than any other teacher has before,” one wrote. Another said, “He is passion-ate about what he teaches and inspires a passion in his students as well.” “The evidence that he is an excellent classroom performer is overwhelm-ing,” wrote a fellow faculty member. “But his impact on the quality of teach-ing at UNC Charlotte reaches beyond the confines of his own classroom. I cannot imagine that any will be more deserving than Dr. McGavran.” The Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence is one of the most important and prestigious traditions at UNC Charlotte. This award honors its outstanding teachers and provides an example of the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching. The award was first presented in 1968. Teresa Dahlberg, an associate professor of computer science at UNC Charlotte, is helping to change the face of computer science. This year she received a $2 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to help an on-going problem: dwin-dling enrollment in IT higher education. Dahlberg, along with colleague and assistant professor Tiffany Barnes, applied for and won the NSF grant that will begin to transform the computer science industry. In addition, UNC Charlotte is the coordinating university to help manage program develop-ment and assessment among a consortium of 10 universities that will be working together in the STARS (Students and Technology in Academia, Research and Service) Alliance. The STARS initiatives involve students in middle and high school, community colleges, minority-serving institu-tions, women’s colleges, and research universities. Programs are open to all students, and are designed to appeal to women and minority populations, as well as for the visually impaired and students with learning disabilities. Dahlberg also was one of the 2006 winners of the Charlotte Business Journal’s Diversity in Business award. She was nominated by the university and was honored at the Charlotte Business Journal’s annual award luncheon on Sept. 13. At UNC Charlotte, Dahlberg directs the Diversity in Information Technology Institute (DITI), which houses the univer-sity’s organized efforts to attract diverse populations to enter and succeed in computing and information technology (IT) disciplines. “As technology plays an increasing role in our collective quality of life, the demand for professionals who can apply technology to a broad range of disciplines increases dramatically,” said Dahlberg. “The DITI programs reach out to people who might not otherwise consider entering computing or IT fields.” First awarded in 2004, the Diversity in Business award is given to those companies and individuals deemed by the Charlotte Business Journal as embodying inclusiveness and respect for the uniqueness and differences of all employees. Dahlberg leading efforts to diversify computing industry Engineering professor earns board certification Dr. Hilary I. Inyang, the Duke Energy distinguished professor of environmental engineering and science, professor of earth science and director of the Global Institute for Energy and Environmental Systems at UNC Charlotte, has recently been named a board certified member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Inyang has co-authored more than 170 research articles, design manuals, book chapters, federal design manuals and a book on environmental geotechnology and serves on the editorial boards of eight refereed international journals. In addition, he serves on more than 60 international, national and state science/engineering panels and committees. Inyang is the chair of the Engineering Committee of the Science Advisory Board of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a member of the National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technology. He is serving his second term as a member of the National Environmental Systems Policy Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has been appointed and elected to many positions of professional responsibility, including the presidency of the newly formed International Society for Environmental Geotechnology. He was born in Uyo, Nigeria and earned his Ph.D. in geotechnical engineering and materials from Iowa State University in 1989. Jim McGavran Hilary Inyang Teresa Dahlberg The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) has awarded Yu Wang, an assistant professor with the College of Information Technology at UNC Charlotte, with the Ralph E. Prowe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. With the intention of enhancing research and professional growth, a recipient receives $5,000 for new funding opportunities during the early stages of their careers. UNC Charlotte will match the ORAU award with an additional $5,000 making the total prize worth $10,000. With research interests in wireless networks, mobile computing, algorithm design and artificial intelligence, Wang will be able to concentrate his research on these subject matters. 6 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F A C U LT Y H O N O R S Information Technology professor awarded prestigious education grant Yu Wang Communication Studies professor awarded first-ever honorary appointment In a first-ever appointment, Associate Professor Alan R. Freitag was honored with the university’s Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching distinction at UNC Charlotte’s convocation on Aug. 15. He was also inducted into the exclusive College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America. Freitag has served as a member of the UNC Charlotte faculty since 1998, and was promoted to associate professor with conferral of tenure in the 2004-2005 academic year. He has taught eight courses since his original faculty appointment, focusing on the subject area of public relations. “Dr. Freitag has demonstrated himself to be an outstanding educator, one who carries his teaching outside the classroom to curriculum development, extracurricular work with students … to professionals in the region, and even to his fellow faculty,” wrote Dr. Richard Leeman, communications studies department chair. “Alan is a model educator … [He] has comprehensively introduced students to the public relations profession, mentored adjunct faculty, and substantially contributed to our department’s curriculum development.” Prior to joining UNC Charlotte’s faculty, Freitag served in a multitude of high-profile roles as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force. In addition to a variety of classroom and research efforts while at UNC Charlotte, he developed a unique undergraduate Certificate in International Public Relations. Approved by the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees in December 2005, the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching is awarded to a faculty member who has been awarded tenure within the last three years. The three-year appointment term includes the inscription of the professor’s name on a permanent plaque, a position of honor at the first convocation of the professor’s term and the award of university resources more than that normally given to faculty. Alan Freitag receives a plaque honoring him with the Bonnie E. Cone Early Career Professorship for Teaching from Provost Joan Lorden. Victimology expert recognized with awards for worldwide work Paul Friday works with United Nations UNC Charlotte profes-sor Paul C. Friday is the recipient of the UNC Charlotte’s 2006 Faculty International Education Award. A highly regarded and extensively published scholar, Friday is recognized worldwide as an expert in the field of victimology. His inter-national research and teaching includes work in Sweden, Greece, Great Britain and China; and he has mentored scholars from Nigeria, India, Poland and Jordan. To most scholars, Friday is best known for his research on victims of crime throughout the world. This research and his leadership in the World Society of Victimology was recognized recently by the Society of Victimology with the presentation of its 2006 John P.J. Dussich Victimologist Award. He also is one of the founders of the prestigious International Division of the American Society of Criminology. Friday has worked with the United Nations for more than seven years, as a representative on the International Scientific and Advisory Council and on the Crime and Crime Prevention Council of the United Nations. He is actively in the developing the U.N.’s written positions on restorative justice, child abuse, child slavery and human trafficking. The Faculty International Education Award, supported by the Office of International Programs, recog-nizes outstanding contributions to the enhancement of international studies and education at UNC Charlotte. Paul Friday S T A F F B R I E F S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 7 Niles Sorensen Named Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs Niles Sorensen joined UNC Charlotte as vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs effective August 28, completing Chancellor Philip L.Dubois’ reorganized executive cabinet. Sorensen also will serve as president of The Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Inc. Sorensen’s hiring concluded a national search. Sorensen, 50, brings 24 years’ experience in nonprofit management. Since 1999, he had served as executive vice president for financial development for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, directing all aspects of fundraising and communications for the 254,000-member, 25-branch human service organization. Sorensen will experience a homecoming of sorts. From 1994- 1999, he served as vice president for financial development for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, managing all aspects of its fundraising program. “Our national search process yielded a number of highly qualified applicants, but Niles Sorensen emerged as the clear candidate whose expertise and energy will take UNC Charlotte to an unprecedented level of success,” Dubois said. “Niles’ deep ties into Charlotte and his outstanding record of engaging volunteers in private fundraising give us an unparal-leled opportunity to engage friends and 49er alumni in the life of UNC Charlotte and further position our university as a driving force in the region and state.” In his new role, Sorensen provides executive leadership for the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs, with an overall annual operating budget of nearly $2.2 million and supervisory responsibility for 30 employees, including college development officers. He also serves as president of the university’s recently reorganized Foundation, working with an appointed 45-member board to enhance the university’s ongoing base of private support. Additionally, Sorensen works with the 32-member UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Board of Directors to expand the institution’s alumni-related programs and activities, including establishing vibrant in-state and out-of-state chapters. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Sorensen managed an 11-member financial development department and coordinated the fundraising efforts of 24 YMCA branches, engaging more than 700 board members and 4,000 volunteers in support of the organization’s fundraising objectives. Among his achievements during his tenure at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Sorensen increased annual giving totals from $850,000 in 1994 to $1,530,000 in 1998. Prior to that, Sorensen spent 13 years with Ketchum, Incorporated, a fund-raising consulting firm, where he served as campaign director, managing director, vice presi-dent and senior vice president. He also has served as a political campaign manager and as legislative caucus assistant for the Indiana House of Representatives. Sorensen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Indiana University in Bloomington. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) and the NAYDO Council of Directors, and served as editor of the NAYDO Developments Newsletter. Gilliland takes reins as controller In August, Brandon Gilliland joined UNC Charlotte as controller, in the Office of Financial Services. As UNC Charlotte’s controller, Gilliland has responsibility for general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, student accounts, cashiers, and tax manage-ment. Most recently, Gilliland was the Dean of Finance and Controller for Indian River Community College (IRCC). Prior to IRCC, Gilliland served as the senior consultant and auditor for Ernst and Young, the finance administrator for Oklahoma State University at Tulsa, and a buyer for the city of Tulsa. Gilliland graduated from Northeastern State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tulsa and is a candidate for the North Carolina certified public accountant exam. Communications manager joins Computing and Informatics Clark Curtis joined the College of Computing and Informatics as communica-tions manager. He comes to UNC Charlotte after serving as the director of communica-tions at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to that he was the public relations director at Pikes Peak International Raceway near Colorado Springs, Colo. For several years Clark combined his broadcast journalism and public relations skills and ran his own consulting business. During that time he served as a correspondent for the NBC Radio Network and covered both Oklahoma City Bombing trials in Denver and the Cattlemen vs. Oprah Winfrey trial in Amarillo, Texas. Clark grew up Indiana, attended Indiana University and lived in Colorado for 26 years. Niles Sorensen Brandon Gilliland Clark Curtis “Niles further positions our university as a driving force in the region and state.” Chancellor Philip L. Dubois 8 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ S T A F F B R I E F S Public Relations hires former Associated Press newsman UNC Charlotte’s public relations department has hired veteran newsman Paul Nowell to serve as the university’s media relations manager. He started work at UNC Charlotte Sept. 25, coming to the university from The Associated Press. Nowell serves as the senior manager of news media relations for UNC Charlotte with local, regional and national press; he reports to John Bland, director of public relations, and works closely with other members of the core public relations team including Ben Baran, internal communications manager; Buffie Stephens, communications coordinator and manager of special projects; and Cathy Brown, office manager and administrative assistant. The public relations department is part of the Division of University Relations and Community Affairs. Nowell will focus primarily on identifying, developing and advancing stories that provide the greatest opportunity to enhance UNC Charlotte’s reputation as a contributor of intellectual capital and engine of economic development. “Paul’s addition to the team gives us a greater capability for proactively communicating news with high value beyond just the local market,” Bland said. “His optimism and enthusiasm are a great match for the university’s needs.” Previously, Nowell served as a newsman, business writer and correspondent for the Associated Press since 1982. He earned an undergraduate degree in English from Boston College and a master’s degree in journalism from The University of Missouri. Ashley Oster named Community Affairs Director Ashley W. Oster has joined the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as Director of Community Affairs, in the Division of University Relations and Community Affairs. As Community Affairs Director, her primary responsibility is to assist in the development of the University Community Affairs plan. She will be working in the continued efforts to help extend the University’s visibility and presence in the region. Ashley’s role will be to engage the greater business community, the University area, the local government officials, and the faculty to represent UNC Charlotte’s resources and opportunities. Most recently, Oster was director of industry councils at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and held the director of public policy – special projects position previously. She also has previous work experience in health services and public policy while residing in Portland, Oregon and Washington D.C. Oster graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies and in Spanish. She attended the Charlotte Chamber’s Leadership School in 2005. Catherine Hicks joins the Charlotte Research Institute Last spring, Catherine L. Hicks joined the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) as director of life science ventures. Hicks works with UNC Charlotte life science researchers in the College of Arts & Sciences, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, and Engineering as well as multidisciplinary research centers for Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering Systems. She is responsible for helping develop intellectual capital in the area of applied life science research, marketing, and business development. In this capacity, one of her primary roles involves directing the research partner-ship that has been established between UNC Charlotte and the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas, a multi-disciplinary group of healthcare professionals, business leaders, and patient advocates committed to the devel-opment of a translational brain cancer research program at UNC Charlotte. Hicks served as vice president of national recruit-ing, economic development, at the Charlotte Chamber. Previously she worked closely with the Cincinnati business community by developing major investors for the Cincinnati Chamber and the Partnership for Greater Cincinnati during their economic develop-ment campaign. Hicks earned her doctorate from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and masters from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. She received her undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University. The CRI is the portal for business-university part-nerships at UNC Charlotte. Focusing on science and technology, the CRI supports new research ventures, university partnerships with regional and national enterprises, and spin-off companies created from UNC Charlotte research results. Catherine Hicks Paul Nowell Ashley Oster S T A F F B R I E F S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 9 Burnett ascends at OTT after Wdowik exit Ruth Burnett became acting director of the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). The OTT is primarily responsible for managing the university’s intellectual property and leads the university’s economic development initiatives in concert, with local, county and state agencies. In addition, the OTT helps faculty and students create new businesses and oversees licensing of university-based intellectual property. Burnett replaced Mark Wdowik who left UNC Charlotte after six years to become the vice president of technology transfer for the Colorado State University Research Foundation. Burnett has worked for the state of North Carolina for 20 years and has a back-ground in paralegal work. Previously, she worked in the Department of Engineering Technology and has 14 years of experience working with the Winston Salem/Forsyth County School System as a technologist and in the business management arena. UNC Charlotte was the first in the nation among universities in the number of start-up companies formed in a survey by the Association of University Technology Managers. That same ranking also listed the university as second in invention disclo-sures received and third in patents issued for each $10 million in research dollars. Sharon Harrington directs development for COAS Sharon Carr Harrington has joined the staff of UNC Charlotte as the director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences. Harrington is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts for the college from alumni, parents, friends and UNC Charlotte board members. She has significant experience developing strategic donor solicitation and stewardship programs. Most recently, Harrington served as director of parent programs at Davidson College, where she developed strategies to effectively cultivate and solicit prospective donors for leadership gifts, capital gifts and planned gifts. Prior to joining Davidson College, Harrington served as vice president of development and planned giving for the Foundation for the Carolinas. She also provided counsel on charitable giving options to donors. Harrington holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of Delaware and a law degree from Duke University. She serves on the Leadership Team of Community Building Initiative and on the directorial boards of the Women’s Impact Fund and the Executive Service Corps. She has been admitted to law practice in Louisiana and the District of Columbia and is a past member of the Law Alumni Association Board of Directors of Duke University School of Law. Jesh Humphrey joins General Counsel’s office James E. S. “Jesh” Humphrey, IV joined the Office of General Counsel as Assistant General Counsel on August 21. Humphrey advises university administrators on a wide range of legal topics including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, contracts and student affairs. Humphrey came to UNC Charlotte from Helms Mullis & Wicker PLLC, where he served as an associate. In that role, he advised local colleges and universi-ties on various educational issues. Humphrey brings extensive experience in business law including software licensing and intellectual property issues. Humphrey received a Juris Doctor, with Honors, from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. He received a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a varsity scholar-athlete. Katie Suggs joins UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Katie Conn Suggs joined the Alumni Association as marketing and communications director in June. Her responsibilities include all aspects of Alumni Association marketing, creation of quarterly newsletter, web site content, Alumni Board communications, and working with Alumni programs and volunteers. Suggs’ marketing and public relations experience includes work with Lowe’s and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree from Florida State University. Sharon Harrington Ruth Burnett Jesh Humphrey Katie Suggs 10 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y The year was 1946 and veterans returning from World War II were acclimating to life back in the states, many of them enrolling in colleges and universities. Harry S Truman was in the White House and the Cold War was in its infancy. Not surprisingly, most U.S. citizens were in pursuit of the American Dream. The television set was not yet a staple in every American living room. Families sat around the radio listening to the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington. In 1946, movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” played in theaters across the country and baseball fans cheered for players like Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Stan Musial. It would be another year before Jackie Robinson would suit up for the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was a time when Americans looked forward to building a better world for themselves and their children. Words like hope and optimism weren’t merely catch phrases. After living through the horrors of World War II, no one was afraid of putting in an honest day’s work. Bonnie Cone Chancellor Emeritus Jim Woodward By Paul Nowell So it was befitting that on Sept. 23, 1946, The Charlotte College Center – which subsequently became Charlotte College and then The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – first opened its doors to 278 freshmen and sophomores. The legendary Bonnie Cone was a part-time instructor on the first day, but within a year she was at the helm. From its inauspicious beginning, UNC Charlotte has made incredible leaps in a relatively short span of 60 years. Now located on nearly 1,000 sprawling acres in northeast Charlotte, the university currently has more than 21,500 students, nearly 1,100 full-time and part-time faculty members, and nearly 1,600 permanent staff employees. Currently the fourth largest of the 16 institutions in the University of North Carolina system, UNC Charlotte and offers 17 doctoral programs, 59 master’s degree programs and 85 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees. The University’s 18th doctoral program – in nanoscale science – awaits approval by the Board of Governors. At an autumn ceremony marking the university’s 60th anniversary, longtime faculty member and historian Dan Morrill described the school’s founding as the seminal event in the history of Charlotte – surpassing even the emergence of Bank of America and Wachovia as national banking powers and the city’s entry into the National Football League and the National Basketball Association. Former Chancellor Jim Woodward believes UNC Charlotte’s status actually surpasses its reputation. “The rule of thumb is a university’s reputation typically lags about seven years behind its accomplishments,” he said. “In general, some elements of the general public still don’t understand what is being accomplished on this campus.” That’s why Woodward and other leaders, particularly current Chancellor Philip Dubois, are so optimistic about the school’s potential. “Will higher education be more important to this community 10 years from now?” said Woodward. “Of course it will. And the institution that will be leading the way is UNC Charlotte. There are other fine educational institutions in Charlotte, but we are the only one within a 100-mile radius with doctoral programs.” His sentiments were echoed by Bill Whittaker, president of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association’s Board of Governors. “We are most proud of the growth of the university and its physical presence,” said Whittaker, who graduated from UNC Charlotte in 1979. “And now it offers doctoral degrees and it is well on the way to becoming a major research university.” Miss Bonnie Cone, founder: Miss Bonnie Cone (1907- 2003) is fondly known as the founder of UNC Charlotte. She became head of the Charlotte Center in 1946 where she taught mathematics; since then she fought to turn the college into a university, in hopes to become part of the UNC system. Thanks to her persistence and determination, her wishes came true in 1965. She declared this day, March 2, “the happiest day of her life”. The Charlotte Center became the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. College of Arts and Sciences: COAS is the oldest and largest college in the university. It also serves half the undergraduate majors with programs in Africana Studies, Anthropology, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Dance & Theatre, English, Geography & Earth Sciences, History, Languages & Cultural Studies, Mathematics & Statistics, Music, Philosophy, Physics & Optical Science, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, ROTC Aerospace Studies, ROTC Military Studies, and Sociology. Van Landingham Glen: In the early 1900s the Van Landingham family attempted to re-create their home in the mountains, right here in Charlotte. They covered the grounds with gardens filled with different types of plants, like rhododendrons, to create that atmosphere. The prop-erty was willed to UNC Charlotte, who, before selling the estate, created Van Landingham Glen using transplants from the gardens. The Glen is now seven-acres of plants native to the Carolinas and is the most diverse Rhododendron garden in the Southeast. Birthplace of WFAE 90.7: WFAE began on June 29, 1981 and was licensed to UNC Charlotte. The station was located in the basement of the Cone Center and featured jazz by day and classical music by night before moving to One University Place and 24-hour a day broadcasting. Giving flight to The Carolina Raptor Center: The Carolina Raptor Center (CRC), originally part of the biology department of UNC Charlotte, was officially created in 1979 when a biology student cared for two injured owls in her apartment. The Center moved from the biology department’s basement and became a non-profit organization within Latta Plantation Nature Preserve in Mountain Island Lake. In 2006, CRC reached an all-time high with over 31,000 visitors; and in March 2006, became the first institution in the state to give birth to bald eagles. Belk Tower: Belk Tower has been the central meeting place on campus for students since 1970. Designed by architects for Little, Lee & Associates, the 147-foot-tall tower chimes at the top of every hour and plays the UNC Charlotte Alma mater three times a day. The Belk Tower was named for William Henry Belk, founder of the Belk department store, whose family wanted to give the University a bell tower as a gift. continued next page C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 11 Sixty Points of Pride from our First 60 Years Bonnie Cone Chancellor Philip Dubois 12 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y Whittaker, an attorney in Matthews, N.C., said the school’s reputation has grown along with its degrees. “Our graduates are regarded as being top-notch,” he said. To Whittaker, the university’s rapid ascent started with Cone’s leadership and follows through to Dubois. “Charlotte has been very fortunate to have the right people in place to lead this university,” he said. “From Miss Bonnie to Dean Colvard to E.K. Fretwell and Jim Woodward. And now we have Phil Dubois. It’s been built and I believe it’s Phil’s job to let the people know it’s out there.” In reviewing the history of UNC Charlotte one might divide the first 60 years into three eras, each characterized by distinct but evolving priorities. 1946-1965: FOUNDATION AND EDUCATION Like many other colleges across the country, the fledgling Charlotte College Center was supported largely by the G.I. Bill and state funds when it opened in the fall of 1946. It could not have succeeded without leaders like Cone, who juggled her duties as a high school teacher along with handling placement testing and teaching 40 students in the Center’s mathematics-engineering program. In 1949, the state closed the Charlotte Center and about a dozen similar institutions across North Carolina, declaring the state’s on-campus facilities were sufficient to meet the increased demand from the returning veterans. Behind the efforts of Cone and others, the school was taken over by Charlotte’s school district and became known as Charlotte College, a two-year institution. Local leaders also convinced Charlotte voters to approve a two-cent tax to support the college. In a speech to the Charlotte Eastern Lions Club in 1959, Cone outlined her ideas for a new campus about 10 miles northeast of downtown Charlotte. “We envision there a four-year state supported college within a few years and a university within a decade,” she declared. Ground was broken in November 1960 and one year later the first two buildings opened. Two years later, Charlotte College became a four-year college and the seeds were sown for it to become part of the University of North Carolina System. On March 2, 1965, a day Cone later described as the “happiest day of my life,” the North Carolina Legislature voted to bring Charlotte College into the UNC system. It also marked the end of an era, as “Miss Bonnie” – who had served as Acting Chancellor – prepared to hand over the reins to Dean Colvard, the university’s first chancellor. When asked about not being offered the job on a permanent basis, Cone eloquently stated: “We are not here to elevate ourselves but the institution.” A Legacy of Great Teaching: UNC Charlotte first gained recognition for its exceptional teaching of under-graduate students. While the university has grown into a prominent doctoral, research intensive institution, one of its priorities is maintaining its reputation for providing an outstanding undergraduate experience through great teaching and personalized attention to student welfare. College of Health and Human Services: The College of Health and Human Services is home to Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Nursing and Social Work, as well as several Master’s Degree programs and a Doctoral Program in Health Services Research. 49er Final Four ’77: Once upon a time, the Charlotte 49ers made it pretty far in the NCAA tournament. They made 4th place in the NCAA with an overall record of 28-5. However, they lost to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a final score of 106-94. Seventeen Ph.D. degrees, ’59 Master’s, ’85 Bachelor’s: Degrees new this year include a Ph.D. in geography and urban and regional analysis, M.A. in Sports Marketing/ Management and Ethics and Applied Philosophy, Bachelor’s degree in Art History, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. First Chancellor Dean W. Colvard: As the first chan-cellor of UNC Charlotte, Colvard took the college from a junior college to 4-year university of UNC; he is also responsible for accreditation, University Research Park, creation of residence halls, a graduate program, and an increase in enrollment from 1,700 to 8,000. The Charlotte Research Institute: The CRI is the portal for technology partnerships between UNC Charlotte and the entrepreneurial businesses of the region. The institute offers a variety of opportunities to engage talented faculty and make use of specialized facilities that are available only at UNC Charlotte. CRI is committed to industrial, governmental and educational growth. Niner Nation: UNC Charlotte 49er team spirit. Die hard fans created traditions that include: Green Fridays, Alma Mater, Camp Outs, Bell Ringing, Pic Axes and the Lutz at Games. Cornbread (Cedric) Maxwell: As UNC Charlotte forward/ center, he led the team to the NCAA Final Four in 1977, ranked 6th all-time in points scored and had his #33 jersey retired in 1977. He was the 12th overall pick for NBA to the Boston Celtics and named MVP in 1981. Coach Lee Rose: Rose led 49ers to the NIT champi-onship in 1976 and NCAA Final Four in 1977. In three seasons at UNC Charlotte, his record was 72-18 (.800). More than 70,000 living alumni: UNC Charlotte currently has 73,369 living alumni – 42,872 live in Charlotte region (this includes: Stanly, Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union, Lincoln, Rowan, Cleveland and Iredell counties in NC. Also included are the following South Carolina counties: York, Chester and Lancaster). Summer school at Charlotte College making HISTORY the NEXT 60 YEARS C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 13 1966-1990: PHENOMENAL GROWTH A native of Grassy Creek, N.C., Colvard was appointed the first chancellor of the young university in 1966. He had gained national fame in 1963 as president of Mississippi State University when he defied school policy and ordered the men’s basketball team to take the floor against an integrated Loyola University Chicago team. In an interview years after he took the job, Colvard said he had some initial reservations about his choice to come to UNC Charlotte. “It was a barren place and a lot of people thought I was foolish because I had the options to go to larger institutions, older institutions,” he said. “But Charlotte was a challenge. It was my home state.” As it turned out, UNC Charlotte was not the first public university in North Carolina to employ Colvard. In 1948, he was hired to run North Carolina State University’s animal science program. Five years later, he became the dean of agriculture, a job he held until 1960. Most of Colvard’s early accomplishments at UNC Charlotte did not generate national headlines like his courageous stand at Mississippi State, but they were vitally important to the school’s development. Under his watch, the men’s basketball team surprised the nation by making it into the Final Four in 1977, led by Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell. The 49ers have been a perennial source of pride at UNC Charlotte, earning spots in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 11 times and the NIT five times. Center for Precision Metrology: The Center for Precision Metrology is located in the new Duke Centennial Hall. It is dedicated to research, application, integration and education in areas of design, manufac-turing, processes and controls relating to precise meas-urement. Known as the “world’s premiere university metrology lab,” the center includes high-end instru-ments, machines, and temperature controlled labs. Woodward Hall: A brand new building named after third chancellor of UNC Charlotte. The $33.2 million, 585,000 square foot addition to campus is the home to the College of Computing and Informatics, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Biology. College of Architecture: In the College of Architecture, students study how architecture affects and stimulates everyday life. They learn to be experts in design and construction, strategic thinkers, and develop leadership skills. Students can receive either a BA in Architecture or a BA in Arts of Architecture that includes an addi-tional year; there is also a variety of Master’s Programs. Biomedical Engineering Systems Center: The Biomedical Engineering Systems Center is located in the William States Lee College of Engineering building. The center requires interdisciplinary collaboration to address current issues in biomedicine. It provides a way for faculty, students, and local researchers to interact. Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence: In 1968, the first recipient of the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence received what was going to be an extremely important and prestigious tradition at UNC Charlotte. This award goes to outstanding teachers on campus that show commitment to excel-lence. A recent recipient is Professor James McGavran, for his excellence and dedication to teaching and research of the English Romantic period of literature. Second Chancellor E.K. Fretwell: UNC Charlotte’s second chancellor from 1979-1989. During his time at UNC Charlotte, enrollment increased from 8,000 to 12,000, he oversaw the creation of the Graduate school and degrees, library’s card catalog transferred to internet (1983), business incubator (the Ben Craig Center), the development of the university area and an increase in academic grants up to $6.1 million. Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: One of the university’s newer buildings, Robinson Hall opened in the fall 2004. The $23 million, 3-story, performing arts building includes: costume and scenic labs, a music library, rehearsal rooms and a theater with orchestra, mezzanine, and box seating for 300 people. The Miner statue: Located in front of the Reese and Colvard buildings, the 49er Miner statue is valued at $60,000 and was acquired in 1991 through many donations including the UNC Charlotte graduating class of 1985. continued next page 14 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y On the academic side, Colvard oversaw accreditation of the university and the development of University Research Park. Under his leadership, UNC Charlotte’s first residence halls were built and the first graduate programs were created. Enrollment grew from about 1,700 students when he started to just over 8,000 students when he retired in 1978. In 1979, E.K. Fretwell succeeded Colvard, coming to UNC Charlotte from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was president. Enrollment at UNC Charlotte grew by about 4,000 students under his watch and he was credited with bolstering the Graduate School. Some of Fretwell’s other accomplishments during his 10-year tenure included integrating the library’s card catalog into the Internet and securing the funds for the Ben Craig Center, a business incubator for start-up companies. Fretwell also was ahead of his time, reaching out to minorities and women. “Achieving more diversity always had been one of my fundamental goals,” he said. During his term as chancellor, minority enrollment rose to more than 9 percent of the student body. The policy also extended to Fretwell’s administration, as he hired women and African Americans to fill some of the top administrative posts at the university. The mission went beyond borders to include other countries. During Fretwell’s tenure, UNC Charlotte raised its international student enrollment to among the highest of all 16 UNC campuses. It was then that the school’s successful international student exchange programs brought a lot of attention to the university. 1990-PRESENT: SEEDS OF A MAJOR RESEARCH UNIVERSITY Woodward, whose résumé included stints as an aerospace engineer and the dean of engineering at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, became UNC Charlotte’s third chancellor in 1989. From the start, it was clear Woodward had a passion for research. During Woodward’s 16-year tenure – at the time Graduate Clay Aiken: American Idol runner-up. Aiken graduated from UNC Charlotte in Dec. 2003 with a BA in special education. After American Idol he went on to become a world famous recording artist and has become an advocate for education. Aiken founded the Bubel-Aiken foundation which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the life of their non-disabled peers. UNC Charlotte Urban Institute : Located on the UNC Charlotte campus, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute provides affordable services to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, government, businesses and citizens. Such services include: data management, demographic analysis, feasibility studies, focus groups, grants management, meeting facilitation, needs assessment, open space planning, program evaluation, regional strategic planning and consulting, software support and student enrollment projects and surveys. Third Chancellor James H. Woodward: From 1989- 2005, Woodward’s initiatives helped to increase enroll-ment to over 19,000 students, new doctoral programs, growth of the campus with 6 additional buildings and the creation of the Charlotte Research Institute campus. Norm the Niner: The UNC Charlotte 49ers’ mascot, who attends many school events including basketball games and celebrations, was named “Norm the Niner” by UNC Charlotte students in 1990. NC Motorsports and Automotive Research Center: NC Motorsports and Automotive Research Center is on its way to becoming a nationally recog-nized program, thanks to the close ties with local race teams. It promotes the education of students in the broad area of motorsports and automotive engineering through theoretical and applied instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels and through interaction with and support of the industry. Charlotte Community Design Studio at Southend: The Charlotte Community Design Studio is located in the heart of Charlotte’s South end neighborhood and a part of the College of Architecture. Its purpose is to provide a forum for and initiate discussions by offering the creative energy, academic resources and research capabilities of the College of Architecture to critical community design issues in and around the city of Charlotte. One-thousand rolling acres: The UNC Charlotte campus is one-thousand rolling acres. It currently is home to 75 buildings – and growing. McMillan Greenhouse orchids: The McMillan Greenhouse has five major growing environments in which the public displays of unusual and exotic plants from around the world grow. The greenhouse consists of eight rooms, surrounding beds, terraces and a courtyard bog garden featuring carnivorous pitcher plant hybrids. It also contains an orchid collection, a rainforest conser-vatory, desert succulents and many tropical plants. making HISTORY the NEXT 60 YEARS C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 15 the longest of any chancellor in the UNC system – enrollment grew to more than 19,000 students and the school’s endowment soared to $84.5 million. New buildings went up across the campus and UNC Charlotte offered 12 doctoral programs. Besides his avid interest in research, Woodward proved to be adept in diplomacy. He was in charge of a university that had grown rapidly and was based in Charlotte – the state’s largest city in what many in North Carolina politics call the Great State of Mecklenburg. “I’ve never wanted this institution to succeed to the detriment of the state as a whole,” he told Business North Carolina magazine. Still, his view was unshakable about the need for Charlotte to have a major research university. “If you undid all the higher education in the state and said, ‘We’re going to build two major research universities,’ where would you build the first one?” he said in the 2004 interview. “Right here in Charlotte. You’d probably build the second one in Raleigh, but the first one would be here.” Not coincidentally, Woodward spearheaded the efforts to found the Charlotte Research Institute, an organization that opens the campus’ wealth of applied science and technology expertise to industry. As the university’s research portfolio grows, the Charlotte Research Institute will facilitate partnerships with technology-based businesses, accelerating the growth of university research and supporting the economy of the region. “I believe in higher education,” Woodward said in a Fall 2004 interview in the school’s alumni magazine. “It is the principle vehicle for upward economic and social mobility. It contributes to the political and social stability of this country.” Woodward doesn’t want to dwell on his major accomplishments. “I happened to be the chancellor, so I had something to do with it,” he said.” I believe the biggest achievement during my term was when we were able to offer doctoral studies. That was the biggest accomplishment. Now we have 17 doctorate programs and the real value comes from the quality of students and faculty we are now able to attract.” He’s teaching an MBA finance class and enjoying it. Transamerica Field/Belk Track: Created in 1996, Transamerica Field/Belk Track has been host to AAU Junior Olympics, the German Olympic Track and Field team, NCAA soccer tournament games, Conference USA Track and Field Championship, NCAA Soccer Championship and North Carolina High School Track and Field Championships. Five Ventures: Five Ventures is an annual event in which five regional entrepreneurs compete and discuss their visions for the next multi-million dollar business. Competitions include areas such as financing, sales and marketing, etc. It takes place on campus at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Last year’s winners include SoyMeds, Inc., earning the $5,000 top prize. College of Education: The College of Education has over 3,000 undergraduates and numerous departments including: Departments of Counseling, Educational Leadership, Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education, Reading and Elementary Education and Special Education and Child Development. International Festival: After 31 years, the International Festival is a successful annual family event that cele-brates all different cultures and the region’s international growth through food, dancing, arts and crafts and costumes. It is the longest running annual entertain-ment event in Charlotte. Coach Amanda Butler: Amanda Butler is currently celebrating her second year as head coach for women’s basketball. In her first season, the team won 21 games and was named A-10 Coach of the Year. They also received bid for WNIT-fourth straight post-season appearance. The Barnhardt Student Activity Center: Built in 1996, The Barnhardt Student Activity Center (more commonly known as the “SAC”) houses a food court, game room, conference rooms, fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts and the Halton Arena. Halton Arena: Halton Arena was named for former president and CEO of a Pepsi Bottling Company, Dale F. Halton, and was funded entirely on private donations and student fees. Its doors opened December 2, 1996 and seats 9,105 for basketball and volleyball and commencement ceremonies. Hechenbleikner Lake: This unique landscape on the UNC Charlotte campus was created by and named for the late Dr. Herbert Hechenbleikner, professor of biology and geology at UNC Charlotte, and formerly Charlotte College. By damming a small spring-fed stream, Heckenbleikner Lake was created. Herbert Hechenbleikner was known locally for his passion for gardening and landscaping. continued next page 16 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y “I decided to teach a class to see if I still liked it, because it’s been a long time since I was in the classroom,” he said. “I worked harder than I ever could have imagined, but I like it and I’m doing it again this semester.” In 1998, UNC Charlotte launched the “It Takes a Gift” fundraising campaign, which easily surpassed its $100 million goal by more than $16 million, far and away the most successful fundraising initiative in the history of the university. More than 20,000 donors contributed to the campaign and 130 new endowments were established. The funds were spread around the university’s schools and programs, helping leaders After Woodward’s retirement in 2004, Dubois – who had previously served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNC Charlotte – was recruited back to UNC Charlotte. He returned to UNC Charlotte after serving as president of the University of Wyoming from 1997-2005. He has made it his top priority to transform UNC Charlotte into the third major publicly-funded research university in North Carolina. When Dubois came to UNC Charlotte, he noted the university had already increased its annual research funding to more than $33 million. “The new buildings that have opened all over campus in the past four years will provide the space to expand existing research programs in optics, engineering, and biology and to add programs in new areas like nanoscience and bioinformatics. Whether you have been here for 40 years or four months, UNC Charlotte is an exciting place to be. Rapid growth means that you can have an impact on the future shape of the institution.” Gazing into his crystal ball, the future looks bright. The university’s endowment is nearly $115 million and enrollment continues to build, with the Board of Governors’ enrollment plan calling for UNC Charlotte to reach 25,000 students by 2012. Dubois has launched a planning exercise to determine how much beyond that mark the insti-tution could be expected to grow in the rapidly-expanding Charlotte metropolitan region. “We now have more than 70,000 graduates and the numbers are growing exponentially,” Whittaker said with a tinge of pride in his voice. Provost Joan Lorden said UNC Charlotte touches the lives of virtually everyone in the Charlotte community. “Our alumni staff the schools, hospitals, and businesses in the region. They run non-profit agencies and work in government,” she said. “As the needs of the community have grown, the University has added new programs and facilities as fast as we can. We live Bonnie Cone’s vision every day, providing access to higher education in service to our community. “ Another one of Dubois’ priorities has been to connect the university to the community at large, which was a major factor in efforts to build a new Center City classroom building in downtown Charlotte. Funding for the 150,000 square foot building was approved this summer; ground breaking will be several months away, with completion projected for early 2010. Connecting to the community is also behind Dubois’ avid support for bringing light-rail service to the campus, which would give students choices other than gas-guzzling cars to travel back and forth from school and the inner city. In mid-November, Charlotte transit officials voted to pursue a light rail line to University City at a cost of $740.5 million. About half the total amount will come from local taxpayers and the state, with federal grants needed to make up the difference. University officials and potential riders will need to be patient. The most current timetable calls for construction to start in 2011, with a projected 2013 completion date. “Light rail holds tremendous potential to deliver faculty, staff and students to our campus without their vehicles,” Dubois wrote in a recent op-ed piece in the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal: Each year the graduate school presents the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal to a full-time faculty member who shows advancement in the diffusion of knowledge and creativity. Previous recipients include Professor Tanure Ojaide for his scholarship and research on behalf of Africa and dedication to the critical issues facing African people. Institute for Social Capital: Founded by UNC Charlotte, the Institute for Social Capital allows nonprofits, governmental agencies and community-based organizations to develop a way to compile validate and analyze data. This database will assist the research and university communities in their analysis of children and families in certain programs and how they are affect by those in other programs. The Graduate School: The school now includes 59 master’s programs, 17 doctoral programs and 4,400 gradu-ate students. New degrees include: Ph.D. in geography and urban and regional analysis, M.A. in Sports Marketing/ Management and Ethics and Applied Philosophy. Ringing of The Old Bell: In 1960, UNC Charlotte, then Charlotte College, purchased the bell from the old Elizabeth School that was located at East Fifth Street and Travis Avenue in Charlotte. The bell is rung every year during commencement and other ceremonial occasions. Campus Art: The UNC Charlotte campus is home to an extensive outdoor sculpture collection consisting of 18 works of art including the most recent addition, “Water Harp,” now installed at the entrance of Robinson Hall, the new performing arts building. The total value of the outdoor collection alone is almost $1 million. UNC Charlotte is the only campus in the country to have an athletic sculpture collection repre-senting every intercollegiate sport the university fields. Toby Creek Greenway: Approximately 2 miles long from Mallard Creek Greenway at Highway 29 to the intersection of University City Boulevard (Highway 49) and W.T. Harris Boulevard. The Greenway is currently under design and will link Mallard Creek Greenway to the UNC Charlotte campus. Atkins Library: Nearly one million volumes and is the largest library in Southern Piedmont region. The one millionth volume will be donated and celebrated in April. College of Computing and Informatics: Includes computer science (design and implement software, devise new ways to use computers, and develop effective ways of solving computing problems) and software and informa-tion systems (focuses on issues related to developing software and information systems, and the interactions between people and the information systems they use). Coach Jeff Mullins: Men’s basketball coach from 1985- 1996. His record includes 182 victories and 3 visits to the NCAA Tournament in ’88, ’92, ’95 and 2 NIT Tournaments in ’89 and ’94. Mullins helped develop Dale F. Halton Arena and the move to Conference USA in 1995. making HISTORY the NEXT 60 YEARS C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 17 Charlotte Observer. “Light rail will knit together the main campus and our new $45.8 million Center City facility at the corner of Ninth and Brevard. And light rail will provide new access to higher education (and great college basketball games and cultural events) for anyone who may board at a South Boulevard station bound for either UNC Charlotte in the Center City or the main campus.” In his installation address, Dubois said one of his primary goals was to raise UNC Charlotte’s profile in the region and across the rest of the country. One of the most important parts of the university’s strategic marketing plan is a branding study, he said. “Our constituents – whether our students, alumni, research partners or the public at large – must actually experience what we say we are,” he said. “Whatever we may do in branding and marketing cannot end with the public relations and community affairs staff or the web page. UNC Charlotte must actually become better connected to the region we serve.” UNC Charlotte will use the Stamats firm of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to conduct the comprehensive branding study that will encompass marketing, public relations, community affairs, graphic design, advertising and related disciplines. The study is in its early stages and it is expected to continue into early 2007. Dubois is very optimistic about the future of Charlotte’s university. Pointing to the recently-dedicated buildings on the Charlotte Research Institute campus (Duke Centennial Hall and William H. Grigg Hall), a new College of Health Sciences Building, Student Health Center, and Harris Alumni Center to be dedicated next spring, and new construction soon to begin for the Bioinformatics Research Center and the Student Union, Dubois said that his continuing mantra about UNC Charlotte will be that “it is all about change.” “Our faculty, staff, and students have never been content to sit back and wait for things to happen. Our mission is to serve this region as a primary resource for the creation of intellectual and social capital, and cultural enrichment. We are making history for the next 60 years.” Charlotte 49ers in the A-10 Conference: The 49ers joined the Atlantic-10 Conference in the 2005-2006 season from Conference USA. Charlotte was predicted to be #2 for their first season in the conference and #4 for season number two. William States Lee College of Engineering: Includes civil, electrical and computer, and mechanical engineering, along with engineering technology, hands on, labs, research. Coach Bobby Lutz: Current Men’s basketball coach with a 135-83 record, six post-season tournaments, five NCAA Tournaments, four 20-win seasons, three conference championships including two tourney titles and one regular season crown. 49er Gold Dusters: Besides a co-ed cheerleading squad, UNC Charlotte has an official dance team called the 49er Gold Dusters. They perform at every home basketball game and have recently won national championships. Diversity-students from 83 countries: In 2005, of the 20,772 students enrolled, 670 were from another country (216 from India), contributing to the 2,510 total out-of-state students. Future Greek Village: A new addition to the UNC Charlotte campus and home to fourteen fraternities and sororities-each have their own house. Each house holds either 14 or 28 residents, and will include a chapter room, kitchen, and outdoor gathering area for different activities. Athletic Director Judy Rose: Only the third woman to be put in charge of Division I athletics, Rose helped raise money for the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, Irwin Belk Track and Field Center, and the Wachovia Fieldhouse. She has helped attract national sporting events to UNC Charlotte. Bissell House-Chancellor’s Residence: The Bissell House is the new home of Chancellor Philip L. and Lisa Lewis Dubois and their family. The home was named in honor of Sara H. Bissell who decorated the home and is a major supporter of the university. Ben Craig Center business incubator: Partnered with UNC Charlotte, the Ben Craig Center is a non-profit organization that provides incubation, education and advisory services to small businesses in order for them to reach full potential. Belk College of Business: The College is one of the largest business programs in the Carolinas with 2,500 undergraduate students, 500 graduate students, and 87 faculty members. Fourth Chancellor Philip L. Dubois: As provost and vice chancellor from 1991 until 1997, Dubois lead the first comprehensive campus-wide plan for information technology and programs to better serve non-traditional adult students. He also planned and launched the university’s first graduate programs. Dr. Dubois became UNC Charlotte’s fourth chancellor on July 15, 2005. See back cover for 60 Points of Pride listing 18 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E It’s the SERVICE that DRIVES THEM Students in Free Enterprise impress with maturity, focus, deeds Three hundred hours. Imagine adding 300 hours in one school year to the already busy life of a typical American college student.Hours devoted to a program in addition to class lectures, labs, studies, and jobs. In a nine month time frame, it’s almost equivalent to adding one more day to the week.But SIFE members aren’t really typical American college students.They are remarkably focused and driven.The program they devote their extracurricular time to is designed to assure their ability to land a job after graduation and make an exceptional contribution to their communities as well. By Denise Buff Stephens Standing, left to right: Joseph Rinaldi and Robert “Trey” Rhyne Seated, left to right: Natalie Rogers, Ellen Lusby and Amy Harkins (current President of SIFE) F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 19 During the last academic year, 41 UNC Charlotte students, mostly from the Belk College of Business, collectively devoted 10,945 hours participating in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an organization dedicated to making sure students enter the workforce well-prepared and community service oriented. The late Dr. Jack Hogue introduced the idea of participating in SIFE to Belk College honor students four years ago. At the time, Hogue supervised advising and curriculum for 3,000 undergraduate students. After Hogue’s death in July 2005, Dr. Daryl Kerr, director of Belk College undergraduate studies, began working with the team along with faculty member Annette Hoover. According to Kerr, Hogue was particularly passionate about two things regarding his students: “enhancing their academic experiences with valuable programs that connected them to the business community and teaching them how to give back to their communities.” SIFE is one of the largest global student organizations in the world, operating on more than 1,600 college and university campuses in 40 countries – 800 nationwide, with 31 of them in North Carolina. The organization offers students the opportunity to develop critical leadership, team-work and communication skills that most people in business take years on the job to acquire. Teams organize on each college campus and in the fall, SIFE members attend leadership seminars to learn the principles of free enter-prise. Applying the principles and key educational goals of SIFE such as free market economics, entrepre-neurship, personal and financial success and business ethics, SIFE teams develop outreach projects that target people or groups within their community who may benefit from the business knowledge students gain in class and through SIFE experience. With so many teams engaged all over the world in various outreach projects, the national SIFE organization maintains that these students are literally improving the quality of life and the standard of living for millions of people. The concept is very simple, but the results are remarkable. Joseph Rinaldi, a senior and president of UNC Charlotte SIFE in 2005/06 has participated as a leader in a multitude of projects. Lifespan was one of his favorites. Team members wrote a business plan for a group of artists with disabilities who wanted to change their non-profit status to a for-profit venture. They wanted to create profits in order to become more self-sufficient. In the process, “Artspan: A Unique Boutique” was created to sell their original work. “Their artwork was amazing,” Rinaldi said. “Some pieces sold for several hundred dollars. It wasn’t the most complex or time-consuming project the team worked on, but we felt like we really made a difference.” Throughout the year, SIFE teams all over the world participate in special project competitions. In the spring, SIFE regional competitions and Career Opportunity Fairs are held in more than 22 cities in the United States with thousands of students partici-pating. Teams present a 24-minute multimedia synopsis of their projects to judges describing their outreach programs and how effective they were. Prominent executives from around the region help advise the team on projects, presentation and effectiveness and serve as judges at regional competitions. CEOs and other top-level executives UNC CHARLOTTE’S 2005-2006 SIFE BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD ▪ Michael Andrus – Sam’s Club ▪ Debbie Antshel – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ▪ Randy Cox – Wal-Mart ▪ David Finby – Merrill Lynch ▪ Jewel Glenn – Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ▪ Hilda H. Guardian – La Noticia ▪ Alfredo Garza – enventys ▪ Brian Hamlett – enventys ▪ Heather Haugh – RSM McGladrey ▪ John T. Holdorf – John Hancock ▪ Doug McMillon – Sam’s Club ▪ Diane Marsfelder – Compass Group ▪ Aaron Means – IBM ▪ Vernon J. Menard III – Choice Translating ▪ Terry Middleton – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ▪ Peter Mihaltian – SCI ▪ Debbie Murphy – Acosta ▪ Jim Owens – Biltmore Estate ▪ Verl Purdy – AGDATA ▪ Dana Ratchford – Microsoft ▪ Jennifer Robert – Mecklenburg County Commission ▪ Ryan Schachtner – Northwestern Mutual Financial Network ▪ Virginia Schafer – Schafer Clinic ▪ Robert Schoffner – NC Council on Economic Education ▪ Jeff Stewart – Wachovia ▪ Michael Sullivan – Take Charge America ▪ Robert Sumner – Private Physician ▪ Kevin Toomb – First Charter ▪ Dave Vander Jeugdt – Walgreens ▪ Lauren Welch – Premier ▪ Kyle Worthy – John Hancock Note: Two Business Advisory Board members, Lauren Welch and Brian Hamlett are former UNC Charlotte SIFE team presidents and are engaged to be married – another benefit to being involved in the SIFE team according to Daryl Kerr. “I’ve learned about real business applications, developed leadership skills and teamwork mentality – which taught me a lot about patience.“ Amy Harkins, (current President of SIFE) continued next page 20 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E participate in judging national and international competitions across the world. During the competitions, businesses from across the country send representatives to recruit and hire SIFE members during career fairs. Kevin Toomb, Director of Marketing for First Charter Bank in Charlotte is a SIFE Business Advisory Board Member recruited by Jack Hogue almost five years ago. He is a dynamic public servant and one of the team’s most dedicated mentors. He spends hours of personal time working with them during the year and coaching them before competitions. He believes in internships and business world experiences for college students. According to Toomb, SIFE has value on three levels for students: “They learn how to be creative; how to develop projects and implement them, and how to communicate the value of projects in a compelling fashion.” Toomb also believes SIFE offers a tremendous networking experience for students. At competitions and career fairs, “Students interact with business executives who are experts in their fields,” he says. Joseph Rinaldi knows that is a fact. “SIFE students are highly regarded and recruited, especially during the career fairs at competitions,” he says. “I had an unofficial job offer at Nationals in Kansas City, and I haven’t even graduated yet.” A junior and SIFE student president for 2006/07, Amy Harkins has been involved in SIFE since she was a freshman. For an undergraduate, her summer job was impressive. Harkins worked for David Drummond, director of marketing at National Gypsum Corporation, helping with technical support doing field work in sales, marketing and advertising. During the past school year, she worked in the Belk College as the Business Honors Program’s undergraduate assistant. with Beth Fischer, director of development for the Belk College. Fischer has attended several of UNC Charlotte SIFE’s events. “I’m amazed at the level of maturity and focus. The work they do is incredible – especially to be so young,” she says. “I’ve learned about real business applications, developed leadership skills and teamwork mentality – which taught me a lot about patience,” says Amy. “This organization is a great foundation for any career and would benefit students in other colleges here at UNC Charlotte,” she adds. “We plan to actively recruit more members from programs beyond the Belk College during this school year.” One of their strongest, most successful and on-going projects, Career Day is one that benefits the entire student body. It was designed with the professional growth of all students in mind. Students from every college at the university were invited to participate in a series of interactive lectures delivered by 42 local business executives. They focused on topics such as job search strategies, interviewing skills, preparing for the workplace and business etiquette The SIFE team hosted a semi-formal dinner at the conclusion of the project. Local business executives, UNC Charlotte students and faculty attended. Steven Sweeny, President and CEO of Chartwell Dining Service delivered the keynote address. Business dining etiquette was the topic of discussion – an often underestimated skill in business today. Belk Department Store assisted the team with a “Dress for Success” fashion show where professional and business casual attire were showcased and modeled. The project was so successful that Career Day will continue in October of 2006, with similar results. Jack Hogue, according to his students, had a large persona, a commanding presence, a baritone voice and the expressive laugh of a child. He was instru-mental in establishing the Management Information Systems program at UNC Charlotte when he joined the faculty in 1984. His interest in student affairs led him to administration and he was appointed director of undergraduate student affairs for the Belk College of Business in 1998 and to assistant dean in 2002. Jack created numerous extracurricular programs for his students – one of which was Students in Free Enterprise. He was dedicated to his students, to his colleagues and to UNC Charlotte. After attending the National SIFE competition last year, Amy Harkins and Joseph Rinaldi, SIFE team members, presented Hogue with a key chain that read: #1 Dad. He is considered “an outstanding scholar, an inspired teacher and a great colleague.” Jack died in an automobile accident last July and the University continues to feel his absence. He has, however, left a tremendous legacy at UNC Charlotte. It’s the SERVICE that DRIVES THEM Jack Hogue Kevin Toomb F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 21 According to Kevin Toomb and to Daryl Kerr, as these students graduate and begin planning for careers, they will have a tremendous advantage. “In comparing job applicants – and all other factors being equal, the SIFE experience gives these students a definite advantage,” states Toomb. The SIFE organization claims that “the best companies in the world recognize the value of this experience and compete very aggressively for the chance to meet and recruit SIFE students. They believe these students are among the most talented prospects.” Joseph Rinaldi has an incredible sense of appreciation for what he has been able to learn through SIFE. “We are fortunate to be able to attend college and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had. It seems like sharing our experiences to help people is the right thing to do.” he says. Working in partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools International Magnet Program, the SIFE team worked with students in two middle and two high schools to promote global awareness. The theme was The Power of Politics of a Traveling T-Shirt based on the book Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli. The book is about the economic impact of world trade through the step-by-step production of a t-shirt. The SIFE team created an original curriculum for 15 weeks in four different classrooms preparing them for a leadership event: The Global Summit. Students from the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, 34 German Students, and 160 faculty members attended the event to share their experiences and global economic knowledge. “It’s the service that drives them,” says Kerr. These students have an incredible sense of community service. Overwhelmingly, that is the reason Kevin Toomb remains committed to the team. “I’m absolutely proud to be associated with UNC Charlotte SIFE,” says Toomb. “The organization and these students are absolutely dedicated to making the world a better place for themselves, for children and for their communities.” UNC Charlotte’s SIFE team is still young and continuing to rebound from the death of their mentor, Jack Hogue. They have won recognition both regionally and nationally and are outstanding representatives of the university. SIFE teams all over the world are doing the same – from places like Zimbawe, Batswana, Belarus, Russia, and Guatemala. In the next 20 years, the sheer volume of community involve-ment UNC Charlotte students may participate in will alter the fabric of our city and region. As these young adults move into their professions all over the world amazing things will happen. Imagine the infinite global possibilities. ABOUT SIFE Students in Free Enterprise originally began as a regional initiative in Texas. Robert T. “Sonny” Davis, an attorney, began the program with the help of the late William Seay, chairman of Southwestern Life Insurance who provided the funding. In 1985, Jack Shewmaker, Vice Chairman and CFO of Wal-Mark Stores, Inc. became SIFE’s chairman giving the program significant credibility and fund raising ability. Wal-Mart began providing stipends to university faculty advisors who were named Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellows, in honor of the founder of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart continues to be a substantial supporter and Shewmaker continues to be involved in SIFE. Jack Hogue initiated UNC Charlotte’s SIFE chapter and was the university’s first Sam M. Walton Fellow. 22 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E Belk has a deep-rooted love of Charlotte and for North Carolina. He was born in 1922 at Presbyterian Hospital to William Henry and Mary Irwin Belk. “Ike,” as he is known, grew up here and knows the history of the region intimately. His great, great, great grandfather, Robert Irwin, a general in the Revolutionary War, signed the Mecklenburg County Declaration of Independence – “a year before that other one in Philadelphia,” according to Belk. He can share historical data as proficiently as any professor and does so enthusiastically, prodding to determine how much you know. Perhaps it was his love of the city that grew over time to embrace UNC Charlotte. He adopted the university and has given his time, his talent, his financial gifts and scores of art works. His most recent gift was given to The Foundation of The University of North Carolina Charlotte, Inc. to establish the Carol Grotnes Belk Endowed Chair in Nursing in honor of his wife for her loving care of her family. The gift is eligible to be matched by North Carolina’s Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund for a total endowment of $1 million and will be used to support the teaching and research of a full professor of nursing in the ollege of Health and Human Services. “There is a shortage of nurses in this country and my wife wanted to be a nurse. She ended up being a nurse to me and my children and our grandchildren,” he says. Recent endowment and sculpture highlight prolific support from one of UNC Charlotte’s best friends Irwin Belk might well be considered UNC Charlotte’s godfather. He is regarded as a larger-than-life Renaissance man for living such an intriguing life – as an athlete, businessman, statesman, historian and philanthropist. It is his gregarious and generous spirit that has endeared him to so many. His gifts to colleges and universities are now legendary – especially at UNC Charlotte. IRWIN BELK, By Denise Buff Stephens Irwin Belk F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 23 “Through the years, Ike Belk has demonstrated a commitment to higher education and to UNC Charlotte that reflects the power of charitable giving,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “His generous gift made in honor of his wife, Carol, will help the College of Health and Human Services recruit the best talent to train nurses and enhance our healthcare delivery system in the Charlotte region and nationwide. We are very grateful for Ike’s gift and his continued support that helps create a bright future for UNC Charlotte and the students it serves.” Belk’s gift will enable UNC Charlotte to attract the very best candidates in a competitive nursing faculty market nationwide and in turn, address a crit-ical shortage of nurses in the United States. “This gift and the matching funds provided by North Carolina will allow UNC Charlotte to aggressively recruit the highest caliber of talent and enhance the teaching and research capabilities offered to students through our School of Nursing,” said Karen Schmaling, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. Ike Belk clearly adores his wife. It has been said that there are more buildings named after Carol Grotnes Belk than anyone in the country. (Belk can account for 12.) “My wife has put up with me for 58 years. I married a wonderful woman,” he says. The Belks have four children, William (Bill) and Carl Belk live in Charlotte. Irene Belk Miltimore lives in Connecticut and Marilyn Belk Wallis lives in Napa Valley, California. “This community has been good to my family,” Belk has said. His father, William Henry Belk, and uncle, Dr. John Belk founded the Belk Department Stores in 1888. Belk sold his share of the retailing empire to his brothers, Tom and John Belk and retired in 1996. Ever since, he has devoted himself to investing in the community – “to make it better for future generations.” After attending Davidson College for a year, Belk transferred to UNC Chapel Hill because “Davidson didn’t have a commerce school.” He graduated in 1946, married his wife in 1948, did a two-and-a-half year tour during World War II in the 491st Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force, was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1959 and to the State senate in 1963. He is the only North Carolinian to have served in both bodies during the same two-year term – serving another legislator’s uncompleted term. a Legendary Giver Sculptures commissioned and donated by Ike Belk – like this one outside the Barnhardt Student Activity Center – adorn athletic facilities on the UNC Charlotte campus. continued next page 24 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E According to Belk, his second greatest achievement occurred when he was the public delegate to the United Nations (appointed by former President Bill Clinton). He arranged for U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to address the United Nations’ Security Council. It was the first time in history that any member of a legislative body in the world had done so. “Europe needed to pay its fair share of U.N. dues and we got them to do that,” he replies. “We saved the American taxpayers $175 million that year – and every year since.” Having run track while in prep school and UNC Chapel Hill, Belk developed a lifelong love of athletics. His close friend, the late Jim Millis of High Point, got Belk involved in the Olympics where he has since served on the United States Olympic Committee for over 45 years. “I haven’t missed an Olympics since 1960,” says Belk. He’s such a staunch supporter, he commissioned an enormous bronze sculpture to be installed at the International Olympic Committee Headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland and a smaller version at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. In support of the Olympic Games and athletics in general, he established the Irwin Belk Educational Foundation. Although he graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and is loyal to them, Belk has bestowed more gifts to UNC Charlotte and Presbyterian College than perhaps any other schools. In keeping with his passion for athletics, Belk donated a portion of the funds to build a state-of-the-art track and athletic facility at UNC Charlotte – The Irwin Belk Track and Field Center. It has been called the finest track and field facility in the Southeast and it includes a spacious soccer stadium that “rivals any in the coun-try” according to UNC Charlotte’s Athletic Department. Then he decided to dress it up – with 14 bronze statues representing every inter-collegiate sport team that the university fields. UNC Charlotte is the only university in the nation to have such an extensive athletic statuary collection. In 2001, Belk helped fund the construction of the Miltimore- Wallis Athletics Training and Academic Center (named for his daughters, Irene Belk Miltimore and Marilyn Belk Wallis). Built adjacent to the Barnhardt Student Activity Center which houses Halton Arena, the center is a state-of- the-art facility of academic and training space for student athletes and includes the Charles Hayward Memorial Practice Court. Belk has had athletic tracks and fields built at other universities, but “the most beautiful track is at UNC Charlotte.” During a recent trip to Switzerland, Belk discovered the sculptor, Housi Knecht, a brilliant artist who creates elaborate outdoor pieces in addition to other art. He purchased “Water Harp” – a stun-ning water and light sculpture Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, Lisa Lewis Dubois, Irwin Belk and Carol Grotnes Belk shortly after the Belks announced their recent endowment of a chair in Nursing for the College of Health and Human Services. As a senator, Belk introduced the legislation that would make UNC Charlotte the fourth university in the North Carolina system. “We were under-educating the people in this region. It’s my greatest personal achievement and contribution to this community,” he says. So in 1965, Belk orchestrated a coalition convincing 49 out of 50 Senators to endorse the bill that transformed Charlotte College to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Belk adds with a chuckle, “Only once in the history of the North Carolina senate has that ever happened – to have 49 Senators agree on anything – and it won’t ever happen again.” Laura Simic, UNC Charlotte’s associate vice chancellor for development, remembers first meeting Mr. Belk at Chancellor Woodward’s home shortly after arriving at the university. “I remember listening to him tell about introducing the legislation that made us part of the UNC system. He spoke with such passion and pride. When Mr. Belk says he has a big idea, we listen because we know he loves the University, takes great ownership in it, and is dedi-cated to doing everything he can to help it prosper.” Belk also served 12 years on the Board of Trustees for the University of North Carolina, and another two terms on the Board of Governors formed by the General Assembly in 1971 to oversee the new16-member university system. According to former Chancellor Jim Woodward, when Belk left the Board of Governors, he was offered the choice to serve as a trustee at any one of the 16 universities. “He chose UNC Charlotte,” Woodward said. Artist Housi Knecht, who Belk met in Switzerland, created the water harp. The steel sculpture includes a circulating water tank. It is eight feet tall, five feet wide and weighs 300 pounds. Water and oil flow over the strings of the harp. When lit, the harp appears to be playing. IRWIN BELK a Legendary Giver continued F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 25 made of steel and includes a circulating water tank. It is eight feet tall, five feet wide and weighs 300 pounds. Water and oil flow over the strings of the harp. When lit, the harp appears to be playing. He gave it to UNC Charlotte so that it would grace the entrance of the new performing arts building, Robinson Hall. The piece was installed in December, 2006. “Nobody will ask where the music building is again,” Belk declares. Over the years, Belk has commis-sioned artists from around the world to create giant mascots for numerous college and university campuses. “Do you know where the largest boilermaker in the United States is?” he asks. “The largest bulldog?” “The largest wildcat?” “The largest pirate?” He asks again and again. Belk is proud to commission sculptors who create these massive works of mascot art. He makes sure artists produce the absolute largest piece in the United States. Now, the largest bull is located at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte (larger than the Merrill Lynch bull in New York City), the largest wildcat at Davidson College, the largest mountain man at Appalachian State University, the largest white marble “victory” sculpture (4 tons) at UNC Charlotte. There are many others. (See sidebar) Which one is his favorite? “The one I’m working on right now,” he answers. That would be the largest lion at Queen’s University. There is a long list of other activities Belk has championed. He has served as the past president of the American Cancer Society Foundation and as an ACS Board of Trustees member for many years. He’s so passionate about their work that he donated funds – matched by the North Carolina Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund – to establish the Irwin Belk Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at UNC Charlotte. Currently, the Biology Department is searching for a nationally recognized teacher and scholar to further the university’s cancer-related research activities. The gift enabled the university to also hire Dr. Ken Bost, designated the Belk Distinguished Professor of Biology and “one of the best scientists in the world,” according to Dr. Michael Hudson, Chair of the Biology Department. Recently, Belk resigned from his UNC Charlotte Board of Trustee’s position, a post he has assumed at various times since 1973. His son, Carl Belk is fulfilling his father’s unexpired term. UNC Charlotte celebrated its sixtieth birthday in September 2006. Irwin Belk has been a stalwart supporter for more than 40 of those 60 years. “I love UNC Charlotte and I’m honored to work for its cause,” claims Belk. “When I look back to think about who was the most important person, exter-nally, there is no one more important than Ike Belk,” says Woodward. “His political support and guidance were his greatest contributions.” Miss Bonnie Cone gave birth to UNC Charlotte and is fondly known as its founder. The Honorable Irwin Belk has been one of the university’s most ardent champions and has earned the right to be designated the university’s godfather. Someone contact a sculptor. We need another statue or two. “When I look back to think about who was the most important person, externally, there is no one more important than Ike Belk. His political support and guidance were his greatest contributions.” Jim Woodward, Chancellor Emeritus UNC Charlotte’s Victory Sculpture, “Androgino” IKE’S LARGEST-IN THE-UNITED STATES MASCOTS ▪ Air Force Academy’s Falcon ▪ Appalachian State University’s Mountain Man ▪ Charlotte Latin School’s Red Tail Hawk ▪ Davidson College’s Wildcat ▪ East Carolina University’s Pirate (45 feet) ▪ Elon University’s Phoenix ▪ Fayetteville State University’s Bronco ▪ Furman University’s Paladin ▪ Johnson C. Smith’s Bull ▪ Livingstone College’s Bear ▪ Lynchburg College’s Hornet ▪ Purdue University’s Boilermaker (34 feet) ▪ Presbyterian College’s Scotsman (2 1/2 stories tall) ▪ Queens University’s Lion ▪ St. Andrews Presbyterian College’s Knight ▪ Western Carolina University’s Catamount ▪ Wingate University’s Bulldog ▪ Jesse Helms Center’s Bald Head Eagle ▪ UNC Chapel Hill’s Ram ▪ UNC Charlotte’s Victory Sculpture A group of dedicated friends and colleagues have made gifts to endow the Mary Thomas Burke Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education. Established in 2005, the scholarship was created to honor the memory of Dr. Mary Thomas Burke, who established the college’s graduate counseling program, and her contri-butions to improve the quality of life for chil-dren and adults throughout our community. Pamela and William T. Crowder Jr. ’75, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Crowder Construction Company, established an endowed scholarship in the William States Lee College of Engineering for undergraduates pursuing careers in the construction industry. David and Bob Dooley, executive vice presidents of the R.T. Dooley Construction Company, established an annual scholarship for incoming freshman enrolled in the civil engineering program in the William States Lee College of Engineering. The Joe S. Epley Scholarship Foundation created an endowed scholarship for deserving juniors and seniors majoring in communica-tions studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. The foundation was established in 2003 to honor founder Joe Epley’s dedica-tion to lifelong professional development in the public relations industry and to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Epley Associates/Public Relations. Judy and Tom Fisher ’77, vice president of information technology for QUALCOMM and chief information officer for QUALCOMM’s CDMA Technologies Group, established an endowed scholarship to provide need-based support for undergradu-ates in the College of Information Technology. UNC Charlotte received a distribution from the estate of Helen Gallier, which is funding much-needed scholarships in art, music, and dance and theater in the College of Arts and Sciences. Gallier’s husband, Ted, taught in the Belk College of Business prior to his death in 1999. Two respected foundations are providing signif-icant private scholarship support for students in the College of Health and Human Services. The Hearst Foundation, Inc. established an endowed scholarship for minority students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing who intend to reside permanently in the United States upon graduation. Recognizing the importance of need-based scholarship support, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation continues to fund a scholarship for deserving female undergraduates who reside in the Southeast. Over the past 16 years, more than 500 Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships have been awarded to UNC Charlotte students. IntePoint, LLC is funding a research fellow-ship, enabling assistant professor Brent Kang in the College of Information Technology to conduct research on an efficient data manage-ment layer for large-scale critical infrastruc-ture simulation and visualization. With an efficient data management layer, authorities may analyze real-time information from national dynamic data sources to determine a disaster’s impact upon nuclear power plants, dams, roads and electric power grids. At the behest of former Vice Chancellor for University Relations Ed Kizer and his wife, Page, the Bradham Family Foundation has made a lead gift to establish and support Middle Grades University (MGU), an annual program hosted by the College of Education to introduce middle grades youth to the opportunities associated with a university education. Participants who later attend UNC Charlotte are also eligible for an endowed scholarship, which is open to MGU graduates in all colleges and offers special consideration for those enrolled in the College of Education. The Kizers also established an endowed schol-arship to support MGU participants. Family members, friends and classmates of Martin “Marty” Limberg, a former UNC Charlotte architecture student, have marked the 10th anniversary of his death by making gifts to endow a memorial scholarship to provide financial assistance to graduate students in the College of Architecture. The scholarship supports dedicated scholars who exhibit the same talent and devotion to art and metal design that Limberg demonstrated as a UNC Charlotte student. Richard McCracken established an endowed scholarship in the William States Lee College of Engineering. McCracken’s gift was made in honor of his longtime friend, Charles G. Rust, UNC Charlotte’s director of capital improvements in Facilities Management. We extend our condolences to the family of Charlotte philanthropist and longtime supporter Irma Irene Mull, 82, who passed away on Feb. 14. Passionate about art, Mull used her estate planning to establish an endowed scholarship fund to assist UNC Charlotte’s talented and deserving art students with educational expenses, including tuition fees and art supplies. Equally passion-ate about orchids, Mull made generous contributions to support the maintenance and growth of the McMillan Greenhouse. In appreciation of her enduring support, the university created and named the “Mull Farlan” hybrid orchid to commemorate Mull’s childhood home in McFarlan, N.C. Neuro-Life for the Carolinas is partnering with the Charlotte Research Institute to facili-tate and accelerate the growth of biomedical and translational research in the Charlotte region. The partnership is critical to the university’s ability to foster the growth of biotechnology-based companies, attract world-class research scientists and make important contributions in the field of cancer research. Frank (Alex) Rankin, III, president of Concord Engineering and Surveying, Inc., established an annual scholarship for incoming or current freshman enrolled in the civil engineering program in the William States Lee College of Engineering. Associate Professor Emerita Jane K. Testerman ’73 has made a lead gift to complete the Legacy for Leadership Room and provide an annual scholarship for educa-tional leadership graduate students in the College of Education. The Legacy for Leadership Room will provide a comfortable gathering place for graduate students to study, conduct research and connect with peers and mentors in the field of educational leadership. The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina created an endowed scholarship for risk management and insurance in the Belk College of Business. Both organizations also made separate annual gifts to begin awarding their respective scholarships this academic year. Significant support for the university is coming from throughout the university’s extended community. Private support provides the necessary funding for advancements in technology, field research, artistic expression, athleticism, humanitarian efforts and countless other initiatives at UNC Charlotte. 26 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ G I V I N G D E V E L O P M E N T N E W S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 27 Using his talents for blending architec-ture and art and his desire to serve those in need, Charles “Chip” Howell has worked diligently to create better communities through architectural design. And now, the third-year graduate student has been recog-nized for his humanitarianism by receiving a prestigious university award. Howell, a master’s student in the College of Architecture, received the Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Student Award in April for his efforts to improve the lives of others. The award is given to a UNC Charlotte student who demonstrates creative problem solving, conflict resolution and improvement for the human condition. Howell, one of three final-ists, is the third recipient of the award, which carries a $10,000 cash prize. “Volunteerism gave me a way to hone my talents while helping others,” said Howell. “Giving back to the community was a very rewarding part of my experience at UNC Charlotte. All of my professors have been helpful, enthusiastic supporters of both my academic work and my desire to serve those in need.” The Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Student Award was established and is prima-rily funded by political science professor emeritus Nish Jamgotch. As a volunteer for the Latin American Coalition, Howell directed a campaign to create Charlotte’s first community-based Latin American Cultural and Service Center. A talented designer, Howell developed a strategy whereby art and architecture serve as a springboard for cross-cultural connections. In addition, he has outlined strategies for low-income Latino youth to have opportuni-ties in developing programs for the center. At UNC Charlotte, Howell assisted in the design and construction of a house for a low-income family in Charlotte. In 2005, Howell led a group of volunteers during the construction of a fire station in New Bern, Ala., and in building a bus-stop shelter near Asheville, N.C. Howell graduated last May and is pursuing architectural opportunities in both the private and non-profit sectors. Master’s student recognized for improving the human condition Future architect, current volunteer wins Nish Jamgotch Jr. Award Tom Slaughter – an avid teacher, devoted husband and longtime Charlotte resident – recently arranged his third charitable gift annuity to further support the Tom and Mary Slaughter Scholarship Fund, which he established in 2003 in memory of his wife, Mary Miller Slaughter. Available to all UNC Charlotte students, the Slaughter Scholarship is awarded to recipients who possess good moral character, show the promise of future usefulness toward society and demonstrate the need for financial assistance. At its heart, the Slaughter Scholarship symbolizes not only the mutual love, respect and admiration the Slaughters shared; it also embodies their remarkable shared love of teaching. Mary earned her teaching degree at Converse College and taught for two years in Cincinnati, Ohio, before spending 22 years as a junior-high language arts and social studies teacher at several Charlotte schools, including Hawthorne Middle School. Influenced by educators within and around his own family, teach-ing also became Tom’s lifelong dream. “At an early age, my teachers, doctor and pharmacist were role models,” he said. “The teachers just stood out in my mind and made me think that I wanted to be a teacher. I never lost that ambition. Teaching allowed me to enjoy the camaraderie and the association with young people.” After serving the U.S. Navy aboard the USS LSM-100, Tom gradu-ated from Wofford College and served as director of veteran’s training for York County, where he taught night classes for three years to help veterans earn their high school degrees. Encouraged by a local pharmacist, Tom attended the Medical College of South Carolina and worked part-time as a pharmacist to supplement his teaching income. He later taught advanced placement and honors chemistry at Charlotte’s West Mecklenburg High School for 17 years, during which time he earned a master’s degree in chemistry from the College of William and Mary and completed graduate work in advanced placement chemistry at Duke University. Having retired 26 years ago, Tom hopes to inspire young people to share his enthusiasm toward education. “As a teacher, I’ve always felt that one of my greatest responsibilities is to pass our civilization on to future generations,” he said. “My greatest hope is that what I pass along to future generations will enable people to keep expanding upon and sharing their learning with others.” Over the course of his lifetime, Tom said his inspiration still comes from helping others. “I’m almost 82 years old, and yet my greatest thrill is in knowing that I can make a difference for someone,” he said. “Being able to support someone [through scholarship] is probably a bigger thrill for me than it is for the students.” “I’m almost 82 years old, and yet… I can make a difference for someone” Charlotte teacher continues to honor late wife with scholarship www.giving.uncc.edu 28 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ D E V E L O P M E N T N E W S Scholarship endowed in memory of College of Architecture graduate The family, friends and classmates of Martin “Marty” Limberg, a UNC Charlotte College of Architecture graduate, marked the 10th anniversary of his death by endowing a memorial scholarship in the College of Architecture. In 1996, those closest to Limberg created the Martin Limberg Scholarship Fund. Their wish was for the scholarship to be self-sustaining so that annual awards could be made. Although the initial gifts were numerous, the fund fell short of being endowed. Ten years later, Jonathan Wolk ’92, a close friend and classmate of Limberg, challenged fellow alumni and friends of the College of Architecture to endow the fund. Wolk’s efforts paid off, allowing the college to honor Limberg while supporting dedicated fifth-year architecture students. “Marty had the ability to instantly relate to people, and they would open up to him – you always liked to be around him,” Wolk said. “Without Marty, the community lost a vibrant and promising architect and the work that he would have shared with us. I’m honored to be able to make this scholarship a reality for the College of Architecture.” Trudy Schrodt, director of development for the College of Architecture, voiced her support and appre-ciation of Wolk’s initiative. “I am extremely grateful to Marty’s family and friends for their commitment to this scholarship and what it represents,” she said. “It is through their gifts, and those of our gracious donors, that the College of Architecture can provide the critical margin of excellence, not only for the immediate future, but also for perpetuity.” Scholarships attract and support some of the brightest and most promising students at UNC Charlotte. Such support has a strong and lasting effect, not only on the students who benefit from a scholar-ship, but also on the companies and communities with which those students share their knowledge and talents once they leave UNC Charlotte. Bill Whittaker succeeds Dennis Bunker as alumni board president Whittaker elected president for 2006-2007 William G. “Bill” Whittaker ’79 is the newly elected president of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Board of Governors for 2006-2007. As president, Whittaker will oversee the board in its outreach to UNC Charlotte alumni. Whittaker replaces Dennis Bunker ’81 in the role. “I have enjoyed my two terms on the board and look forward to working with the other officers, board members and Nick McEntire to increase alumni involve-ment in the university’s mission,” said Whittaker. “Our beautiful, new Harris Alumni Center will open this fall and we look forward to making it a focal point for our graduates and a tool in furthering our goals.” Whittaker double-majored in history and English at UNC Charlotte, was a writer and features editor of the student newspaper, The Carolina Journal, and was a student worker in Acquisitions at Atkins Library. He served on the Alumni Association Board of Governors from 2001-2003 and was a member and ch
Object Description
Description
Title | UNC Charlotte : the magazine of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for alumni and friends |
Other Title | Magazine of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for alumni and friends |
Date | 2007 |
Description | Vol. 14, No. 1, (Winter 2007) |
Digital Characteristics-A | 2566 KB; 40 p. |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Full Text | Wiintteerr 2007 Voll.. 14 No.. 1 THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS Making History for the Next 60 Years: Amazing change and growth continue Dear alumni and friends, General Assembly support for UNC Charlotte is growing As the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2007 session approaches, all 49ers have reason to be pleased with the support UNC Charlotte received from the legislature in 2006; we will work to ensure that type of support continues in the coming year. The 2006 session ranks as one of the most successful for the University of North Carolina system overall, with a 10-plus percentage increase in its authorized budget. UNC Charlotte shared in that increase through one hugely significant capital appropriation, salary increases for faculty and staff, funding to support our rapidly-expanding enrollment of students, and expanded authorization for building projects. The capital budget committed $45.8 million in certificates of participation – full funding – for our classroom and office complex at Ninth and Brevard streets in Center City Charlotte. The building will provide 150,000 gross square feet for academic programs targeted toward graduate, professional, and continuing education. Our Belk College graduate programs, including the MBA and our new Master’s in sports management and marketing, will be headquartered there, as will graduate-level programs in engineering management, health administration, information technology, public administration, urban design, organizational science, public history, liberal studies, and other fields. UNC Charlotte Center City will also house a significant presence for the Office of Continuing Education, and will be the new home of the Charlotte Community Design Studio. The Center City building will anchor a mixed use development in a major redevelopment of Charlotte’s First Ward that will include several condominiums, retail shopping, a four-acre park and an underground parking deck. In securing funding for the building, UNC Charlotte can begin establishing a highly visible, very substantial beachhead in the Center City. We’ll be more competitive than ever and more visible to the business community. Design should start in earnest early in 2007, with the grand opening due in early 2010. Let the countdown begin! The other major capital improvement win that we achieved involved increased authorization for the most significant – and most expensive – structure ever built on the UNC Charlotte campus – the new $65 million Student Union complex. The new Union will rise across Craver Road from our new College of Education and College of Health and Human Services. It will feature 195,000 square feet under roof and will connect to Cameron Blvd. residence halls via a walking bridge. The entire cost of the Union is being paid for through bonds to be repaid by student fees. Our students are really stepping up to the plate, guaranteeing a facility that will be enjoyed by fellow students for generations to come. In addition, funding to support faculty salaries was increased by 6 percent, while our staff enjoyed the 5.5 percent “across the board” increases authorized for all state employees. The sum of $5 million was created as a faculty competitiveness fund to be administered by UNC President Erskine Bowles to help campuses recruit and retain the best faculty. UNC Charlotte also received more than $10.5 million in funds for enrollment growth as we expanded to more than 21,500 students this past fall. And in one of the most significant legislative actions in recent years to address the conditions of our existing buildings, UNC Charlotte received just over $5 million in “repair and renovation” funding. Although we still rank 13th in the UNC system in per student funding, all of these additions to our budget were very much welcome! With the help of President Bowles and the Board of Governors, support from Governor Mike Easley, and effective advocacy by hard-working legislative leaders and supporters in both parties, there is growing realization statewide that The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a true gem. Go Niners! Cordially, Philip L. Dubois, Chancellor F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 3 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 Contents Winter 2007 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 Volume 14, Number 1 THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE PHILIP L. DUBOIS Chancellor MALCOLM E. “MAC” EVERETT III Chairman of the Board of Trustees VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS David Dunn EDITOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS John D. Bland, APR STAFF WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ben Baran Paul Nowell Denise Buff Stephens CLASS NOTES Katie Suggs PHOTOGRAPHER Wade Bruton CIRCULATION MANAGER Cathy Brown UNC Charlotte is published four times a year by The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28223-0001 ISSN 10771913 Editorial offices: Reese Building, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. 28223. Telephone: 704-687-4385; FAX 704-687-6379; e-mail: jdbland@email.uncc.edu The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is open to people of all races and is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. 74,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $20,495 or $.28 per copy. Printed on Recycled Paper 2 News Briefs 4 Faculty Honors 7 Staff Briefs 26 DEVELOPMENT/GIVING 29 ALUMNI PROFILES 30 ALUMNI NOTES UNC CHARLOTTE MAKING HISTORY FOR THE NEXT 60 YEARS On The Cover William H. Grigg Hall p2g. 2 STUDENTS IN FREE ENTERPRISE DRIVEN BY SERVICE p1g. 6 IRWIN BELK: A LEGENDARY GIVER pg1. 0 2 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ N E W S B R I E F S UNC Charlotte selects branding firm Comprehensive study will feed strategic marketing plan In November UNC Charlotte selected the Stamats firm of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to conduct a comprehen-sive branding study from which the university will develop a strategic marketing plan. This will be the first comprehensive branding study by the university. At press time, the study was expected to begin in December and extend into early spring. It will encom-pass marketing, public relations, community affairs, graphic design, advertising and related disciplines. Stamats, which specializes in providing integrated marketing communications strategy and creative services to colleges and universities, won the assignment after UNC Charlotte conducted a nationwide search. David Dunn, vice chancellor for university relations and community affairs, led an evaluation committee representing a cross-section of UNC Charlotte divisions and colleges. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois identified the branding study as a priority soon after returning to UNC Charlotte. In his installation address he said, “We must expand our presence in the greater Charlotte region and distinguish ourselves in the higher education marketplace with an identity that is both recognizable and respected. Such an identity, expressed as part of a strategic market-ing plan which addresses all forms of the media and the worldwide web, is critical to student recruitment, the development of student internship and job placement opportunities, private fundraising, and the formation of university-private sector research partnerships.” Dubois also noted that an effective identity is not simply a slogan or a tag line. “Our constituents – whether our students, alumni, research partners or the public at large – must actually experience what we say we are,” he said. “Whatever we may do in branding and marketing cannot end with the public relations and community affairs staff or the Web page. UNC Charlotte must actually become better connected to the region we serve.” “Open For Business” economic development initiative seeks partnerships Backed by a $900,000 grant, and with the hiring of a project manager UNC Charlotte in November officially kicked off “Open For Business,” a three-year pilot project to develop a model for universities to build the nation’s best partnerships with businesses. Erskine Bowles, UNC system president, selected UNC Charlotte from among the entire 16-constituent UNC system to receive the grant. “UNC Charlotte is increasingly an engine for economic development,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “University organizations such as the Charlotte Research Institute kick-start growth in new technologies for the region, creating intellectual capital, jobs and a more enticing environment for attracting business.” Dubois said that UNC Charlotte professors are already doing important research – and developing useful products – in areas as unique as laser-guided tools for hip replacements to engineering faster speeds for the motor sports industry. The Charlotte Research Institute, the portal for university-business technology partnerships, is leading the “Open for Business” project. “UNC Charlotte has demonstrated strong results in connecting world-class applied research at the university with growing businesses in the region and beyond,” said Robert Wilhelm, executive director of the CRI. “We want to make our university even better at responding to the needs of our business partners.” In its first year, the project focuses on information-gathering. Interviews are in process with executives from companies with as few as 10 employees up to conglomer-ates with tens of thousands of employees. Trade associations, independent research organizations and other higher education institutions are also on the docket for input to ensure input that covers potentially unique partnership activities. International programs executive chosen for UNC-wide role Joël Gallegos, executive director of UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs, has been appointed by the UNC General Administration (UNC GA) to chair the University of North Carolina Exchange Program (UNCEP) advisory board and the University Council on International Programs (UCIP). “UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs has flourished under Joël’s leadership,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Joan Lorden. The UNCEP is an administrative unit of UNC GA located at UNC Greensboro that manages a multilateral exchange program made up of several system-to-system wide relationships including Germany, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Gallegos has served on the advisory board of this program for several years. Several UNC Charlotte faculty members also serve on the program-specific faculty advisory committees. The UCIP was established to help advance the international agenda across the UNC system. It consists of the senior international education officer from each of the 16 constituent institutions. Joël Gallegos N E W S B R I E F S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 3 Laura Simic receives fundraising Executive of the Year award In November, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and Secretary of the UNC Charlotte Foundation, Laura Simic was honored by the Charlotte Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Simic was presented with the Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive of the Year Award. Since coming to UNC Charlotte in 2000, Simic directed the comprehensive It Takes A Gift Campaign for the university with gifts and pledges of more than $116 million. The campaign is the largest and most successful fundraising initiative in the history of UNC Charlotte. In the most recent fiscal year, the university recorded gifts and pledges of more than $16 million, a record for a non-campaign period. “Good fundraisers are highly organized, attentive to detail, and always follow up,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois in Simic’s nomination letter. “But more than anything, they are good listeners. Laura Simic demonstrates all of these important qualities. Our It Takes A Gift campaign would not have been successful without her.” Simic has enriched every college community in which she has lived and worked. She is easily identified on campus – the license plate on her car reads, “Giv2UNCC.” College of Education honored nationally for impact on urban teaching, learning In October, UNC Charlotte’s College of Education won the national 2006 Urban Impact Award by the Council of the Great City Schools for its work in behavior and reading, in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The award focuses on the positive impact of the U.S. Department of Education project Behavior and Reading Improvement Center, which has been directed at UNC Charlotte by Professors Bob Algozzine, Nancy Cooke and Richard White. The goal of the Behavior and Reading Improvement Center at UNC Charlotte is to evaluate the effects of school-wide behavior improvement and reading enhancement programs for students in kindergarten through third grade. “This award underscores the longstanding partnership between the university and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and our shared commitment to helping children learn,” said Mary Lynne Calhoun, dean of UNC Charlotte’s College of Education. “Bob Algozzine, Nancy Cooke and Richard White have provided visionary leadership and research into reading, social and behavioral development of local children during the past five years. We also applaud CMS for applying recommendations from the Behavior and Reading Improvement Center.” The Urban Impact Award is given annually by the Council of the Great City Schools to a university that is committed to improving teaching and learning science for urban children. It also recognizes outstanding school-based projects, conducted by faculty from its associated member institutions, which have had a positive and significant impact on teaching and learning. UNC Charlotte dedicates two new Charlotte Research Institute buildings UNC Charlotte marked a major university milestone in September with the formal dedication of Duke Centennial Hall and William H. Grigg Hall on the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) campus. The 106,786-sq.-ft. Duke Centennial Hall is home to The William States Lee College of Engineering, The Center for Biomedical Engineering Systems, The Center for Precision Metrology, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science and the North Carolina Motorsports and Automotive Research Center offices, as well as laboratories and computing and research labs. The 96,820-sq.-ft. Grigg Hall is home to the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, and the university’s graduate-level physics program. “Today’s dedication reflects the power of partner-ship between UNC Charlotte and Duke Energy to provide intellectual capital and drive economic develop-ment in the Charlotte region,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “With the brainpower, equipment and resources housed inside these buildings, the Charlotte Research Institute is truly a force for the future as UNC Charlotte advances the research frontier.” The concept of the Charlotte Research Institute was only a vision six short years ago, when Advantage Carolina shared results of a study proposing creation of such an entity. In 2002, The Duke Energy Foundation announced a $10 million gift to UNC Charlotte’s capital campaign to fund CRI programs and initiatives. Construction of The Duke Centennial Hall and William H. Grigg Hall began in 2003, with funding provided by $3.1 billion bond referendum approved by North Carolina voters in 2000. The William H. Grigg Hall is named in honor of Duke Energy Chairman Emeritus William H. Grigg, who served the company with distinction for nearly 35 years prior to his retirement as chairman and chief executive officer in 1997. Laura Simic Mary Lynne Calhoun 4 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F A C U LT Y H O N O R S Nursing professor selected as post-doc scholar The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, part of the New York University College of Nursing, has named UNC Charlotte Assistant Professor Meredith Flood, Ph.D., to be a scholar in its 2006 Geriatric Nursing Research Scholars Program. The Institute selected Flood for her significant research in gerontologic nursing and for her strong leadership potential. She is one of 14 nurses selected for this program from a national pool of outstanding applicants. The program, now in its ninth year, and co-sponsored by the American Journal of Nursing, is designed to foster new gerontological nursing researchers. Its long-term goal is to augment the contributions of nurse researchers toward enhancing evidence-based practice and improving the quality of health care for older adults. Flood’s research is an examination of the relationships among creativity, depression and successful aging. “Our program aims to bring together outstanding new scholars who are conducting significant research in gerontologic nursing and to give them an opportunity to interact with leading experts in the field,” said Elizabeth Capezuti, Ph.D., co-director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. “This unique opportunity to hone research skills helps these individuals to gain the competitive edge they need to attract research funding and publish the results.” The 14 scholars attended a weeklong seminar led by Dr. Capezuti at New York University’s College of Nursing from July 17-21. During the seminar, they were brought together with teaching faculty – all nationally recognized nursing researchers – for an intensive and interactive experience in which they gained critical analysis and research skills. Economics professor’s paper wins award Peter M. Schwarz, professor of economics and senior faculty fellow in the UNC Charlotte Global Institute of Energy and Environmental Systems (GIEES) was awarded the 2006 Contemporary Economics Policy Editor’s Choice Award for his paper, “Multipollutant Efficiency Standards for Electricity Production,” which was published in Contemporary Economic Policy (July 2005). Schwarz’s study contains a simulation of a coal-fired electric plant subject to multiple pollutant standards for sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide. It shows that firms may not choose the lowest cost technology. Schwarz received funding for the study from the GIEES and Duke Energy, as well as a UNC Charlotte research grant. He received the award at the recent meeting of the Western Economic Association. Malmgren nominated for U.S. Professor of the Year For his dedication to and excellence in teaching throughout his career, UNC Charlotte has nominated Dr. Ed Malmgren for the 2006 U.S. Professors of the Year Award. According to his students and colleagues, Malmgren’s impact on his students has been tremen-dous. One of his former students, Erik Cobb, said, “A professor’s legacy and impact is determined by the quality of students they produce. The best and most influential professors are those who not only prepare a student for a career, but also motivate and inspire to be the best and brightest in your field.” A Certified Public Accountant, Malmgren joined UNC Charlotte in the department of mathematics in 1972 and later joined the department of accounting faculty in the Belk College of Business in 1976. As an associate professor of accounting, his primary teaching focus is financial accounting at the undergraduate level. For the past eight years, he has also acted as the faculty advisor for all accounting majors at UNC Charlotte. Malmgren’s previous honors include a NationsBank (now Bank of America) Award for Teaching Excellence (1984), the accounting depart-ment’s first Tom Turner Teaching Award (1994), and being the first and only faculty member to receive the Tom Turner Teaching Award a second time (2004). Since 1981, the U.S. Professors of the Year program has rewarded outstanding professors for their dedication to teaching, commitment to students, and innovative instructional methods. It is the only national program to recognize college and university professors for their teaching skills. The program is sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Awards are given annually in the fall. Ed Malmgren Peter Schwarz Meredith Flood (right) F A C U LT Y H O N O R S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 5 Bank of America Award recipient: Jim McGavran Dr. James H. McGavran Jr. described himself as “young and idealistic” when he decided to pursue a career as a liberal arts professor. Thirty-three years after earning his Ph.D. in English, he wrote about his teaching philosophy, stating “I am much more knowledgeable and experienced now than I was when I started, but some might still call me idealistic – because I still believe that by teaching the great literary works of the past I can help my students to build the skills they will need to strengthen both their own lives and their society. And I still love my job.” For his dedication to teaching and student success, McGavran was chosen in September as the 2006 recipi-ent of UNC Charlotte’s Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence. Former students praised his teaching ability and genuine concern for learning. “James McGavran has impacted my life this semester in more ways than any other teacher has before,” one wrote. Another said, “He is passion-ate about what he teaches and inspires a passion in his students as well.” “The evidence that he is an excellent classroom performer is overwhelm-ing,” wrote a fellow faculty member. “But his impact on the quality of teach-ing at UNC Charlotte reaches beyond the confines of his own classroom. I cannot imagine that any will be more deserving than Dr. McGavran.” The Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence is one of the most important and prestigious traditions at UNC Charlotte. This award honors its outstanding teachers and provides an example of the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching. The award was first presented in 1968. Teresa Dahlberg, an associate professor of computer science at UNC Charlotte, is helping to change the face of computer science. This year she received a $2 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to help an on-going problem: dwin-dling enrollment in IT higher education. Dahlberg, along with colleague and assistant professor Tiffany Barnes, applied for and won the NSF grant that will begin to transform the computer science industry. In addition, UNC Charlotte is the coordinating university to help manage program develop-ment and assessment among a consortium of 10 universities that will be working together in the STARS (Students and Technology in Academia, Research and Service) Alliance. The STARS initiatives involve students in middle and high school, community colleges, minority-serving institu-tions, women’s colleges, and research universities. Programs are open to all students, and are designed to appeal to women and minority populations, as well as for the visually impaired and students with learning disabilities. Dahlberg also was one of the 2006 winners of the Charlotte Business Journal’s Diversity in Business award. She was nominated by the university and was honored at the Charlotte Business Journal’s annual award luncheon on Sept. 13. At UNC Charlotte, Dahlberg directs the Diversity in Information Technology Institute (DITI), which houses the univer-sity’s organized efforts to attract diverse populations to enter and succeed in computing and information technology (IT) disciplines. “As technology plays an increasing role in our collective quality of life, the demand for professionals who can apply technology to a broad range of disciplines increases dramatically,” said Dahlberg. “The DITI programs reach out to people who might not otherwise consider entering computing or IT fields.” First awarded in 2004, the Diversity in Business award is given to those companies and individuals deemed by the Charlotte Business Journal as embodying inclusiveness and respect for the uniqueness and differences of all employees. Dahlberg leading efforts to diversify computing industry Engineering professor earns board certification Dr. Hilary I. Inyang, the Duke Energy distinguished professor of environmental engineering and science, professor of earth science and director of the Global Institute for Energy and Environmental Systems at UNC Charlotte, has recently been named a board certified member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Inyang has co-authored more than 170 research articles, design manuals, book chapters, federal design manuals and a book on environmental geotechnology and serves on the editorial boards of eight refereed international journals. In addition, he serves on more than 60 international, national and state science/engineering panels and committees. Inyang is the chair of the Engineering Committee of the Science Advisory Board of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a member of the National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technology. He is serving his second term as a member of the National Environmental Systems Policy Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has been appointed and elected to many positions of professional responsibility, including the presidency of the newly formed International Society for Environmental Geotechnology. He was born in Uyo, Nigeria and earned his Ph.D. in geotechnical engineering and materials from Iowa State University in 1989. Jim McGavran Hilary Inyang Teresa Dahlberg The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) has awarded Yu Wang, an assistant professor with the College of Information Technology at UNC Charlotte, with the Ralph E. Prowe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. With the intention of enhancing research and professional growth, a recipient receives $5,000 for new funding opportunities during the early stages of their careers. UNC Charlotte will match the ORAU award with an additional $5,000 making the total prize worth $10,000. With research interests in wireless networks, mobile computing, algorithm design and artificial intelligence, Wang will be able to concentrate his research on these subject matters. 6 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F A C U LT Y H O N O R S Information Technology professor awarded prestigious education grant Yu Wang Communication Studies professor awarded first-ever honorary appointment In a first-ever appointment, Associate Professor Alan R. Freitag was honored with the university’s Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching distinction at UNC Charlotte’s convocation on Aug. 15. He was also inducted into the exclusive College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America. Freitag has served as a member of the UNC Charlotte faculty since 1998, and was promoted to associate professor with conferral of tenure in the 2004-2005 academic year. He has taught eight courses since his original faculty appointment, focusing on the subject area of public relations. “Dr. Freitag has demonstrated himself to be an outstanding educator, one who carries his teaching outside the classroom to curriculum development, extracurricular work with students … to professionals in the region, and even to his fellow faculty,” wrote Dr. Richard Leeman, communications studies department chair. “Alan is a model educator … [He] has comprehensively introduced students to the public relations profession, mentored adjunct faculty, and substantially contributed to our department’s curriculum development.” Prior to joining UNC Charlotte’s faculty, Freitag served in a multitude of high-profile roles as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force. In addition to a variety of classroom and research efforts while at UNC Charlotte, he developed a unique undergraduate Certificate in International Public Relations. Approved by the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees in December 2005, the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching is awarded to a faculty member who has been awarded tenure within the last three years. The three-year appointment term includes the inscription of the professor’s name on a permanent plaque, a position of honor at the first convocation of the professor’s term and the award of university resources more than that normally given to faculty. Alan Freitag receives a plaque honoring him with the Bonnie E. Cone Early Career Professorship for Teaching from Provost Joan Lorden. Victimology expert recognized with awards for worldwide work Paul Friday works with United Nations UNC Charlotte profes-sor Paul C. Friday is the recipient of the UNC Charlotte’s 2006 Faculty International Education Award. A highly regarded and extensively published scholar, Friday is recognized worldwide as an expert in the field of victimology. His inter-national research and teaching includes work in Sweden, Greece, Great Britain and China; and he has mentored scholars from Nigeria, India, Poland and Jordan. To most scholars, Friday is best known for his research on victims of crime throughout the world. This research and his leadership in the World Society of Victimology was recognized recently by the Society of Victimology with the presentation of its 2006 John P.J. Dussich Victimologist Award. He also is one of the founders of the prestigious International Division of the American Society of Criminology. Friday has worked with the United Nations for more than seven years, as a representative on the International Scientific and Advisory Council and on the Crime and Crime Prevention Council of the United Nations. He is actively in the developing the U.N.’s written positions on restorative justice, child abuse, child slavery and human trafficking. The Faculty International Education Award, supported by the Office of International Programs, recog-nizes outstanding contributions to the enhancement of international studies and education at UNC Charlotte. Paul Friday S T A F F B R I E F S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 7 Niles Sorensen Named Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs Niles Sorensen joined UNC Charlotte as vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs effective August 28, completing Chancellor Philip L.Dubois’ reorganized executive cabinet. Sorensen also will serve as president of The Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Inc. Sorensen’s hiring concluded a national search. Sorensen, 50, brings 24 years’ experience in nonprofit management. Since 1999, he had served as executive vice president for financial development for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, directing all aspects of fundraising and communications for the 254,000-member, 25-branch human service organization. Sorensen will experience a homecoming of sorts. From 1994- 1999, he served as vice president for financial development for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, managing all aspects of its fundraising program. “Our national search process yielded a number of highly qualified applicants, but Niles Sorensen emerged as the clear candidate whose expertise and energy will take UNC Charlotte to an unprecedented level of success,” Dubois said. “Niles’ deep ties into Charlotte and his outstanding record of engaging volunteers in private fundraising give us an unparal-leled opportunity to engage friends and 49er alumni in the life of UNC Charlotte and further position our university as a driving force in the region and state.” In his new role, Sorensen provides executive leadership for the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs, with an overall annual operating budget of nearly $2.2 million and supervisory responsibility for 30 employees, including college development officers. He also serves as president of the university’s recently reorganized Foundation, working with an appointed 45-member board to enhance the university’s ongoing base of private support. Additionally, Sorensen works with the 32-member UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Board of Directors to expand the institution’s alumni-related programs and activities, including establishing vibrant in-state and out-of-state chapters. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Sorensen managed an 11-member financial development department and coordinated the fundraising efforts of 24 YMCA branches, engaging more than 700 board members and 4,000 volunteers in support of the organization’s fundraising objectives. Among his achievements during his tenure at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Sorensen increased annual giving totals from $850,000 in 1994 to $1,530,000 in 1998. Prior to that, Sorensen spent 13 years with Ketchum, Incorporated, a fund-raising consulting firm, where he served as campaign director, managing director, vice presi-dent and senior vice president. He also has served as a political campaign manager and as legislative caucus assistant for the Indiana House of Representatives. Sorensen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Indiana University in Bloomington. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) and the NAYDO Council of Directors, and served as editor of the NAYDO Developments Newsletter. Gilliland takes reins as controller In August, Brandon Gilliland joined UNC Charlotte as controller, in the Office of Financial Services. As UNC Charlotte’s controller, Gilliland has responsibility for general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, student accounts, cashiers, and tax manage-ment. Most recently, Gilliland was the Dean of Finance and Controller for Indian River Community College (IRCC). Prior to IRCC, Gilliland served as the senior consultant and auditor for Ernst and Young, the finance administrator for Oklahoma State University at Tulsa, and a buyer for the city of Tulsa. Gilliland graduated from Northeastern State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tulsa and is a candidate for the North Carolina certified public accountant exam. Communications manager joins Computing and Informatics Clark Curtis joined the College of Computing and Informatics as communica-tions manager. He comes to UNC Charlotte after serving as the director of communica-tions at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to that he was the public relations director at Pikes Peak International Raceway near Colorado Springs, Colo. For several years Clark combined his broadcast journalism and public relations skills and ran his own consulting business. During that time he served as a correspondent for the NBC Radio Network and covered both Oklahoma City Bombing trials in Denver and the Cattlemen vs. Oprah Winfrey trial in Amarillo, Texas. Clark grew up Indiana, attended Indiana University and lived in Colorado for 26 years. Niles Sorensen Brandon Gilliland Clark Curtis “Niles further positions our university as a driving force in the region and state.” Chancellor Philip L. Dubois 8 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ S T A F F B R I E F S Public Relations hires former Associated Press newsman UNC Charlotte’s public relations department has hired veteran newsman Paul Nowell to serve as the university’s media relations manager. He started work at UNC Charlotte Sept. 25, coming to the university from The Associated Press. Nowell serves as the senior manager of news media relations for UNC Charlotte with local, regional and national press; he reports to John Bland, director of public relations, and works closely with other members of the core public relations team including Ben Baran, internal communications manager; Buffie Stephens, communications coordinator and manager of special projects; and Cathy Brown, office manager and administrative assistant. The public relations department is part of the Division of University Relations and Community Affairs. Nowell will focus primarily on identifying, developing and advancing stories that provide the greatest opportunity to enhance UNC Charlotte’s reputation as a contributor of intellectual capital and engine of economic development. “Paul’s addition to the team gives us a greater capability for proactively communicating news with high value beyond just the local market,” Bland said. “His optimism and enthusiasm are a great match for the university’s needs.” Previously, Nowell served as a newsman, business writer and correspondent for the Associated Press since 1982. He earned an undergraduate degree in English from Boston College and a master’s degree in journalism from The University of Missouri. Ashley Oster named Community Affairs Director Ashley W. Oster has joined the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as Director of Community Affairs, in the Division of University Relations and Community Affairs. As Community Affairs Director, her primary responsibility is to assist in the development of the University Community Affairs plan. She will be working in the continued efforts to help extend the University’s visibility and presence in the region. Ashley’s role will be to engage the greater business community, the University area, the local government officials, and the faculty to represent UNC Charlotte’s resources and opportunities. Most recently, Oster was director of industry councils at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and held the director of public policy – special projects position previously. She also has previous work experience in health services and public policy while residing in Portland, Oregon and Washington D.C. Oster graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies and in Spanish. She attended the Charlotte Chamber’s Leadership School in 2005. Catherine Hicks joins the Charlotte Research Institute Last spring, Catherine L. Hicks joined the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) as director of life science ventures. Hicks works with UNC Charlotte life science researchers in the College of Arts & Sciences, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, and Engineering as well as multidisciplinary research centers for Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering Systems. She is responsible for helping develop intellectual capital in the area of applied life science research, marketing, and business development. In this capacity, one of her primary roles involves directing the research partner-ship that has been established between UNC Charlotte and the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas, a multi-disciplinary group of healthcare professionals, business leaders, and patient advocates committed to the devel-opment of a translational brain cancer research program at UNC Charlotte. Hicks served as vice president of national recruit-ing, economic development, at the Charlotte Chamber. Previously she worked closely with the Cincinnati business community by developing major investors for the Cincinnati Chamber and the Partnership for Greater Cincinnati during their economic develop-ment campaign. Hicks earned her doctorate from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and masters from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. She received her undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University. The CRI is the portal for business-university part-nerships at UNC Charlotte. Focusing on science and technology, the CRI supports new research ventures, university partnerships with regional and national enterprises, and spin-off companies created from UNC Charlotte research results. Catherine Hicks Paul Nowell Ashley Oster S T A F F B R I E F S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 9 Burnett ascends at OTT after Wdowik exit Ruth Burnett became acting director of the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). The OTT is primarily responsible for managing the university’s intellectual property and leads the university’s economic development initiatives in concert, with local, county and state agencies. In addition, the OTT helps faculty and students create new businesses and oversees licensing of university-based intellectual property. Burnett replaced Mark Wdowik who left UNC Charlotte after six years to become the vice president of technology transfer for the Colorado State University Research Foundation. Burnett has worked for the state of North Carolina for 20 years and has a back-ground in paralegal work. Previously, she worked in the Department of Engineering Technology and has 14 years of experience working with the Winston Salem/Forsyth County School System as a technologist and in the business management arena. UNC Charlotte was the first in the nation among universities in the number of start-up companies formed in a survey by the Association of University Technology Managers. That same ranking also listed the university as second in invention disclo-sures received and third in patents issued for each $10 million in research dollars. Sharon Harrington directs development for COAS Sharon Carr Harrington has joined the staff of UNC Charlotte as the director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences. Harrington is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts for the college from alumni, parents, friends and UNC Charlotte board members. She has significant experience developing strategic donor solicitation and stewardship programs. Most recently, Harrington served as director of parent programs at Davidson College, where she developed strategies to effectively cultivate and solicit prospective donors for leadership gifts, capital gifts and planned gifts. Prior to joining Davidson College, Harrington served as vice president of development and planned giving for the Foundation for the Carolinas. She also provided counsel on charitable giving options to donors. Harrington holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of Delaware and a law degree from Duke University. She serves on the Leadership Team of Community Building Initiative and on the directorial boards of the Women’s Impact Fund and the Executive Service Corps. She has been admitted to law practice in Louisiana and the District of Columbia and is a past member of the Law Alumni Association Board of Directors of Duke University School of Law. Jesh Humphrey joins General Counsel’s office James E. S. “Jesh” Humphrey, IV joined the Office of General Counsel as Assistant General Counsel on August 21. Humphrey advises university administrators on a wide range of legal topics including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, contracts and student affairs. Humphrey came to UNC Charlotte from Helms Mullis & Wicker PLLC, where he served as an associate. In that role, he advised local colleges and universi-ties on various educational issues. Humphrey brings extensive experience in business law including software licensing and intellectual property issues. Humphrey received a Juris Doctor, with Honors, from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. He received a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a varsity scholar-athlete. Katie Suggs joins UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Katie Conn Suggs joined the Alumni Association as marketing and communications director in June. Her responsibilities include all aspects of Alumni Association marketing, creation of quarterly newsletter, web site content, Alumni Board communications, and working with Alumni programs and volunteers. Suggs’ marketing and public relations experience includes work with Lowe’s and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree from Florida State University. Sharon Harrington Ruth Burnett Jesh Humphrey Katie Suggs 10 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y The year was 1946 and veterans returning from World War II were acclimating to life back in the states, many of them enrolling in colleges and universities. Harry S Truman was in the White House and the Cold War was in its infancy. Not surprisingly, most U.S. citizens were in pursuit of the American Dream. The television set was not yet a staple in every American living room. Families sat around the radio listening to the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington. In 1946, movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” played in theaters across the country and baseball fans cheered for players like Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Stan Musial. It would be another year before Jackie Robinson would suit up for the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was a time when Americans looked forward to building a better world for themselves and their children. Words like hope and optimism weren’t merely catch phrases. After living through the horrors of World War II, no one was afraid of putting in an honest day’s work. Bonnie Cone Chancellor Emeritus Jim Woodward By Paul Nowell So it was befitting that on Sept. 23, 1946, The Charlotte College Center – which subsequently became Charlotte College and then The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – first opened its doors to 278 freshmen and sophomores. The legendary Bonnie Cone was a part-time instructor on the first day, but within a year she was at the helm. From its inauspicious beginning, UNC Charlotte has made incredible leaps in a relatively short span of 60 years. Now located on nearly 1,000 sprawling acres in northeast Charlotte, the university currently has more than 21,500 students, nearly 1,100 full-time and part-time faculty members, and nearly 1,600 permanent staff employees. Currently the fourth largest of the 16 institutions in the University of North Carolina system, UNC Charlotte and offers 17 doctoral programs, 59 master’s degree programs and 85 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees. The University’s 18th doctoral program – in nanoscale science – awaits approval by the Board of Governors. At an autumn ceremony marking the university’s 60th anniversary, longtime faculty member and historian Dan Morrill described the school’s founding as the seminal event in the history of Charlotte – surpassing even the emergence of Bank of America and Wachovia as national banking powers and the city’s entry into the National Football League and the National Basketball Association. Former Chancellor Jim Woodward believes UNC Charlotte’s status actually surpasses its reputation. “The rule of thumb is a university’s reputation typically lags about seven years behind its accomplishments,” he said. “In general, some elements of the general public still don’t understand what is being accomplished on this campus.” That’s why Woodward and other leaders, particularly current Chancellor Philip Dubois, are so optimistic about the school’s potential. “Will higher education be more important to this community 10 years from now?” said Woodward. “Of course it will. And the institution that will be leading the way is UNC Charlotte. There are other fine educational institutions in Charlotte, but we are the only one within a 100-mile radius with doctoral programs.” His sentiments were echoed by Bill Whittaker, president of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association’s Board of Governors. “We are most proud of the growth of the university and its physical presence,” said Whittaker, who graduated from UNC Charlotte in 1979. “And now it offers doctoral degrees and it is well on the way to becoming a major research university.” Miss Bonnie Cone, founder: Miss Bonnie Cone (1907- 2003) is fondly known as the founder of UNC Charlotte. She became head of the Charlotte Center in 1946 where she taught mathematics; since then she fought to turn the college into a university, in hopes to become part of the UNC system. Thanks to her persistence and determination, her wishes came true in 1965. She declared this day, March 2, “the happiest day of her life”. The Charlotte Center became the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. College of Arts and Sciences: COAS is the oldest and largest college in the university. It also serves half the undergraduate majors with programs in Africana Studies, Anthropology, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Dance & Theatre, English, Geography & Earth Sciences, History, Languages & Cultural Studies, Mathematics & Statistics, Music, Philosophy, Physics & Optical Science, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, ROTC Aerospace Studies, ROTC Military Studies, and Sociology. Van Landingham Glen: In the early 1900s the Van Landingham family attempted to re-create their home in the mountains, right here in Charlotte. They covered the grounds with gardens filled with different types of plants, like rhododendrons, to create that atmosphere. The prop-erty was willed to UNC Charlotte, who, before selling the estate, created Van Landingham Glen using transplants from the gardens. The Glen is now seven-acres of plants native to the Carolinas and is the most diverse Rhododendron garden in the Southeast. Birthplace of WFAE 90.7: WFAE began on June 29, 1981 and was licensed to UNC Charlotte. The station was located in the basement of the Cone Center and featured jazz by day and classical music by night before moving to One University Place and 24-hour a day broadcasting. Giving flight to The Carolina Raptor Center: The Carolina Raptor Center (CRC), originally part of the biology department of UNC Charlotte, was officially created in 1979 when a biology student cared for two injured owls in her apartment. The Center moved from the biology department’s basement and became a non-profit organization within Latta Plantation Nature Preserve in Mountain Island Lake. In 2006, CRC reached an all-time high with over 31,000 visitors; and in March 2006, became the first institution in the state to give birth to bald eagles. Belk Tower: Belk Tower has been the central meeting place on campus for students since 1970. Designed by architects for Little, Lee & Associates, the 147-foot-tall tower chimes at the top of every hour and plays the UNC Charlotte Alma mater three times a day. The Belk Tower was named for William Henry Belk, founder of the Belk department store, whose family wanted to give the University a bell tower as a gift. continued next page C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 11 Sixty Points of Pride from our First 60 Years Bonnie Cone Chancellor Philip Dubois 12 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y Whittaker, an attorney in Matthews, N.C., said the school’s reputation has grown along with its degrees. “Our graduates are regarded as being top-notch,” he said. To Whittaker, the university’s rapid ascent started with Cone’s leadership and follows through to Dubois. “Charlotte has been very fortunate to have the right people in place to lead this university,” he said. “From Miss Bonnie to Dean Colvard to E.K. Fretwell and Jim Woodward. And now we have Phil Dubois. It’s been built and I believe it’s Phil’s job to let the people know it’s out there.” In reviewing the history of UNC Charlotte one might divide the first 60 years into three eras, each characterized by distinct but evolving priorities. 1946-1965: FOUNDATION AND EDUCATION Like many other colleges across the country, the fledgling Charlotte College Center was supported largely by the G.I. Bill and state funds when it opened in the fall of 1946. It could not have succeeded without leaders like Cone, who juggled her duties as a high school teacher along with handling placement testing and teaching 40 students in the Center’s mathematics-engineering program. In 1949, the state closed the Charlotte Center and about a dozen similar institutions across North Carolina, declaring the state’s on-campus facilities were sufficient to meet the increased demand from the returning veterans. Behind the efforts of Cone and others, the school was taken over by Charlotte’s school district and became known as Charlotte College, a two-year institution. Local leaders also convinced Charlotte voters to approve a two-cent tax to support the college. In a speech to the Charlotte Eastern Lions Club in 1959, Cone outlined her ideas for a new campus about 10 miles northeast of downtown Charlotte. “We envision there a four-year state supported college within a few years and a university within a decade,” she declared. Ground was broken in November 1960 and one year later the first two buildings opened. Two years later, Charlotte College became a four-year college and the seeds were sown for it to become part of the University of North Carolina System. On March 2, 1965, a day Cone later described as the “happiest day of my life,” the North Carolina Legislature voted to bring Charlotte College into the UNC system. It also marked the end of an era, as “Miss Bonnie” – who had served as Acting Chancellor – prepared to hand over the reins to Dean Colvard, the university’s first chancellor. When asked about not being offered the job on a permanent basis, Cone eloquently stated: “We are not here to elevate ourselves but the institution.” A Legacy of Great Teaching: UNC Charlotte first gained recognition for its exceptional teaching of under-graduate students. While the university has grown into a prominent doctoral, research intensive institution, one of its priorities is maintaining its reputation for providing an outstanding undergraduate experience through great teaching and personalized attention to student welfare. College of Health and Human Services: The College of Health and Human Services is home to Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Nursing and Social Work, as well as several Master’s Degree programs and a Doctoral Program in Health Services Research. 49er Final Four ’77: Once upon a time, the Charlotte 49ers made it pretty far in the NCAA tournament. They made 4th place in the NCAA with an overall record of 28-5. However, they lost to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a final score of 106-94. Seventeen Ph.D. degrees, ’59 Master’s, ’85 Bachelor’s: Degrees new this year include a Ph.D. in geography and urban and regional analysis, M.A. in Sports Marketing/ Management and Ethics and Applied Philosophy, Bachelor’s degree in Art History, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. First Chancellor Dean W. Colvard: As the first chan-cellor of UNC Charlotte, Colvard took the college from a junior college to 4-year university of UNC; he is also responsible for accreditation, University Research Park, creation of residence halls, a graduate program, and an increase in enrollment from 1,700 to 8,000. The Charlotte Research Institute: The CRI is the portal for technology partnerships between UNC Charlotte and the entrepreneurial businesses of the region. The institute offers a variety of opportunities to engage talented faculty and make use of specialized facilities that are available only at UNC Charlotte. CRI is committed to industrial, governmental and educational growth. Niner Nation: UNC Charlotte 49er team spirit. Die hard fans created traditions that include: Green Fridays, Alma Mater, Camp Outs, Bell Ringing, Pic Axes and the Lutz at Games. Cornbread (Cedric) Maxwell: As UNC Charlotte forward/ center, he led the team to the NCAA Final Four in 1977, ranked 6th all-time in points scored and had his #33 jersey retired in 1977. He was the 12th overall pick for NBA to the Boston Celtics and named MVP in 1981. Coach Lee Rose: Rose led 49ers to the NIT champi-onship in 1976 and NCAA Final Four in 1977. In three seasons at UNC Charlotte, his record was 72-18 (.800). More than 70,000 living alumni: UNC Charlotte currently has 73,369 living alumni – 42,872 live in Charlotte region (this includes: Stanly, Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union, Lincoln, Rowan, Cleveland and Iredell counties in NC. Also included are the following South Carolina counties: York, Chester and Lancaster). Summer school at Charlotte College making HISTORY the NEXT 60 YEARS C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 13 1966-1990: PHENOMENAL GROWTH A native of Grassy Creek, N.C., Colvard was appointed the first chancellor of the young university in 1966. He had gained national fame in 1963 as president of Mississippi State University when he defied school policy and ordered the men’s basketball team to take the floor against an integrated Loyola University Chicago team. In an interview years after he took the job, Colvard said he had some initial reservations about his choice to come to UNC Charlotte. “It was a barren place and a lot of people thought I was foolish because I had the options to go to larger institutions, older institutions,” he said. “But Charlotte was a challenge. It was my home state.” As it turned out, UNC Charlotte was not the first public university in North Carolina to employ Colvard. In 1948, he was hired to run North Carolina State University’s animal science program. Five years later, he became the dean of agriculture, a job he held until 1960. Most of Colvard’s early accomplishments at UNC Charlotte did not generate national headlines like his courageous stand at Mississippi State, but they were vitally important to the school’s development. Under his watch, the men’s basketball team surprised the nation by making it into the Final Four in 1977, led by Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell. The 49ers have been a perennial source of pride at UNC Charlotte, earning spots in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 11 times and the NIT five times. Center for Precision Metrology: The Center for Precision Metrology is located in the new Duke Centennial Hall. It is dedicated to research, application, integration and education in areas of design, manufac-turing, processes and controls relating to precise meas-urement. Known as the “world’s premiere university metrology lab,” the center includes high-end instru-ments, machines, and temperature controlled labs. Woodward Hall: A brand new building named after third chancellor of UNC Charlotte. The $33.2 million, 585,000 square foot addition to campus is the home to the College of Computing and Informatics, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Biology. College of Architecture: In the College of Architecture, students study how architecture affects and stimulates everyday life. They learn to be experts in design and construction, strategic thinkers, and develop leadership skills. Students can receive either a BA in Architecture or a BA in Arts of Architecture that includes an addi-tional year; there is also a variety of Master’s Programs. Biomedical Engineering Systems Center: The Biomedical Engineering Systems Center is located in the William States Lee College of Engineering building. The center requires interdisciplinary collaboration to address current issues in biomedicine. It provides a way for faculty, students, and local researchers to interact. Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence: In 1968, the first recipient of the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence received what was going to be an extremely important and prestigious tradition at UNC Charlotte. This award goes to outstanding teachers on campus that show commitment to excel-lence. A recent recipient is Professor James McGavran, for his excellence and dedication to teaching and research of the English Romantic period of literature. Second Chancellor E.K. Fretwell: UNC Charlotte’s second chancellor from 1979-1989. During his time at UNC Charlotte, enrollment increased from 8,000 to 12,000, he oversaw the creation of the Graduate school and degrees, library’s card catalog transferred to internet (1983), business incubator (the Ben Craig Center), the development of the university area and an increase in academic grants up to $6.1 million. Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: One of the university’s newer buildings, Robinson Hall opened in the fall 2004. The $23 million, 3-story, performing arts building includes: costume and scenic labs, a music library, rehearsal rooms and a theater with orchestra, mezzanine, and box seating for 300 people. The Miner statue: Located in front of the Reese and Colvard buildings, the 49er Miner statue is valued at $60,000 and was acquired in 1991 through many donations including the UNC Charlotte graduating class of 1985. continued next page 14 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y On the academic side, Colvard oversaw accreditation of the university and the development of University Research Park. Under his leadership, UNC Charlotte’s first residence halls were built and the first graduate programs were created. Enrollment grew from about 1,700 students when he started to just over 8,000 students when he retired in 1978. In 1979, E.K. Fretwell succeeded Colvard, coming to UNC Charlotte from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was president. Enrollment at UNC Charlotte grew by about 4,000 students under his watch and he was credited with bolstering the Graduate School. Some of Fretwell’s other accomplishments during his 10-year tenure included integrating the library’s card catalog into the Internet and securing the funds for the Ben Craig Center, a business incubator for start-up companies. Fretwell also was ahead of his time, reaching out to minorities and women. “Achieving more diversity always had been one of my fundamental goals,” he said. During his term as chancellor, minority enrollment rose to more than 9 percent of the student body. The policy also extended to Fretwell’s administration, as he hired women and African Americans to fill some of the top administrative posts at the university. The mission went beyond borders to include other countries. During Fretwell’s tenure, UNC Charlotte raised its international student enrollment to among the highest of all 16 UNC campuses. It was then that the school’s successful international student exchange programs brought a lot of attention to the university. 1990-PRESENT: SEEDS OF A MAJOR RESEARCH UNIVERSITY Woodward, whose résumé included stints as an aerospace engineer and the dean of engineering at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, became UNC Charlotte’s third chancellor in 1989. From the start, it was clear Woodward had a passion for research. During Woodward’s 16-year tenure – at the time Graduate Clay Aiken: American Idol runner-up. Aiken graduated from UNC Charlotte in Dec. 2003 with a BA in special education. After American Idol he went on to become a world famous recording artist and has become an advocate for education. Aiken founded the Bubel-Aiken foundation which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the life of their non-disabled peers. UNC Charlotte Urban Institute : Located on the UNC Charlotte campus, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute provides affordable services to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, government, businesses and citizens. Such services include: data management, demographic analysis, feasibility studies, focus groups, grants management, meeting facilitation, needs assessment, open space planning, program evaluation, regional strategic planning and consulting, software support and student enrollment projects and surveys. Third Chancellor James H. Woodward: From 1989- 2005, Woodward’s initiatives helped to increase enroll-ment to over 19,000 students, new doctoral programs, growth of the campus with 6 additional buildings and the creation of the Charlotte Research Institute campus. Norm the Niner: The UNC Charlotte 49ers’ mascot, who attends many school events including basketball games and celebrations, was named “Norm the Niner” by UNC Charlotte students in 1990. NC Motorsports and Automotive Research Center: NC Motorsports and Automotive Research Center is on its way to becoming a nationally recog-nized program, thanks to the close ties with local race teams. It promotes the education of students in the broad area of motorsports and automotive engineering through theoretical and applied instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels and through interaction with and support of the industry. Charlotte Community Design Studio at Southend: The Charlotte Community Design Studio is located in the heart of Charlotte’s South end neighborhood and a part of the College of Architecture. Its purpose is to provide a forum for and initiate discussions by offering the creative energy, academic resources and research capabilities of the College of Architecture to critical community design issues in and around the city of Charlotte. One-thousand rolling acres: The UNC Charlotte campus is one-thousand rolling acres. It currently is home to 75 buildings – and growing. McMillan Greenhouse orchids: The McMillan Greenhouse has five major growing environments in which the public displays of unusual and exotic plants from around the world grow. The greenhouse consists of eight rooms, surrounding beds, terraces and a courtyard bog garden featuring carnivorous pitcher plant hybrids. It also contains an orchid collection, a rainforest conser-vatory, desert succulents and many tropical plants. making HISTORY the NEXT 60 YEARS C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 15 the longest of any chancellor in the UNC system – enrollment grew to more than 19,000 students and the school’s endowment soared to $84.5 million. New buildings went up across the campus and UNC Charlotte offered 12 doctoral programs. Besides his avid interest in research, Woodward proved to be adept in diplomacy. He was in charge of a university that had grown rapidly and was based in Charlotte – the state’s largest city in what many in North Carolina politics call the Great State of Mecklenburg. “I’ve never wanted this institution to succeed to the detriment of the state as a whole,” he told Business North Carolina magazine. Still, his view was unshakable about the need for Charlotte to have a major research university. “If you undid all the higher education in the state and said, ‘We’re going to build two major research universities,’ where would you build the first one?” he said in the 2004 interview. “Right here in Charlotte. You’d probably build the second one in Raleigh, but the first one would be here.” Not coincidentally, Woodward spearheaded the efforts to found the Charlotte Research Institute, an organization that opens the campus’ wealth of applied science and technology expertise to industry. As the university’s research portfolio grows, the Charlotte Research Institute will facilitate partnerships with technology-based businesses, accelerating the growth of university research and supporting the economy of the region. “I believe in higher education,” Woodward said in a Fall 2004 interview in the school’s alumni magazine. “It is the principle vehicle for upward economic and social mobility. It contributes to the political and social stability of this country.” Woodward doesn’t want to dwell on his major accomplishments. “I happened to be the chancellor, so I had something to do with it,” he said.” I believe the biggest achievement during my term was when we were able to offer doctoral studies. That was the biggest accomplishment. Now we have 17 doctorate programs and the real value comes from the quality of students and faculty we are now able to attract.” He’s teaching an MBA finance class and enjoying it. Transamerica Field/Belk Track: Created in 1996, Transamerica Field/Belk Track has been host to AAU Junior Olympics, the German Olympic Track and Field team, NCAA soccer tournament games, Conference USA Track and Field Championship, NCAA Soccer Championship and North Carolina High School Track and Field Championships. Five Ventures: Five Ventures is an annual event in which five regional entrepreneurs compete and discuss their visions for the next multi-million dollar business. Competitions include areas such as financing, sales and marketing, etc. It takes place on campus at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Last year’s winners include SoyMeds, Inc., earning the $5,000 top prize. College of Education: The College of Education has over 3,000 undergraduates and numerous departments including: Departments of Counseling, Educational Leadership, Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education, Reading and Elementary Education and Special Education and Child Development. International Festival: After 31 years, the International Festival is a successful annual family event that cele-brates all different cultures and the region’s international growth through food, dancing, arts and crafts and costumes. It is the longest running annual entertain-ment event in Charlotte. Coach Amanda Butler: Amanda Butler is currently celebrating her second year as head coach for women’s basketball. In her first season, the team won 21 games and was named A-10 Coach of the Year. They also received bid for WNIT-fourth straight post-season appearance. The Barnhardt Student Activity Center: Built in 1996, The Barnhardt Student Activity Center (more commonly known as the “SAC”) houses a food court, game room, conference rooms, fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts and the Halton Arena. Halton Arena: Halton Arena was named for former president and CEO of a Pepsi Bottling Company, Dale F. Halton, and was funded entirely on private donations and student fees. Its doors opened December 2, 1996 and seats 9,105 for basketball and volleyball and commencement ceremonies. Hechenbleikner Lake: This unique landscape on the UNC Charlotte campus was created by and named for the late Dr. Herbert Hechenbleikner, professor of biology and geology at UNC Charlotte, and formerly Charlotte College. By damming a small spring-fed stream, Heckenbleikner Lake was created. Herbert Hechenbleikner was known locally for his passion for gardening and landscaping. continued next page 16 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ C O V E R S T O R Y “I decided to teach a class to see if I still liked it, because it’s been a long time since I was in the classroom,” he said. “I worked harder than I ever could have imagined, but I like it and I’m doing it again this semester.” In 1998, UNC Charlotte launched the “It Takes a Gift” fundraising campaign, which easily surpassed its $100 million goal by more than $16 million, far and away the most successful fundraising initiative in the history of the university. More than 20,000 donors contributed to the campaign and 130 new endowments were established. The funds were spread around the university’s schools and programs, helping leaders After Woodward’s retirement in 2004, Dubois – who had previously served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNC Charlotte – was recruited back to UNC Charlotte. He returned to UNC Charlotte after serving as president of the University of Wyoming from 1997-2005. He has made it his top priority to transform UNC Charlotte into the third major publicly-funded research university in North Carolina. When Dubois came to UNC Charlotte, he noted the university had already increased its annual research funding to more than $33 million. “The new buildings that have opened all over campus in the past four years will provide the space to expand existing research programs in optics, engineering, and biology and to add programs in new areas like nanoscience and bioinformatics. Whether you have been here for 40 years or four months, UNC Charlotte is an exciting place to be. Rapid growth means that you can have an impact on the future shape of the institution.” Gazing into his crystal ball, the future looks bright. The university’s endowment is nearly $115 million and enrollment continues to build, with the Board of Governors’ enrollment plan calling for UNC Charlotte to reach 25,000 students by 2012. Dubois has launched a planning exercise to determine how much beyond that mark the insti-tution could be expected to grow in the rapidly-expanding Charlotte metropolitan region. “We now have more than 70,000 graduates and the numbers are growing exponentially,” Whittaker said with a tinge of pride in his voice. Provost Joan Lorden said UNC Charlotte touches the lives of virtually everyone in the Charlotte community. “Our alumni staff the schools, hospitals, and businesses in the region. They run non-profit agencies and work in government,” she said. “As the needs of the community have grown, the University has added new programs and facilities as fast as we can. We live Bonnie Cone’s vision every day, providing access to higher education in service to our community. “ Another one of Dubois’ priorities has been to connect the university to the community at large, which was a major factor in efforts to build a new Center City classroom building in downtown Charlotte. Funding for the 150,000 square foot building was approved this summer; ground breaking will be several months away, with completion projected for early 2010. Connecting to the community is also behind Dubois’ avid support for bringing light-rail service to the campus, which would give students choices other than gas-guzzling cars to travel back and forth from school and the inner city. In mid-November, Charlotte transit officials voted to pursue a light rail line to University City at a cost of $740.5 million. About half the total amount will come from local taxpayers and the state, with federal grants needed to make up the difference. University officials and potential riders will need to be patient. The most current timetable calls for construction to start in 2011, with a projected 2013 completion date. “Light rail holds tremendous potential to deliver faculty, staff and students to our campus without their vehicles,” Dubois wrote in a recent op-ed piece in the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal: Each year the graduate school presents the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal to a full-time faculty member who shows advancement in the diffusion of knowledge and creativity. Previous recipients include Professor Tanure Ojaide for his scholarship and research on behalf of Africa and dedication to the critical issues facing African people. Institute for Social Capital: Founded by UNC Charlotte, the Institute for Social Capital allows nonprofits, governmental agencies and community-based organizations to develop a way to compile validate and analyze data. This database will assist the research and university communities in their analysis of children and families in certain programs and how they are affect by those in other programs. The Graduate School: The school now includes 59 master’s programs, 17 doctoral programs and 4,400 gradu-ate students. New degrees include: Ph.D. in geography and urban and regional analysis, M.A. in Sports Marketing/ Management and Ethics and Applied Philosophy. Ringing of The Old Bell: In 1960, UNC Charlotte, then Charlotte College, purchased the bell from the old Elizabeth School that was located at East Fifth Street and Travis Avenue in Charlotte. The bell is rung every year during commencement and other ceremonial occasions. Campus Art: The UNC Charlotte campus is home to an extensive outdoor sculpture collection consisting of 18 works of art including the most recent addition, “Water Harp,” now installed at the entrance of Robinson Hall, the new performing arts building. The total value of the outdoor collection alone is almost $1 million. UNC Charlotte is the only campus in the country to have an athletic sculpture collection repre-senting every intercollegiate sport the university fields. Toby Creek Greenway: Approximately 2 miles long from Mallard Creek Greenway at Highway 29 to the intersection of University City Boulevard (Highway 49) and W.T. Harris Boulevard. The Greenway is currently under design and will link Mallard Creek Greenway to the UNC Charlotte campus. Atkins Library: Nearly one million volumes and is the largest library in Southern Piedmont region. The one millionth volume will be donated and celebrated in April. College of Computing and Informatics: Includes computer science (design and implement software, devise new ways to use computers, and develop effective ways of solving computing problems) and software and informa-tion systems (focuses on issues related to developing software and information systems, and the interactions between people and the information systems they use). Coach Jeff Mullins: Men’s basketball coach from 1985- 1996. His record includes 182 victories and 3 visits to the NCAA Tournament in ’88, ’92, ’95 and 2 NIT Tournaments in ’89 and ’94. Mullins helped develop Dale F. Halton Arena and the move to Conference USA in 1995. making HISTORY the NEXT 60 YEARS C O V E R S T O R Y ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 17 Charlotte Observer. “Light rail will knit together the main campus and our new $45.8 million Center City facility at the corner of Ninth and Brevard. And light rail will provide new access to higher education (and great college basketball games and cultural events) for anyone who may board at a South Boulevard station bound for either UNC Charlotte in the Center City or the main campus.” In his installation address, Dubois said one of his primary goals was to raise UNC Charlotte’s profile in the region and across the rest of the country. One of the most important parts of the university’s strategic marketing plan is a branding study, he said. “Our constituents – whether our students, alumni, research partners or the public at large – must actually experience what we say we are,” he said. “Whatever we may do in branding and marketing cannot end with the public relations and community affairs staff or the web page. UNC Charlotte must actually become better connected to the region we serve.” UNC Charlotte will use the Stamats firm of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to conduct the comprehensive branding study that will encompass marketing, public relations, community affairs, graphic design, advertising and related disciplines. The study is in its early stages and it is expected to continue into early 2007. Dubois is very optimistic about the future of Charlotte’s university. Pointing to the recently-dedicated buildings on the Charlotte Research Institute campus (Duke Centennial Hall and William H. Grigg Hall), a new College of Health Sciences Building, Student Health Center, and Harris Alumni Center to be dedicated next spring, and new construction soon to begin for the Bioinformatics Research Center and the Student Union, Dubois said that his continuing mantra about UNC Charlotte will be that “it is all about change.” “Our faculty, staff, and students have never been content to sit back and wait for things to happen. Our mission is to serve this region as a primary resource for the creation of intellectual and social capital, and cultural enrichment. We are making history for the next 60 years.” Charlotte 49ers in the A-10 Conference: The 49ers joined the Atlantic-10 Conference in the 2005-2006 season from Conference USA. Charlotte was predicted to be #2 for their first season in the conference and #4 for season number two. William States Lee College of Engineering: Includes civil, electrical and computer, and mechanical engineering, along with engineering technology, hands on, labs, research. Coach Bobby Lutz: Current Men’s basketball coach with a 135-83 record, six post-season tournaments, five NCAA Tournaments, four 20-win seasons, three conference championships including two tourney titles and one regular season crown. 49er Gold Dusters: Besides a co-ed cheerleading squad, UNC Charlotte has an official dance team called the 49er Gold Dusters. They perform at every home basketball game and have recently won national championships. Diversity-students from 83 countries: In 2005, of the 20,772 students enrolled, 670 were from another country (216 from India), contributing to the 2,510 total out-of-state students. Future Greek Village: A new addition to the UNC Charlotte campus and home to fourteen fraternities and sororities-each have their own house. Each house holds either 14 or 28 residents, and will include a chapter room, kitchen, and outdoor gathering area for different activities. Athletic Director Judy Rose: Only the third woman to be put in charge of Division I athletics, Rose helped raise money for the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, Irwin Belk Track and Field Center, and the Wachovia Fieldhouse. She has helped attract national sporting events to UNC Charlotte. Bissell House-Chancellor’s Residence: The Bissell House is the new home of Chancellor Philip L. and Lisa Lewis Dubois and their family. The home was named in honor of Sara H. Bissell who decorated the home and is a major supporter of the university. Ben Craig Center business incubator: Partnered with UNC Charlotte, the Ben Craig Center is a non-profit organization that provides incubation, education and advisory services to small businesses in order for them to reach full potential. Belk College of Business: The College is one of the largest business programs in the Carolinas with 2,500 undergraduate students, 500 graduate students, and 87 faculty members. Fourth Chancellor Philip L. Dubois: As provost and vice chancellor from 1991 until 1997, Dubois lead the first comprehensive campus-wide plan for information technology and programs to better serve non-traditional adult students. He also planned and launched the university’s first graduate programs. Dr. Dubois became UNC Charlotte’s fourth chancellor on July 15, 2005. See back cover for 60 Points of Pride listing 18 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E It’s the SERVICE that DRIVES THEM Students in Free Enterprise impress with maturity, focus, deeds Three hundred hours. Imagine adding 300 hours in one school year to the already busy life of a typical American college student.Hours devoted to a program in addition to class lectures, labs, studies, and jobs. In a nine month time frame, it’s almost equivalent to adding one more day to the week.But SIFE members aren’t really typical American college students.They are remarkably focused and driven.The program they devote their extracurricular time to is designed to assure their ability to land a job after graduation and make an exceptional contribution to their communities as well. By Denise Buff Stephens Standing, left to right: Joseph Rinaldi and Robert “Trey” Rhyne Seated, left to right: Natalie Rogers, Ellen Lusby and Amy Harkins (current President of SIFE) F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 19 During the last academic year, 41 UNC Charlotte students, mostly from the Belk College of Business, collectively devoted 10,945 hours participating in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an organization dedicated to making sure students enter the workforce well-prepared and community service oriented. The late Dr. Jack Hogue introduced the idea of participating in SIFE to Belk College honor students four years ago. At the time, Hogue supervised advising and curriculum for 3,000 undergraduate students. After Hogue’s death in July 2005, Dr. Daryl Kerr, director of Belk College undergraduate studies, began working with the team along with faculty member Annette Hoover. According to Kerr, Hogue was particularly passionate about two things regarding his students: “enhancing their academic experiences with valuable programs that connected them to the business community and teaching them how to give back to their communities.” SIFE is one of the largest global student organizations in the world, operating on more than 1,600 college and university campuses in 40 countries – 800 nationwide, with 31 of them in North Carolina. The organization offers students the opportunity to develop critical leadership, team-work and communication skills that most people in business take years on the job to acquire. Teams organize on each college campus and in the fall, SIFE members attend leadership seminars to learn the principles of free enter-prise. Applying the principles and key educational goals of SIFE such as free market economics, entrepre-neurship, personal and financial success and business ethics, SIFE teams develop outreach projects that target people or groups within their community who may benefit from the business knowledge students gain in class and through SIFE experience. With so many teams engaged all over the world in various outreach projects, the national SIFE organization maintains that these students are literally improving the quality of life and the standard of living for millions of people. The concept is very simple, but the results are remarkable. Joseph Rinaldi, a senior and president of UNC Charlotte SIFE in 2005/06 has participated as a leader in a multitude of projects. Lifespan was one of his favorites. Team members wrote a business plan for a group of artists with disabilities who wanted to change their non-profit status to a for-profit venture. They wanted to create profits in order to become more self-sufficient. In the process, “Artspan: A Unique Boutique” was created to sell their original work. “Their artwork was amazing,” Rinaldi said. “Some pieces sold for several hundred dollars. It wasn’t the most complex or time-consuming project the team worked on, but we felt like we really made a difference.” Throughout the year, SIFE teams all over the world participate in special project competitions. In the spring, SIFE regional competitions and Career Opportunity Fairs are held in more than 22 cities in the United States with thousands of students partici-pating. Teams present a 24-minute multimedia synopsis of their projects to judges describing their outreach programs and how effective they were. Prominent executives from around the region help advise the team on projects, presentation and effectiveness and serve as judges at regional competitions. CEOs and other top-level executives UNC CHARLOTTE’S 2005-2006 SIFE BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD ▪ Michael Andrus – Sam’s Club ▪ Debbie Antshel – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ▪ Randy Cox – Wal-Mart ▪ David Finby – Merrill Lynch ▪ Jewel Glenn – Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ▪ Hilda H. Guardian – La Noticia ▪ Alfredo Garza – enventys ▪ Brian Hamlett – enventys ▪ Heather Haugh – RSM McGladrey ▪ John T. Holdorf – John Hancock ▪ Doug McMillon – Sam’s Club ▪ Diane Marsfelder – Compass Group ▪ Aaron Means – IBM ▪ Vernon J. Menard III – Choice Translating ▪ Terry Middleton – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ▪ Peter Mihaltian – SCI ▪ Debbie Murphy – Acosta ▪ Jim Owens – Biltmore Estate ▪ Verl Purdy – AGDATA ▪ Dana Ratchford – Microsoft ▪ Jennifer Robert – Mecklenburg County Commission ▪ Ryan Schachtner – Northwestern Mutual Financial Network ▪ Virginia Schafer – Schafer Clinic ▪ Robert Schoffner – NC Council on Economic Education ▪ Jeff Stewart – Wachovia ▪ Michael Sullivan – Take Charge America ▪ Robert Sumner – Private Physician ▪ Kevin Toomb – First Charter ▪ Dave Vander Jeugdt – Walgreens ▪ Lauren Welch – Premier ▪ Kyle Worthy – John Hancock Note: Two Business Advisory Board members, Lauren Welch and Brian Hamlett are former UNC Charlotte SIFE team presidents and are engaged to be married – another benefit to being involved in the SIFE team according to Daryl Kerr. “I’ve learned about real business applications, developed leadership skills and teamwork mentality – which taught me a lot about patience.“ Amy Harkins, (current President of SIFE) continued next page 20 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E participate in judging national and international competitions across the world. During the competitions, businesses from across the country send representatives to recruit and hire SIFE members during career fairs. Kevin Toomb, Director of Marketing for First Charter Bank in Charlotte is a SIFE Business Advisory Board Member recruited by Jack Hogue almost five years ago. He is a dynamic public servant and one of the team’s most dedicated mentors. He spends hours of personal time working with them during the year and coaching them before competitions. He believes in internships and business world experiences for college students. According to Toomb, SIFE has value on three levels for students: “They learn how to be creative; how to develop projects and implement them, and how to communicate the value of projects in a compelling fashion.” Toomb also believes SIFE offers a tremendous networking experience for students. At competitions and career fairs, “Students interact with business executives who are experts in their fields,” he says. Joseph Rinaldi knows that is a fact. “SIFE students are highly regarded and recruited, especially during the career fairs at competitions,” he says. “I had an unofficial job offer at Nationals in Kansas City, and I haven’t even graduated yet.” A junior and SIFE student president for 2006/07, Amy Harkins has been involved in SIFE since she was a freshman. For an undergraduate, her summer job was impressive. Harkins worked for David Drummond, director of marketing at National Gypsum Corporation, helping with technical support doing field work in sales, marketing and advertising. During the past school year, she worked in the Belk College as the Business Honors Program’s undergraduate assistant. with Beth Fischer, director of development for the Belk College. Fischer has attended several of UNC Charlotte SIFE’s events. “I’m amazed at the level of maturity and focus. The work they do is incredible – especially to be so young,” she says. “I’ve learned about real business applications, developed leadership skills and teamwork mentality – which taught me a lot about patience,” says Amy. “This organization is a great foundation for any career and would benefit students in other colleges here at UNC Charlotte,” she adds. “We plan to actively recruit more members from programs beyond the Belk College during this school year.” One of their strongest, most successful and on-going projects, Career Day is one that benefits the entire student body. It was designed with the professional growth of all students in mind. Students from every college at the university were invited to participate in a series of interactive lectures delivered by 42 local business executives. They focused on topics such as job search strategies, interviewing skills, preparing for the workplace and business etiquette The SIFE team hosted a semi-formal dinner at the conclusion of the project. Local business executives, UNC Charlotte students and faculty attended. Steven Sweeny, President and CEO of Chartwell Dining Service delivered the keynote address. Business dining etiquette was the topic of discussion – an often underestimated skill in business today. Belk Department Store assisted the team with a “Dress for Success” fashion show where professional and business casual attire were showcased and modeled. The project was so successful that Career Day will continue in October of 2006, with similar results. Jack Hogue, according to his students, had a large persona, a commanding presence, a baritone voice and the expressive laugh of a child. He was instru-mental in establishing the Management Information Systems program at UNC Charlotte when he joined the faculty in 1984. His interest in student affairs led him to administration and he was appointed director of undergraduate student affairs for the Belk College of Business in 1998 and to assistant dean in 2002. Jack created numerous extracurricular programs for his students – one of which was Students in Free Enterprise. He was dedicated to his students, to his colleagues and to UNC Charlotte. After attending the National SIFE competition last year, Amy Harkins and Joseph Rinaldi, SIFE team members, presented Hogue with a key chain that read: #1 Dad. He is considered “an outstanding scholar, an inspired teacher and a great colleague.” Jack died in an automobile accident last July and the University continues to feel his absence. He has, however, left a tremendous legacy at UNC Charlotte. It’s the SERVICE that DRIVES THEM Jack Hogue Kevin Toomb F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 21 According to Kevin Toomb and to Daryl Kerr, as these students graduate and begin planning for careers, they will have a tremendous advantage. “In comparing job applicants – and all other factors being equal, the SIFE experience gives these students a definite advantage,” states Toomb. The SIFE organization claims that “the best companies in the world recognize the value of this experience and compete very aggressively for the chance to meet and recruit SIFE students. They believe these students are among the most talented prospects.” Joseph Rinaldi has an incredible sense of appreciation for what he has been able to learn through SIFE. “We are fortunate to be able to attend college and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had. It seems like sharing our experiences to help people is the right thing to do.” he says. Working in partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools International Magnet Program, the SIFE team worked with students in two middle and two high schools to promote global awareness. The theme was The Power of Politics of a Traveling T-Shirt based on the book Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli. The book is about the economic impact of world trade through the step-by-step production of a t-shirt. The SIFE team created an original curriculum for 15 weeks in four different classrooms preparing them for a leadership event: The Global Summit. Students from the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, 34 German Students, and 160 faculty members attended the event to share their experiences and global economic knowledge. “It’s the service that drives them,” says Kerr. These students have an incredible sense of community service. Overwhelmingly, that is the reason Kevin Toomb remains committed to the team. “I’m absolutely proud to be associated with UNC Charlotte SIFE,” says Toomb. “The organization and these students are absolutely dedicated to making the world a better place for themselves, for children and for their communities.” UNC Charlotte’s SIFE team is still young and continuing to rebound from the death of their mentor, Jack Hogue. They have won recognition both regionally and nationally and are outstanding representatives of the university. SIFE teams all over the world are doing the same – from places like Zimbawe, Batswana, Belarus, Russia, and Guatemala. In the next 20 years, the sheer volume of community involve-ment UNC Charlotte students may participate in will alter the fabric of our city and region. As these young adults move into their professions all over the world amazing things will happen. Imagine the infinite global possibilities. ABOUT SIFE Students in Free Enterprise originally began as a regional initiative in Texas. Robert T. “Sonny” Davis, an attorney, began the program with the help of the late William Seay, chairman of Southwestern Life Insurance who provided the funding. In 1985, Jack Shewmaker, Vice Chairman and CFO of Wal-Mark Stores, Inc. became SIFE’s chairman giving the program significant credibility and fund raising ability. Wal-Mart began providing stipends to university faculty advisors who were named Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellows, in honor of the founder of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart continues to be a substantial supporter and Shewmaker continues to be involved in SIFE. Jack Hogue initiated UNC Charlotte’s SIFE chapter and was the university’s first Sam M. Walton Fellow. 22 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E Belk has a deep-rooted love of Charlotte and for North Carolina. He was born in 1922 at Presbyterian Hospital to William Henry and Mary Irwin Belk. “Ike,” as he is known, grew up here and knows the history of the region intimately. His great, great, great grandfather, Robert Irwin, a general in the Revolutionary War, signed the Mecklenburg County Declaration of Independence – “a year before that other one in Philadelphia,” according to Belk. He can share historical data as proficiently as any professor and does so enthusiastically, prodding to determine how much you know. Perhaps it was his love of the city that grew over time to embrace UNC Charlotte. He adopted the university and has given his time, his talent, his financial gifts and scores of art works. His most recent gift was given to The Foundation of The University of North Carolina Charlotte, Inc. to establish the Carol Grotnes Belk Endowed Chair in Nursing in honor of his wife for her loving care of her family. The gift is eligible to be matched by North Carolina’s Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund for a total endowment of $1 million and will be used to support the teaching and research of a full professor of nursing in the ollege of Health and Human Services. “There is a shortage of nurses in this country and my wife wanted to be a nurse. She ended up being a nurse to me and my children and our grandchildren,” he says. Recent endowment and sculpture highlight prolific support from one of UNC Charlotte’s best friends Irwin Belk might well be considered UNC Charlotte’s godfather. He is regarded as a larger-than-life Renaissance man for living such an intriguing life – as an athlete, businessman, statesman, historian and philanthropist. It is his gregarious and generous spirit that has endeared him to so many. His gifts to colleges and universities are now legendary – especially at UNC Charlotte. IRWIN BELK, By Denise Buff Stephens Irwin Belk F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 23 “Through the years, Ike Belk has demonstrated a commitment to higher education and to UNC Charlotte that reflects the power of charitable giving,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “His generous gift made in honor of his wife, Carol, will help the College of Health and Human Services recruit the best talent to train nurses and enhance our healthcare delivery system in the Charlotte region and nationwide. We are very grateful for Ike’s gift and his continued support that helps create a bright future for UNC Charlotte and the students it serves.” Belk’s gift will enable UNC Charlotte to attract the very best candidates in a competitive nursing faculty market nationwide and in turn, address a crit-ical shortage of nurses in the United States. “This gift and the matching funds provided by North Carolina will allow UNC Charlotte to aggressively recruit the highest caliber of talent and enhance the teaching and research capabilities offered to students through our School of Nursing,” said Karen Schmaling, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. Ike Belk clearly adores his wife. It has been said that there are more buildings named after Carol Grotnes Belk than anyone in the country. (Belk can account for 12.) “My wife has put up with me for 58 years. I married a wonderful woman,” he says. The Belks have four children, William (Bill) and Carl Belk live in Charlotte. Irene Belk Miltimore lives in Connecticut and Marilyn Belk Wallis lives in Napa Valley, California. “This community has been good to my family,” Belk has said. His father, William Henry Belk, and uncle, Dr. John Belk founded the Belk Department Stores in 1888. Belk sold his share of the retailing empire to his brothers, Tom and John Belk and retired in 1996. Ever since, he has devoted himself to investing in the community – “to make it better for future generations.” After attending Davidson College for a year, Belk transferred to UNC Chapel Hill because “Davidson didn’t have a commerce school.” He graduated in 1946, married his wife in 1948, did a two-and-a-half year tour during World War II in the 491st Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force, was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1959 and to the State senate in 1963. He is the only North Carolinian to have served in both bodies during the same two-year term – serving another legislator’s uncompleted term. a Legendary Giver Sculptures commissioned and donated by Ike Belk – like this one outside the Barnhardt Student Activity Center – adorn athletic facilities on the UNC Charlotte campus. continued next page 24 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ F E A T U R E A R T I C L E According to Belk, his second greatest achievement occurred when he was the public delegate to the United Nations (appointed by former President Bill Clinton). He arranged for U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to address the United Nations’ Security Council. It was the first time in history that any member of a legislative body in the world had done so. “Europe needed to pay its fair share of U.N. dues and we got them to do that,” he replies. “We saved the American taxpayers $175 million that year – and every year since.” Having run track while in prep school and UNC Chapel Hill, Belk developed a lifelong love of athletics. His close friend, the late Jim Millis of High Point, got Belk involved in the Olympics where he has since served on the United States Olympic Committee for over 45 years. “I haven’t missed an Olympics since 1960,” says Belk. He’s such a staunch supporter, he commissioned an enormous bronze sculpture to be installed at the International Olympic Committee Headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland and a smaller version at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. In support of the Olympic Games and athletics in general, he established the Irwin Belk Educational Foundation. Although he graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and is loyal to them, Belk has bestowed more gifts to UNC Charlotte and Presbyterian College than perhaps any other schools. In keeping with his passion for athletics, Belk donated a portion of the funds to build a state-of-the-art track and athletic facility at UNC Charlotte – The Irwin Belk Track and Field Center. It has been called the finest track and field facility in the Southeast and it includes a spacious soccer stadium that “rivals any in the coun-try” according to UNC Charlotte’s Athletic Department. Then he decided to dress it up – with 14 bronze statues representing every inter-collegiate sport team that the university fields. UNC Charlotte is the only university in the nation to have such an extensive athletic statuary collection. In 2001, Belk helped fund the construction of the Miltimore- Wallis Athletics Training and Academic Center (named for his daughters, Irene Belk Miltimore and Marilyn Belk Wallis). Built adjacent to the Barnhardt Student Activity Center which houses Halton Arena, the center is a state-of- the-art facility of academic and training space for student athletes and includes the Charles Hayward Memorial Practice Court. Belk has had athletic tracks and fields built at other universities, but “the most beautiful track is at UNC Charlotte.” During a recent trip to Switzerland, Belk discovered the sculptor, Housi Knecht, a brilliant artist who creates elaborate outdoor pieces in addition to other art. He purchased “Water Harp” – a stun-ning water and light sculpture Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, Lisa Lewis Dubois, Irwin Belk and Carol Grotnes Belk shortly after the Belks announced their recent endowment of a chair in Nursing for the College of Health and Human Services. As a senator, Belk introduced the legislation that would make UNC Charlotte the fourth university in the North Carolina system. “We were under-educating the people in this region. It’s my greatest personal achievement and contribution to this community,” he says. So in 1965, Belk orchestrated a coalition convincing 49 out of 50 Senators to endorse the bill that transformed Charlotte College to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Belk adds with a chuckle, “Only once in the history of the North Carolina senate has that ever happened – to have 49 Senators agree on anything – and it won’t ever happen again.” Laura Simic, UNC Charlotte’s associate vice chancellor for development, remembers first meeting Mr. Belk at Chancellor Woodward’s home shortly after arriving at the university. “I remember listening to him tell about introducing the legislation that made us part of the UNC system. He spoke with such passion and pride. When Mr. Belk says he has a big idea, we listen because we know he loves the University, takes great ownership in it, and is dedi-cated to doing everything he can to help it prosper.” Belk also served 12 years on the Board of Trustees for the University of North Carolina, and another two terms on the Board of Governors formed by the General Assembly in 1971 to oversee the new16-member university system. According to former Chancellor Jim Woodward, when Belk left the Board of Governors, he was offered the choice to serve as a trustee at any one of the 16 universities. “He chose UNC Charlotte,” Woodward said. Artist Housi Knecht, who Belk met in Switzerland, created the water harp. The steel sculpture includes a circulating water tank. It is eight feet tall, five feet wide and weighs 300 pounds. Water and oil flow over the strings of the harp. When lit, the harp appears to be playing. IRWIN BELK a Legendary Giver continued F E A T U R E A R T I C L E ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 25 made of steel and includes a circulating water tank. It is eight feet tall, five feet wide and weighs 300 pounds. Water and oil flow over the strings of the harp. When lit, the harp appears to be playing. He gave it to UNC Charlotte so that it would grace the entrance of the new performing arts building, Robinson Hall. The piece was installed in December, 2006. “Nobody will ask where the music building is again,” Belk declares. Over the years, Belk has commis-sioned artists from around the world to create giant mascots for numerous college and university campuses. “Do you know where the largest boilermaker in the United States is?” he asks. “The largest bulldog?” “The largest wildcat?” “The largest pirate?” He asks again and again. Belk is proud to commission sculptors who create these massive works of mascot art. He makes sure artists produce the absolute largest piece in the United States. Now, the largest bull is located at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte (larger than the Merrill Lynch bull in New York City), the largest wildcat at Davidson College, the largest mountain man at Appalachian State University, the largest white marble “victory” sculpture (4 tons) at UNC Charlotte. There are many others. (See sidebar) Which one is his favorite? “The one I’m working on right now,” he answers. That would be the largest lion at Queen’s University. There is a long list of other activities Belk has championed. He has served as the past president of the American Cancer Society Foundation and as an ACS Board of Trustees member for many years. He’s so passionate about their work that he donated funds – matched by the North Carolina Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund – to establish the Irwin Belk Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at UNC Charlotte. Currently, the Biology Department is searching for a nationally recognized teacher and scholar to further the university’s cancer-related research activities. The gift enabled the university to also hire Dr. Ken Bost, designated the Belk Distinguished Professor of Biology and “one of the best scientists in the world,” according to Dr. Michael Hudson, Chair of the Biology Department. Recently, Belk resigned from his UNC Charlotte Board of Trustee’s position, a post he has assumed at various times since 1973. His son, Carl Belk is fulfilling his father’s unexpired term. UNC Charlotte celebrated its sixtieth birthday in September 2006. Irwin Belk has been a stalwart supporter for more than 40 of those 60 years. “I love UNC Charlotte and I’m honored to work for its cause,” claims Belk. “When I look back to think about who was the most important person, exter-nally, there is no one more important than Ike Belk,” says Woodward. “His political support and guidance were his greatest contributions.” Miss Bonnie Cone gave birth to UNC Charlotte and is fondly known as its founder. The Honorable Irwin Belk has been one of the university’s most ardent champions and has earned the right to be designated the university’s godfather. Someone contact a sculptor. We need another statue or two. “When I look back to think about who was the most important person, externally, there is no one more important than Ike Belk. His political support and guidance were his greatest contributions.” Jim Woodward, Chancellor Emeritus UNC Charlotte’s Victory Sculpture, “Androgino” IKE’S LARGEST-IN THE-UNITED STATES MASCOTS ▪ Air Force Academy’s Falcon ▪ Appalachian State University’s Mountain Man ▪ Charlotte Latin School’s Red Tail Hawk ▪ Davidson College’s Wildcat ▪ East Carolina University’s Pirate (45 feet) ▪ Elon University’s Phoenix ▪ Fayetteville State University’s Bronco ▪ Furman University’s Paladin ▪ Johnson C. Smith’s Bull ▪ Livingstone College’s Bear ▪ Lynchburg College’s Hornet ▪ Purdue University’s Boilermaker (34 feet) ▪ Presbyterian College’s Scotsman (2 1/2 stories tall) ▪ Queens University’s Lion ▪ St. Andrews Presbyterian College’s Knight ▪ Western Carolina University’s Catamount ▪ Wingate University’s Bulldog ▪ Jesse Helms Center’s Bald Head Eagle ▪ UNC Chapel Hill’s Ram ▪ UNC Charlotte’s Victory Sculpture A group of dedicated friends and colleagues have made gifts to endow the Mary Thomas Burke Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education. Established in 2005, the scholarship was created to honor the memory of Dr. Mary Thomas Burke, who established the college’s graduate counseling program, and her contri-butions to improve the quality of life for chil-dren and adults throughout our community. Pamela and William T. Crowder Jr. ’75, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Crowder Construction Company, established an endowed scholarship in the William States Lee College of Engineering for undergraduates pursuing careers in the construction industry. David and Bob Dooley, executive vice presidents of the R.T. Dooley Construction Company, established an annual scholarship for incoming freshman enrolled in the civil engineering program in the William States Lee College of Engineering. The Joe S. Epley Scholarship Foundation created an endowed scholarship for deserving juniors and seniors majoring in communica-tions studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. The foundation was established in 2003 to honor founder Joe Epley’s dedica-tion to lifelong professional development in the public relations industry and to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Epley Associates/Public Relations. Judy and Tom Fisher ’77, vice president of information technology for QUALCOMM and chief information officer for QUALCOMM’s CDMA Technologies Group, established an endowed scholarship to provide need-based support for undergradu-ates in the College of Information Technology. UNC Charlotte received a distribution from the estate of Helen Gallier, which is funding much-needed scholarships in art, music, and dance and theater in the College of Arts and Sciences. Gallier’s husband, Ted, taught in the Belk College of Business prior to his death in 1999. Two respected foundations are providing signif-icant private scholarship support for students in the College of Health and Human Services. The Hearst Foundation, Inc. established an endowed scholarship for minority students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing who intend to reside permanently in the United States upon graduation. Recognizing the importance of need-based scholarship support, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation continues to fund a scholarship for deserving female undergraduates who reside in the Southeast. Over the past 16 years, more than 500 Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships have been awarded to UNC Charlotte students. IntePoint, LLC is funding a research fellow-ship, enabling assistant professor Brent Kang in the College of Information Technology to conduct research on an efficient data manage-ment layer for large-scale critical infrastruc-ture simulation and visualization. With an efficient data management layer, authorities may analyze real-time information from national dynamic data sources to determine a disaster’s impact upon nuclear power plants, dams, roads and electric power grids. At the behest of former Vice Chancellor for University Relations Ed Kizer and his wife, Page, the Bradham Family Foundation has made a lead gift to establish and support Middle Grades University (MGU), an annual program hosted by the College of Education to introduce middle grades youth to the opportunities associated with a university education. Participants who later attend UNC Charlotte are also eligible for an endowed scholarship, which is open to MGU graduates in all colleges and offers special consideration for those enrolled in the College of Education. The Kizers also established an endowed schol-arship to support MGU participants. Family members, friends and classmates of Martin “Marty” Limberg, a former UNC Charlotte architecture student, have marked the 10th anniversary of his death by making gifts to endow a memorial scholarship to provide financial assistance to graduate students in the College of Architecture. The scholarship supports dedicated scholars who exhibit the same talent and devotion to art and metal design that Limberg demonstrated as a UNC Charlotte student. Richard McCracken established an endowed scholarship in the William States Lee College of Engineering. McCracken’s gift was made in honor of his longtime friend, Charles G. Rust, UNC Charlotte’s director of capital improvements in Facilities Management. We extend our condolences to the family of Charlotte philanthropist and longtime supporter Irma Irene Mull, 82, who passed away on Feb. 14. Passionate about art, Mull used her estate planning to establish an endowed scholarship fund to assist UNC Charlotte’s talented and deserving art students with educational expenses, including tuition fees and art supplies. Equally passion-ate about orchids, Mull made generous contributions to support the maintenance and growth of the McMillan Greenhouse. In appreciation of her enduring support, the university created and named the “Mull Farlan” hybrid orchid to commemorate Mull’s childhood home in McFarlan, N.C. Neuro-Life for the Carolinas is partnering with the Charlotte Research Institute to facili-tate and accelerate the growth of biomedical and translational research in the Charlotte region. The partnership is critical to the university’s ability to foster the growth of biotechnology-based companies, attract world-class research scientists and make important contributions in the field of cancer research. Frank (Alex) Rankin, III, president of Concord Engineering and Surveying, Inc., established an annual scholarship for incoming or current freshman enrolled in the civil engineering program in the William States Lee College of Engineering. Associate Professor Emerita Jane K. Testerman ’73 has made a lead gift to complete the Legacy for Leadership Room and provide an annual scholarship for educa-tional leadership graduate students in the College of Education. The Legacy for Leadership Room will provide a comfortable gathering place for graduate students to study, conduct research and connect with peers and mentors in the field of educational leadership. The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina created an endowed scholarship for risk management and insurance in the Belk College of Business. Both organizations also made separate annual gifts to begin awarding their respective scholarships this academic year. Significant support for the university is coming from throughout the university’s extended community. Private support provides the necessary funding for advancements in technology, field research, artistic expression, athleticism, humanitarian efforts and countless other initiatives at UNC Charlotte. 26 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ G I V I N G D E V E L O P M E N T N E W S ▪ W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 27 Using his talents for blending architec-ture and art and his desire to serve those in need, Charles “Chip” Howell has worked diligently to create better communities through architectural design. And now, the third-year graduate student has been recog-nized for his humanitarianism by receiving a prestigious university award. Howell, a master’s student in the College of Architecture, received the Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Student Award in April for his efforts to improve the lives of others. The award is given to a UNC Charlotte student who demonstrates creative problem solving, conflict resolution and improvement for the human condition. Howell, one of three final-ists, is the third recipient of the award, which carries a $10,000 cash prize. “Volunteerism gave me a way to hone my talents while helping others,” said Howell. “Giving back to the community was a very rewarding part of my experience at UNC Charlotte. All of my professors have been helpful, enthusiastic supporters of both my academic work and my desire to serve those in need.” The Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Student Award was established and is prima-rily funded by political science professor emeritus Nish Jamgotch. As a volunteer for the Latin American Coalition, Howell directed a campaign to create Charlotte’s first community-based Latin American Cultural and Service Center. A talented designer, Howell developed a strategy whereby art and architecture serve as a springboard for cross-cultural connections. In addition, he has outlined strategies for low-income Latino youth to have opportuni-ties in developing programs for the center. At UNC Charlotte, Howell assisted in the design and construction of a house for a low-income family in Charlotte. In 2005, Howell led a group of volunteers during the construction of a fire station in New Bern, Ala., and in building a bus-stop shelter near Asheville, N.C. Howell graduated last May and is pursuing architectural opportunities in both the private and non-profit sectors. Master’s student recognized for improving the human condition Future architect, current volunteer wins Nish Jamgotch Jr. Award Tom Slaughter – an avid teacher, devoted husband and longtime Charlotte resident – recently arranged his third charitable gift annuity to further support the Tom and Mary Slaughter Scholarship Fund, which he established in 2003 in memory of his wife, Mary Miller Slaughter. Available to all UNC Charlotte students, the Slaughter Scholarship is awarded to recipients who possess good moral character, show the promise of future usefulness toward society and demonstrate the need for financial assistance. At its heart, the Slaughter Scholarship symbolizes not only the mutual love, respect and admiration the Slaughters shared; it also embodies their remarkable shared love of teaching. Mary earned her teaching degree at Converse College and taught for two years in Cincinnati, Ohio, before spending 22 years as a junior-high language arts and social studies teacher at several Charlotte schools, including Hawthorne Middle School. Influenced by educators within and around his own family, teach-ing also became Tom’s lifelong dream. “At an early age, my teachers, doctor and pharmacist were role models,” he said. “The teachers just stood out in my mind and made me think that I wanted to be a teacher. I never lost that ambition. Teaching allowed me to enjoy the camaraderie and the association with young people.” After serving the U.S. Navy aboard the USS LSM-100, Tom gradu-ated from Wofford College and served as director of veteran’s training for York County, where he taught night classes for three years to help veterans earn their high school degrees. Encouraged by a local pharmacist, Tom attended the Medical College of South Carolina and worked part-time as a pharmacist to supplement his teaching income. He later taught advanced placement and honors chemistry at Charlotte’s West Mecklenburg High School for 17 years, during which time he earned a master’s degree in chemistry from the College of William and Mary and completed graduate work in advanced placement chemistry at Duke University. Having retired 26 years ago, Tom hopes to inspire young people to share his enthusiasm toward education. “As a teacher, I’ve always felt that one of my greatest responsibilities is to pass our civilization on to future generations,” he said. “My greatest hope is that what I pass along to future generations will enable people to keep expanding upon and sharing their learning with others.” Over the course of his lifetime, Tom said his inspiration still comes from helping others. “I’m almost 82 years old, and yet my greatest thrill is in knowing that I can make a difference for someone,” he said. “Being able to support someone [through scholarship] is probably a bigger thrill for me than it is for the students.” “I’m almost 82 years old, and yet… I can make a difference for someone” Charlotte teacher continues to honor late wife with scholarship www.giving.uncc.edu 28 W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 ▪ D E V E L O P M E N T N E W S Scholarship endowed in memory of College of Architecture graduate The family, friends and classmates of Martin “Marty” Limberg, a UNC Charlotte College of Architecture graduate, marked the 10th anniversary of his death by endowing a memorial scholarship in the College of Architecture. In 1996, those closest to Limberg created the Martin Limberg Scholarship Fund. Their wish was for the scholarship to be self-sustaining so that annual awards could be made. Although the initial gifts were numerous, the fund fell short of being endowed. Ten years later, Jonathan Wolk ’92, a close friend and classmate of Limberg, challenged fellow alumni and friends of the College of Architecture to endow the fund. Wolk’s efforts paid off, allowing the college to honor Limberg while supporting dedicated fifth-year architecture students. “Marty had the ability to instantly relate to people, and they would open up to him – you always liked to be around him,” Wolk said. “Without Marty, the community lost a vibrant and promising architect and the work that he would have shared with us. I’m honored to be able to make this scholarship a reality for the College of Architecture.” Trudy Schrodt, director of development for the College of Architecture, voiced her support and appre-ciation of Wolk’s initiative. “I am extremely grateful to Marty’s family and friends for their commitment to this scholarship and what it represents,” she said. “It is through their gifts, and those of our gracious donors, that the College of Architecture can provide the critical margin of excellence, not only for the immediate future, but also for perpetuity.” Scholarships attract and support some of the brightest and most promising students at UNC Charlotte. Such support has a strong and lasting effect, not only on the students who benefit from a scholar-ship, but also on the companies and communities with which those students share their knowledge and talents once they leave UNC Charlotte. Bill Whittaker succeeds Dennis Bunker as alumni board president Whittaker elected president for 2006-2007 William G. “Bill” Whittaker ’79 is the newly elected president of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Board of Governors for 2006-2007. As president, Whittaker will oversee the board in its outreach to UNC Charlotte alumni. Whittaker replaces Dennis Bunker ’81 in the role. “I have enjoyed my two terms on the board and look forward to working with the other officers, board members and Nick McEntire to increase alumni involve-ment in the university’s mission,” said Whittaker. “Our beautiful, new Harris Alumni Center will open this fall and we look forward to making it a focal point for our graduates and a tool in furthering our goals.” Whittaker double-majored in history and English at UNC Charlotte, was a writer and features editor of the student newspaper, The Carolina Journal, and was a student worker in Acquisitions at Atkins Library. He served on the Alumni Association Board of Governors from 2001-2003 and was a member and ch |
OCLC number | 28166485 |