General News

The hot, windless days of summer can cause air quality to decrease, which indicates a greater exposure to airborne pollutants. During the month of August, Charlotte citizens are being challenged to do their part to reduce the amount of pollution in the air.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, N. C. Air Awareness, in partnership with Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and Sustain Charlotte, is hosting the Clean Commute Challenge. Participants are asked to avoid single-person-per-vehicle commutes during the month, helping make the air cleaner.

Charlotte 49ers senior linebacker Juwan Foggie has been nominated for the 2018 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is comprised of college football student-athletes and one honorary head coach who make outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement. These individuals embody the true spirit of teamwork and giving back through commendable acts of kindness.

Engage ME, which stands for Engage Multicultural Engineers, is a relatively new initiative within the Lee College of Engineering; the effort brings together students, faculty, professionals and alumni of all races, cultures and genders.

C.D. Spangler Jr., 86, died Sunday, July 22; the Charlotte business executive served as UNC System president from 1986 to 1997. During his tenure, he oversaw the installation of UNC Charlotte Chancellor James Woodward in April 1990.

In a Charlotte Observer article, UNC President Margaret Spellings said that Spangler, also known as “Dick,” helped to “change lives and transform a state.”

Tumininu (Tumi) Lawanson recently was named a Young Clean Energy Innovator of the Year by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) at its Intersolar North American ceremony in San Francisco, California.

“Personally, I count it as a privilege and an honor to be recognized as one of two Young Clean Energy Innovators of 2018 by IREC,” said Lawanson. “I am especially grateful for the support of my research advisor, Dr. Valentina Cecchi, and the strong collaborative research environment provided at EPIC and the University.”

Atkins Library will host a seminar led by officials with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday, Aug. 1. At this event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Halton Reading Room, speakers will provide an overview of intellectual property terms, and they will discuss how to conduct U.S. patent and trademark database searches and identify scams to watch for when promoting inventions.

A panel of local professionals will answer questions about legal, educational and business resources for inventors and entrepreneurs.

Lydia Thompson is the new chair of the Department of Art & Art History in the College of Arts + Architecture.

During the past academic year, the University’s Department of Music has had access to first-class standard and digital pianos through an association with the Rockley Family Foundation.

To perpetuate this program, these instruments, along with those provided other institutions, will be sold.

Individuals can make an appointment to attend a “pre-sale” Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 2-4, by calling 704-687-1999.

The final sale will be 2 to 5 p.m., Aug. 4, at Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts; no appointment is required for the final sale.

Adam Justice recently joined the College of Arts + Architecture as director galleries. In this role, he will oversee the artistic operations of gallery spaces in Storrs and Rowe Arts buildings and the Projective Eye Gallery at UNC Charlotte Center City.  

Rajan Puri, a doctoral student in mathematics, recently received the David Merchant International Student Award for Achievement from the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. The award honors one international student who demonstrates exceptional accomplishments in the areas of scholarship and service.