General News

Amy Hawn Nelson, director of research at the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and director of its Institute for Social Capital, recently was named to the 2014-16 class of William C. Friday Fellows for Human Relations.

The goal of the Friday Fellowship is to cultivate a network of “courageous leaders who connect across differences in identity and ideas to develop new solutions to the complex challenges facing the people and communities of North Carolina through a human relations lens.”

Members of the campus community may notice an email request to participate in a survey from Mind Over Media, a Pittsburgh-based communications consultant firm.
This is a legitimate project and participation in the survey would be much appreciated, according to Stephen Ward, executive director of University communications.
“For better or worse, we need to ask for faculty and staff participation via email, we appreciate sensitivity to email security, and the good news, in this case, is that this one is for real,” Ward said.

Charlotte 49ers assistant softball coaches Kristi (Killough) Painter and Katy Hackett have resigned to pursue other opportunities outside of college softball, head coach Aimee DeVos announced.

The E.K. and Dorrie Fretwell Building honors the campus contributions of UNC Charlotte’s second chancellor and his wife.
At the time of its dedication on May 23, 1996, the 162,000-square-foot facility was the largest academic structure on campus. It contains approximately 250 faculty offices and classroom seating for about 2,100 students. Built for $18 million, the four-story facility was constructed with revenues from a bond issue approved by North Carolina voters in a November 1993 referendum.

Four student teams, comprised of a total of 10 to 12 individuals from the College of Computing and Informatics, will participate in a regional hackathon set for Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, in the PORTAL Building.

Works by local artist Paul Keysar will be displayed Monday, July 7, through Thursday, July 24, in the Student Union Gallery.
“While the City Sleeps: Night Paintings” features a group of landscape paintings of Concord, Charlotte and other local towns at night.
“As an artist, I am continually observing life around me,” Keysar explained. “I am fascinated by the effects of light, atmosphere, and weather. My goal is to show the beauty of the land and man’s dependence on it.”

Melissa Farling and Alan McGuinn, alumni of the UNC Charlotte School of Architecture, will be named Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the organization’s national convention being held June 26-28 in Chicago. This AIA honor is bestowed upon architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level and who have achieved an exemplary standard of excellence in the profession.

Summer is under way, and the Office of Environmental Health & Safety reminds employees to be aware of heat-related illness.
According to officials, extremely hot weather can cause serious health effects, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which may lead to death. People who work outdoors in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and are at increased risk to suffer heat-related illness.
Some tips to beat the heat include:

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors recently recognized Kyle White (’13) on his being awarded the Medal of Honor.
During the BOG’s regular monthly meeting, White was presented a special commendation from the board. UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois gave White a 49ers football signed by head coach Brad Lambert.
According to White, his goal as a Medal of Honor recipient is to work with returning service members to inform them of their educational opportunities through the GI bill.