UNC Charlotte celebrates 50th year in UNC system
Marking a historic anniversary for the University by ringing the campus bell, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois was joined by key supporters and members of the campus community on Monday, March 2, to celebrate UNC Charlotte’s 50th year as part of the UNC system.
On March 2, 1965, the General Assembly passed a bill designating Charlotte College as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte effective July 1, 1965. According to the Charlotte Collegian, news of the bill’s passage was greeted on campus with “bell ringing, cheers, shouts and tears of happiness.”
“Fifty years ago, on this exact day, March 2nd, our forbearers achieved their vision after years of perseverance and determination,” Dubois said at the event, which was held in the rotunda of the Student Union. “What started as the Charlotte Center serving 278 evening students in 1946 has advanced into a doctoral research university comprised of more than 27,200 students and a large number of academic programs of study, including 79 bachelor’s degrees, 64 master’s and 21 doctorates offered on this campus and in Center City.
“Suffice it to say, that transition doesn’t happen swiftly or without incredible tenacity, dedication and heart. While many people, and indeed the entire community, played a part building UNC Charlotte, there are several people integral to this achievement. I’m delighted to have two of those individuals here with us today: Mr. Irwin Belk and Dr. Loy Witherspoon.”
Belk was a state senator in 1965, and he introduced the legislation that would make UNC Charlotte the fourth institution in the consolidated University of North Carolina system. He orchestrated a coalition that convinced 49 out of 50 senators to endorse the bill that transformed Charlotte College into the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
University founder Bonnie Cone remarked at the time: “I think it’s one of the greatest things to happen in North Carolina’s history of higher education.”
Dubois noted that Belk’s efforts were instrumental in the events that occurred a half century ago.
“As former Chancellor Woodward says about the University’s success, if you could point to a single person inside the institution who made a difference, it would be Bonnie Cone. If you looked outside, it was Ike Belk.”
For Charlotte College to become part of the UNC system, the bill had to be approved by the N.C. General Assembly. Belk set about ensuring this outcome, aspiring to obtain the signature of every senator on the bill as a sponsor. In the end, he ended up securing 49 co-sponsor signatures and ultimately approval by both houses of the General Assembly.
“Without Ike’s persistent and determined work, we would not exist today as UNC Charlotte,” Dubois said. “And his devotion persisted: Ike remains the longest serving trustee of the University system. Ike, it is with the most sincere gratitude that we recognize and thank you for your vision, commitment and perseverance to not only the state, but to our University specifically. Your legacy lives on in the lives of more than 100,000 UNC Charlotte graduates.”
Also in attendance at Monday’s event was Loy Witherspoon, who arrived at UNC Charlotte in 1964. Recruited by Cone, Witherspoon served as founding chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, and Director of the Office of Religious Affairs. Dubois noted that Witherspoon was the only faculty member ever elected twice to chair the Faculty Council. “Loy wasn’t simply a glutton for punishment. Loy was someone people trusted to lead them.”
Dubois also introduced Morris Spearman, one of the students who rang the campus bell on March 2, 1965. On Monday, that honor went to current Student Government Association President Steven Serio.
After the bell ringing, Dubois said: “As Miss Bonnie remarked, “It was the end of an era, but a promising new beginning.” Today, we’re a half a century into that new beginning, and UNC Charlotte has surpassed all expectations.”