Alumni

Adam Wassell, director of development for the College of Health and Human Services, has been named the interim executive director of alumni engagement. Prior to joining UNC Charlotte last year, Wassell served as senior development officer for the PIKE Foundation; he has more than a decade of experience in alumni affairs, fundraising and management experience. 

He succeeds Sallie Sistare, who recently left the University. 

A national search for a permanent executive director will begin immediately.

From full-bodied wines and delectable desserts to tacos and smoked wings, keep these restaurants and watering holes top of mind.

Tony Vo ’04 has a good thing brewing — his popular Waterbean Coffee chain is one of Charlotte’s best.

The founder of startup Margik Inc. leverages Ventureprise success and lands investment from an appearance on “The Unicorn Hunters Show.”

UNC Charlotte and boutique jeweler Kendra Scott are partnering for a fundraising event to benefit the Ellis Reed Parlier Scholarship.

Scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3, the fundraiser will be at Kendra Scott’s SouthPark location. Shoppers whose In-store purchases total $100 or more will receive a free gift, while supplies last.

Former Charlotte 49ers star Brandt Bronico ’17 is making his mark as part of the starting lineup for Charlotte FC’s inaugural season.

Derrick Magee has been appointed associate vice chancellor of campus enterprises at N.C. Central University. Magee, a doctoral candidate in the Belk College of Business, will defend his dissertation in fall 2022.

John Cato ’73, president and chief executive officer of The Cato Corporation, is the 2022 recipient of the UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award.

The Charlotte Business Journal’s sixth annual Most Admired CEO list highlights top leaders in the region in categories for commercial real estate; education; engineers, architects and contractors; financial services; hospitality; health and wellness; government, civic business and advocacy; nonprofits; professional services – accounting and consulting; professional services – advertising and marketing; residential real estate; retail; and technology.

Technology visionary and alumnus Adonis Abdullah ’21, ’22 M.S. is forging ahead on his entrepreneurial journey as co-founder of the startup Hot Route Analytics.