University Hosted Big Supporters in May

By Paul Nowell

Hardly a week goes by when a VIP does not pay a visit to the UNC Charlotte campus.

North Carolina's urban research university recently played host to several distinguished individuals, each of whom has given the school an immeasurable amount of support and leadership.

Charlotte Chamber CEO Bob Morgan

Most recently, Charlotte Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Morgan spent a few hours on campus. Morgan was on hand to accept the 2015 UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to him and the Chamber.

Over the last several years, Morgan has worked closely with UNC Charlotte on numerous initiatives, providing leadership in advocacy for the University’s elevation to doctoral degree-granting status, the establishment of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), the advancement of the Digital Science Initiative and as a member of the Football Feasibility Committee.

He also is an eloquent speaker when he is asked to elaborate on the role the University plays in the economic vitality of the greater Charlotte region.

“This University educates many of our citizens, and it plays a large and growing role in driving our economy,” he said at the May 27 ceremony. “Chancellor (Philip L.) Dubois and his team are great partners to the Charlotte business community.  It is easy to be an advocate for UNC Charlotte.”

Sandra and Leon Levine drew media attention.

Two weeks prior to that, Sandra and Leon Levine came back to campus to participate in a groundbreaking for a new residence hall dedicated to housing students of the Levine Scholars Program and the Honors College.

The new facility will be known as Levine Hall, in honor of Sandra and Leon Levine. Through their foundation, the Levines have committed more than $18 million to the Levine Scholars Program, which began in 2009. Levine Hall is scheduled to open in summer 2016.

“Although the new building will bear our names, it will really be about the students – the scholars. It is these community-minded, ethical scholars who will continue to be a driving force for positive change in our region,” Leon Levine said at the ceremony.

On May 11, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree for his philanthropy to the University and both Carolinas. The honorary degree was presented at the University’s commencement, where some 3,750 students also got their degrees.

Jerry Richardson flanked by Provost Joan Lorden and
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois

Richardson did not speak very long, but his remarks were poignant. He choked up as he spoke about his mother and grandmother teaching him to always display good manners.

Without a doubt, there will be other important guests who stop by campus for one reason or another this month and next month, and the month after that one. But we had quite a run in May didn’t we?

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Paul Nowell is a media relations manager in the Office of Public Relations.