The bronze statue of the “49er Miner” has a new location – the plaza between the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.
The iconic sculpture had been at the front entrance of campus near the Reese Building until it was moved Thursday, Oct. 20. Its relocation was a student-led initiative.
Having a picture with the “49er Miner” increasingly has become a highly sought after experience for students, alumni and others, leading to traffic backups at the previous location.
In its new setting, at the base of the steps that lead from the plaza between Atkins Library and Barnhardt Student Activity Center to the COED/CHHS plaza, the miner will be more accessible for students, alumni and guests in order for them to take commemorative photos and will allow new traditions to evolve to strengthen Niner Nation members’ connection with the University.
“The move is a Student Government Association initiative supported by the Chancellor’s Office,” stated Karen Shaffer, assistant vice chancellor and director of student activities, in the Division of Student Affairs. “The miner is a symbol of the hard work and tenacity it took to build UNC Charlotte, as well as the pioneering spirit of University leaders, students and alumni who have contributed to the growth and maturation of the institution.”
Peter Franz, University landscape architect, said a circulating water feature will be installed at the statue’s new location, with a small amount of water filling the sluice pan to give the appearance of gold mining. The statue’s new setting is expected to be complete in two to three weeks and will feature new landscaping and a stone patio with pavers.
Lorenzo Ghiglieri was commissioned to produce the life-size statue; he initially created a smaller version for presentation to recipients of the University’s Distinguished Service Award. According to information from Atkins Library Special Collections, “the 49er Miner” was commissioned in early 1990 and installed on campus in 1992. A plaque at the statue’s Reese Building location noted the sculpture was in “recognition of the UNC Charlotte mascot, the 49er Miner, contributed by Dale and Philip Halton, Cameron and Dee Dee Harris, Eugene and Vickie Johnson, Felix and Carolyn Sabates and the Class of 1985.”
The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association intends to incorporate the miner’s new location into the inaugural ring ceremony, a new University tradition, scheduled for December. During Family Weekend in September, the Alumni Association announced the development of an official UNC Charlotte class ring program. Click here to read more about it.