The Hunter and Stephanie Edwards Promenade, which houses the University, coaches and media boxes and broadcast booths at Jerry Richardson Stadium, honors a generous contribution from a pair of proud UNC Charlotte alumni.
"This is a major commitment from this couple, and it will have a major impact," said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. "To achieve our goals (in football), we knew we would need the support of generous donors. It is especially meaningful today that the two individuals we are honoring are both graduates of this institution."
Hunter Edwards graduated from UNC Charlotte in 1988 with a degree in economics while his wife Stephanie was a 1986 graduate with a degree in biology. The couple’s donation directly impacts the 49ers football program as it makes the leap from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of Conference USA, this fall.
"Hunter and Stephanie Edwards have joined others that have helped make this transition a reality," Director of Athletics Judy Rose stated. "We are so proud that both are alumni. Their gift of $2 million is the largest from alumni to directly support the football team’s transition to FBS."
During a conference to announce the naming, Hunter Edwards recalled, “When Judy asked, ‘Would we consider making a donation to the college and specifically the football program?’ My first gut reaction was, ‘Are you crazy?’ Yeah, she is crazy, and obviously so are we. We’re proud to be a part of this University. It played a big part in my adult life. It’s where I met my wife, where I got my degree and it started my career because of that degree. On behalf of myself and my wife, we are pleased to be honored here."
Charlotte 49ers football coach Brad Lambert noted, "It’s an exciting, special day for our football program because of Hunter and Stephanie and the importance of them and what they are doing for our team."