Connect with the campus during Traditions Walk, part of UNC Charlotte’s Founders Day festivities

2017 Founders Celebration
Thursday, September 20, 2018

Members of Niner Nation know that UNC Charlotte was founded on Sept. 23, 1946, as the Charlotte Center, an evening college to educate the scores of veterans returning to the area after World War II.

But did you know that engineers designed the Star Quad to produce a natural echo? Or that the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens contains the greatest variety of plants in the Queen City? Or that the “49er Miner” statue, located on the plaza between the Cato College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services, symbolizes the pioneering spirit of UNC Charlotte, which has grown dramatically from an evening college into a research-intensive university and boasts the third-largest student body in the UNC System?

The Traditions Walk, part of the University’s Founders Day celebration Monday, Sept. 24, will provide an opportunity for students to learn more about UNC Charlotte.

In honor of UNC Charlotte’s 72nd birthday, the Office of Alumni Affairs is encouraging students to take the Traditions Walk, a short tour of a few of the University’s notable sites. Students who take selfies participating in the traditions and share them on social media using #UNCCFoundersDay and #49things while tagging @49erAlumni will have a chance to win #49er gear.

"Participating in the Traditions Walk is the perfect way for students to celebrate Founders Day," said Sallie Sistare, executive director of Alumni Affairs. "Exploring the campus through the walk is a fun way for students to educate themselves about the University's history, and what they learn will give them an even greater source of pride about being a 49er."

Here are a few suggestions for what to explore:

Echo in Star Quad

Test that natural echo by standing in the center of the quad and whispering “Go Niners!”

Stroll through the Botanical Gardens

The gardens were created in 1966 and, along with the McMillan Greenhouse, span more than 10 acres in the heart of campus. Take a stroll through the gardens between classes or relax on the benches or in the gazebo to connect with nature.

Penny in Norm’s Pan

The “49er Miner” statue recalls the region’s history as a gold mining center and symbolizes the pioneering spirit and determination that has fueled UNC Charlotte’s trajectory. Students are encouraged to put a penny in Norm's pan for good luck.

Run through the Rings at the College of Health and Human Services

Legend has it that these rings are lucky, particularly during exams and before big assignments. Run through them and you may just get a 4.0.

Take a Selfie with the ‘Self-Made Man’

Bobbie Carlyle designed this statue with the vision of a man carving himself out of stone, carving his character and carving his future. It is one of the most recognizable statues on campus and serves as a reminder to students to never give up on their own personal growth. Students can take a photo with the “Self-Made Man” to show how obtaining their UNC Charlotte degrees is an investment in their futures.

Experience the view from the top of Atkins Library

The Atkins Library (commonly known as “Club Atkins” by students) has more than just academic resources. It was built in 1963 and has comfortable study spaces, group study rooms, books, coffee and more. Get the best view of campus from the library’s 10th floor (the Dalton Tower was added in 1971), with its large windows showing the campus and the Charlotte skyline. The University’s Special Collections are housed on this floor, too.

Rub the Golden Nugget

In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed found a 17-pound shiny rock when he went fishing on a farm 26 miles east of Charlotte. This led to the first gold rush in the United States. The Reed Gold Mine, a National Historic Landmark, still exists and can be visited throughout the year. A large quartz nugget containing gold vein(s) was mined at the Reed Gold Mine and is located near the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Students are encouraged to rub the gold nugget to give the Charlotte 49ers luck before athletic events.

UNC Charlotte’s Founders Day celebration begins at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 24, on the Star Quad. There will be food, drinks, music and a birthday card to sign. Festivities will take place near the EPIC building beginning at 2 p.m. and at 4:30 p.m. at UNC Charlotte Center City.