Recommended Reading

Things to Remember

Niner Nation Family would like to thank all of the 281 students and family members who attended and helped to make Niner Nation Family Weekend “The First Gold and Green Experience” a great success. 

The weekend began with registration on Friday evening where families received their Niner Nation Family Weekend t-shirts and bags.  Upon completion of registration, families and students began an action packed weekend with a wine and cheese reception that was hosted by Chancellor Dubois. Over 100 people were in attendance at the reception where parents and families mingled while enjoying an assortment of fine wines and delicious cheeses. Kesha Williams, Coordinator for Parents Programs serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Family members were treated to an informative presentation from Chancellor Dubois where he discussed the importance of cultivation and relationships of parents and families at UNC Charlotte and gave the parents and families the opportunities to ask him any questions or concerns they may have. Tim Ernst, Student Body President and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Arthur Jackson finished the night talking about existing and up and coming initiatives from the student body and programs and services that will be offered by UNC Charlotte in the future.

Following the reception, families traveled down to McKnight Hall to conclude the evening with a game of Family Feud, hosted by Niners on the Weekend (NOW). During Family Feud, families battled to be the victors of UNC Charlottes’ version of the game show. This highly engaging and fun-filled event caused much laughter and kept audience members wanting more.

The weekend fun continued early Saturday morning with two options: The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  Over 121 participants decided to join the 49er team for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, shattering past records for highest participation. Upon completion of the race, participants joined Chancellor Dubois and his wife Lisa for a hearty brunch at the Bissell House.  

The participants who continued onto the Venture High Ropes Course quickly realized the course offered excitement and an opportunity to show their daring side to the amazement of their family members. The ropes course was a hit and the high flying fun encouraged team building and quality family time.

 Those who chose option two were treated to a wonderful continental breakfast and then gained helpful insight from the Back to School for Parents sessions.  The morning continued with Back to School for Parents Part One which included powerful and informative presentations given by prominent award winning UNC Charlotte Professors. The presenters included: Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year recipient Dr. Cindy Combs, Bank of America Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient Dr. Ann Mabe Newman, and Senior Faculty Associate with the Global Institute of Energy and Environmental Systems Dr. Peter Schwarz. Dr. Combs’ presentation “Terrorism and UNC Charlotte,” discussed the potential for terrorism in the greater charlotte area and what the city and university are doing in prevention, preparation, and response to this threat. Dr.Newman’s presentation “Taming Your Stress,” discussed the signs and symptoms of stress and stress reduction techniques. Dr. Peter Schwarz’s presentation “Credit Cards: Free Lunch or Future Bankruptcy,” discussed the pros and cons of credit card use and the avoidance of bankruptcy.

By noon, Back to School for Parents participants could smell the sweet aroma of southern barbeque and they were not disappointed. Upon arrival to the West Quad, participants had their choice of baked chicken, pulled barbeque pork, potato salad, and slaw. While enjoying their meal, they also enjoyed a calming atmosphere of artfully decorated tables of green and gold, soulful music, and the warm wall day.

As lunch concluded, families could choose to attend Family Fun Zone activities or they could attend Back to School for Parents Part Two. The Family Fun Zone provided a fun-filled carnival like atmosphere which catered to the young and the young-at-heart.

At Back to School for Parents Part Two, families welcomed valuable and highly engaging presenters and information from a vast array of administrators on campus; Presenters included: Dr. Lynelle Ragland of the Counseling Center, Vidal Dickerson of the Multicultural Resource Center, Charlynn Ross of the University Center for Academic Excellence, Denise Dwight Smith of the Career Center, and Lieutenant Mulholland of Police and Public Safety. Some of the topics presented included: parenting during college years, academic success, and preparation for life after college, the changing dynamic of students and families, and the campus initiatives of Police and Public Safety. Parents and students were able to ask specific questions in an intimate setting during and after the presentations. Back to School for Parents Part One and Part Two were overwhelmingly received and allowed families to gain a great deal of information from the knowledge contributed by presenters.

Niner Nation Family Weekend continued into Saturday evening, offering families the opportunity to attend the Pre-Game Soccer Celebration or A 49er Elegant Affair. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and the Women’s Soccer Team enticed 50 families to attend the UNC Charlotte Women’s Soccer game. This casual atmosphere gave them the opportunity to sit with other families and enjoy their students. The Women’s Soccer team was victorious and won by 3-0. Attendees of the 49er Elegant Affair pre-jazz reception were treated to wine and light hors d’ oeuvres followed by a commanding performance by the Harold Danko Quintet at the beautiful Robinson Theatre.