RYAN HONEYMAN
The unmistakable spirit of Niner Nation To 49ers everywhere, Niner Nation represents much more than a place — it’s an inclusive, spirited mindset that embraces anyone associated with or who holds affinity for UNC Charlotte. As a trademarked term, “Niner Nation” dates to 2003-04, when enrollment, residential living and student organizations had grown dramatically, and student spirit and pride had crescendoed to match. Use of “Niner Nation” surfaced after Beau Memory, student body president in 2001, with fellow students David McDonald, Stephen Collie and others, had organized the “Gang Green” to fill the student section at athletics events — to the objection of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, whose fans use the same label. Together with students, Marcia Kennard Keesling, a student affairs director, proposed “Niner Nation” as an alternative and auxiliary services staffer LouAnn Lamb developed a graphic identity. The San Francisco 49ers requested the University not adopt the phrase, which is affiliated with its fan base. An agreement was reached that grants UNC Charlotte use of “Niner Nation” in its branded form.
2016
traveled to France as the official band representing the United States as part of the international commemoration of D-Day.
On Sept. 22, Gene Johnson ’73, chair of EXPONENTIAL: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte, announces the launch of the $200 million fundraising effort focused on scholarships and other opportunities for students; recruiting and retaining world-class faculty and supporting their research; high-impact projects; and student life resources. The “49er Miner” statue is relocated from the front entrance to the plaza between the Cato College of Education and the
College of Health and Human Services on Oct. 20. Artist Lorenzo Ghiglieri was commissioned in 1990 to produce the statue after creating a smaller version for recipients of the University’s Distinguished Service Award. In its permanent location, graduating seniors traditionally dip their class ring into the miner’s pan. 31
