The bronze statue, “49er Miner,” designed by Lorenzo Ghiglieri, sits in the College of Education (COED) and College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Plaza. The statue recalls the region’s history as a gold mining center and symbolizes the pioneering spirit and determination that has led to UNC Charlotte’s dramatic growth. Students often refer to the statue as “Norm” and are encouraged to put a penny in his pan for good luck. At UNC Charlotte, the “49er Miner” symbolizes the importance of hard work and perseverance as students complete their educational journeys. The “49er Miner” was installed near the main campus entrance in 1992 and moved to its current location in 2016.
This gold ore outside the student entrance of the Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC) came from Reed Gold Mine, located not far from the UNC Charlotte campus, the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. In 1799, a 12-year-old boy named 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 still exists to this day and can be visited throughout the year. This large quartz nugget has a gold vein(s) within it. Students are encouraged to rub the gold nugget to give the Charlotte 49ers luck before athletic events!
The official UNC Charlotte ring is available to undergraduate students who complete 60 credit hours at UNC Charlotte, graduate students who achieve candidacy and alumni. Students dip their rings into Norm’s miner pan allowing the water to christen their rings, strengthening their bonds to their alma mater, UNC Charlotte. Upon graduation, it is tradition that students turn the ring so that “all-in-C” faces outward, symbolizing their degree completion as they face their futures as UNC Charlotte alumni. Wearing a class ring symbolizes being a proud member of Niner Nation.
The University seal on the east side of Atkins Library was given as a gift from the Class of 2001. Don't walk on the seal if you want to have good luck!
The Star Quad, located between the Barnhardt Student Activity Center and Atkins Library, was designed by engineers to produce a natural echo. Stand in the center and whisper a wish you have, and let it echo in the future!
Show your Niner Pride every Wednesday by wearing your green UNC Charlotte gear! You never know what luck you might have wearing green on Wednesdays, you might even score more Niner gear! Forget the rest, because Niners are the best!
The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens and the McMillan Greenhouse encompass more than 10 acres in the heart of campus. Bonnie Cone and Herbert Hechenbleikner, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, established the Van Landingham Glen in 1966, which served as the basis for the botanical gardens. The goal was to create a living classroom and resource for the campus and greater Charlotte community.
The gardens have one of the greatest variety of plants in Charlotte. Take a stroll through between classes or take a seat on the various benches and gazebos to relax and connect with nature!
Legend has it that these rings are lucky. Run through them downhill at the start of your UNC Charlotte journey and run through them uphill as your time at UNC Charlotte comes to an end!
Bobbie Carlyle designed this statue with the vision of a man carving himself out of stone, carving his character and carving his future. This statue is one of the most recognizable statues on campus as reminder to students to never give up on their own personal growth. Students can take a photo with the Self Made Man to honor the work they are each investing into their future.