Celia Laney

Honorary Alumna Award

It is safe to say that Celia Laney bleeds green, as pointed out by Athletic Director Judy Rose. She has probably been to more 49er basketball games than anyone else in the last 40 years and can be found at nearly every football and basketball game, at tailgates, sitting in the stands, in the rain or cold, nevertheless cheering on her 49ers.

Celia has been an avid support of 49er athletics since the very beginning. For over 38 years, she served under three athletic directors – starting with David Walker up through current AD Judy Rose – up until her retirement in 2016.

“Celia has been synonymous with 49er athletics for over 40 years,” says 49er alumnus Jeff Stewart, III, Ph.D. “She has been the glue of the athletic department with many former and current student athletes saying that she [was] a foundation of support.”

Indeed Celia’s deepest influence in 49er athletics may have been her motherly support and mentorship of student-athletes, being an advocate not only to ensure they get the best education, but also so that they become outstanding members of society. She worked to ensure that they excelled in the classroom, on the playing field, and in becoming well-rounded individuals.

She has been the number one fundraiser for Great Gold Rush Auction over the years, raising tens of thousands of dollars to help support athletic scholarships. Even in retirement she continues to fundraise for the auction.

Alumnus Mark Colone lauds Celia for the impact she has made through both the auction as well as personal contributions over time: “That she helped student-athletes receive an education through the donations of the Athletic Foundation – that she helped begin and administer to – is her legacy and [shows] her commitment to this University.”

In 1976, Celia and her late husband, Nick, started a tradition that would evolve into the Grubstake Club, who “Staked their Claim” at the 1976 National Invitational Tournament and the 1977 Final Four. The Club would eventually grow into what is known today as the Charlotte Athletic Foundation.

Celia’s support both in administration and event attendance – along with countless students mothered through the years – shows that she is truly one of the most genuine 49ers to date. Because of her commitment to helping students, upon her retirement, the Athletic Foundation established a scholarship in she and her husband’s honor: The Celia and Nick Laney Endowed Student-Athlete Scholarship.

“Student-athletes in all future class will know what those who came before them know first-hand,” says Rose. “Celia Laney Truly bleeds green.”