49er ACE Network

what is the 49er alumni campus employee (ace) network?

Faculty and staff are a vital part of the UNC Charlotte community, and this network is designed to create a platform for alumni employees to engage, volunteer, and grow professionally. The ACE Network encourages the 49er spirit in alumni employees of all ages, divisions, and professions. The network also creates networking opportunities through special programs, events, activities, community service, and professional development training.

mission statement

The mission of the 49er Alumni Campus Employee (ACE) Network is to encourage active participation in the life of UNC Charlotte, with a primary emphasis on our University alumni employees. The network exists to serve the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association and the University. Furthermore, we shall enhance ACE participation through networking, professional development, and service.

what is an alumni campus employee (ace)?

Any UNC Charlotte employee who is an alum of UNC Charlotte (undergraduate or graduate program, including graduate certificates) is considered to be an Alumni Campus Employee (ACE). 

key initiatives include:

  • Partnering with faculty/staff, Learning and Organizational Development and various departments on campus for training sessions
  • Hosting events and socials to engage with fellow alumni employees
  • Supporting university-wide initiatives and community service activities

alumni campus employee (ace) awards

Each fall, outstanding alumni employees are recognized at the annual 49er ACE Awards and Appreciation Lunch. Nominations open in the summer and the 49er ACE Awards and Appreciation Lunch takes place during Niner Nation Week.

milestone award

This award honors Alumni Campus Employee(s) who have been with the university for ten or more years and have made being a 49er a way of life. The award recognizes the dedication and loyalty that seasoned Alumni Campus Employee (ACE) Network members have brought to our campus.

Previous Milestone Award Recipients

2020 – Brenda Shue ’11, ’13
2020 – Joshua Avery ’03, ’06
2021 – Darin Spease ’89
2022 – Scott Plunkett ’05
2022 – Kelly Weatherman ’88
2023 – Mark Colone ’83
2023 – Mark Collard ’89
2024 – Stacie Young ’98

Amazing ACE Network Award

This award is given to an Alumni Campus Employee(s) who exhibits the Niner spirit. This award honors the achievements of our Alumni Campus Employees and recognizes commitment and enthusiasm as both an employee and alumni of the university.

Previous Amazing ACE Award Recipients

2020 – Sabrina Brown ’09
2020 – Solomon Franklin ’03, ’06, ’11
2021 – Kevin Edwards-Knight ’09
2022 – Sarah Richardson ’13
2022 – Allison Sigmon ’08
2023 – Tisha Greene ’01, ’04
2023 – Kimberly Laney ’88, ’94
2024 – Kate Gilbert ’11, ’15

Interested in learning more about how to play an active role in the ACE Network? Contact Sammy Parnell at samantha.parnell@charlotte.edu.