The 49er Alumni Campus Employees Network Honors Four Recipients at Annual Awards Ceremony
Four 49er ACE Award recipients were honored for their commitment and enthusiasm as employees and alums of the University.
Written by: Shalonna Anderson, University Communications - Alumni
Photos by: Ryan Honeyman
The UNC Charlotte 49er Alumni Campus Employees (ACE) Network bestowed its 2023 ACE Awards and Appreciation Lunch upon four outstanding individuals for their service to the University in October, at the Popp Martin Student Union.
The celebration was hosted by Jodi Kaplan, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement, Director of Operations and 2022 ACE Award recipient, Scott Plunkett ’02, and ACE member Blake Morgan ’17.
The 49er ACE Network includes UNC Charlotte alums who serve the University as faculty and staff members. Its purpose is to create a platform for alumni employees to engage, volunteer and grow professionally. Its mission is to encourage participation and the 49er spirit in alumni employees of all ages, divisions and professions.
ACE Awards honors ACE members who have demonstrated the 49er Spirit with excellence within UNC Charlotte and the community.
The Amazing ACE Award
The afternoon was full of applause as Dr. Tisha Greene and Kimberly Laney were each presented with the Amazing ACE Award. The award recognizes those who embody dedication to the University’s vision, commitment and/or loyalty to their team and/or constituents, demonstration of the Niner Nation spirit on and off campus and more.
Dr. Tisha Greene ’01, ’04
Dr. Tisha Greene '01, '04 is a graduate of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (now the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences) and Assistant Dean and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Office of School and Community Partnerships in the Cato College of Education. Tisha’s nomination emphasized support and commitment to her team by always asking “How can I support you?” in both meetings and conversations with colleagues. Tisha also founded Cato College’s MENTOR Program, which pairs student teachers of color with cooperating teachers of color to retain them in the teaching profession and increase diversity among North Carolina teachers. Tisha’s continued efforts in supporting Niner Nation also include volunteering at both the Jamil Niner Student Pantry and Niner University Elementary.
Kimberly Laney ’88, ’94
Kimberly Laney ’88, ’94 is the Director of Niner Central Student Services and also a graduate of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (now the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences). She has been instrumental in the design, development and implementation of the University’s one-stop-shop, ensuring that students can easily access critical enrollment services and university business. Kimberly’s nominators highlight that she has also served on numerous committees and advisory groups, including the Nutrition Security Advisory Board where she focused on ensuring nutritious options for ALL students. Kimberly is always focused on how we can improve the services and opportunities for engagement with our students, and she continues to model for others on campus what it means to be committed to our students.
The ACE Milestone Award
The second award category of the evening was the ACE Milestone Award which honors ACEs 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 ACE members have brought to our campus. This year’s recipients were Mark Collard and Mark Colone.
Mark Collard ’89
Mark Collard ’89 is a Charlotte Athletics statistician and graduate of the Belk College of Business. He has worked with the Charlotte Athletics production team to ensure information for television broadcasts as well as personnel in front of the camera. Mark’s dedication to supporting Niner Nation also includes having a previous seat on the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Board of Directors and leading efforts for ensuring the Belk College of Business Alumni Council Scholarship became fully endowed to help many students well into the future. Mark’s display of the Niner spirit also carries into his involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
Mark Colone ’83
Mark Colone ’83 is a graduate of the Belk College of Business and a Senior Director of Development in University Development supporting efforts for both the College of Arts + Architecture and Graduate School. Before working in University Development, Mark was in Charlotte Athletics as Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director and shortly afterward worked for Signature Sports Group, Inc. as Vice President. According to Mark’s nominator, he is most proud of the many students and interns who served alongside him and how successful they have become. Mark’s additional involvements include past President of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, ex officio member of the UNC Charlotte Athletic Foundation board and many more both on and off campus.
49er ACE Scholarship
In addition to our honorees, this year’s 49er ACE Scholarship recipient was awarded to Anvi Tirunagari. Established in 2020, this annual scholarship focuses on supporting student employees and is endowed with the help of many alumni campus employees. Anvi, who was not only this year’s scholarship recipient but also one of the 2023 Niner 9, is a Data Science major from Cary, NC, who plans to graduate in the spring. Anvi has made great contributions to the University as a research assistant, resident advisor and many other roles.
Learn more about how to nominate a Niner for ACE and other alumni award programs.