Commencement Traditions

The UNC Charlotte Bell, which for many years hung in the belfry of the old Elizabeth School at East Fifth Street and Travis Avenue in Charlotte, was given to Charlotte College in 1963 to be rung on ceremonial occasions.

It has been rung on special occasions including March 2, 1965, when Charlotte College became the fourth branch of the University of North Carolina System and on August 11, 2010, to celebrate clearing the final hurdle to field UNC Charlotte’s football team.

The honor of ringing the Old Bell is awarded to an outstanding student leader who has shown exemplary 49er spirit. It is rung nine times, once for each of the eight academic colleges and once for The Graduate School, which means eighteen chimes are heard as the clapper hits both sides of the bell.

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Coin is a symbol of our bold legacy. This custom-designed keepsake celebrates your university connection.

Learn more about the Alumni Coin and Alumni Association.