Niner Nation Unites

“This is the saddest day in UNC Charlotte’s history.” - CHANCELLOR PHILIP L. DUBOIS

On April 30, the unthinkable happened on our campus. At approximately 5:40 p.m., an individual opened fire in a UNC Charlotte classroom, cutting short the lives of two members of our community and injuring four others. There are no words to express the sorrow we are feeling.

Many have stepped forward to ask how to help the University at this time. Our focus is, first and foremost, on those affected, their families and the well-being of Niner Nation. As we move forward, one way alumni and friends can help is by considering a contribution that will have a meaningful impact.

Niner Nation Unites, the University’s official crowdfunding site, was established in response to the overwhelming desire to support the victims and the UNC Charlotte community during this time of tragedy. The donations will go to support the needs of the victims and their families. The University is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support.

As one community, Niner Nation Unites and will stay strong.

Riley Howell, of Waynesville, NC, was a 21-year-old Environmental Studies major who enrolled in UNC Charlotte in Fall 2018 as a transfer from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Riley loved the outdoors, and Star Wars, and pizza; he played soccer and ran cross country in high school and was described by those close to him as upbeat and optimistic, and always with a smile on his face. Riley’s family describes him as always putting others ahead of himself, and nothing exemplifies that more than his final, heroic actions in defense of his fellow students. We will not forget Riley.

Ellis Reed Parlier, of Midland, NC, was a 19-year-old who intended to pursue a Computer Science major after enrolling at UNC Charlotte in Fall of 2017. Reed loved video games and aspired to one day become a game developer. Reed was a graduate of the highly regarded Central Academy of Technology and Arts, where he studied in the Information Systems academy. He was generous with his time and talents, volunteering as a computer programming tutor for middle school students. Reed’s professors describe him as independent and motivated. We will not forget Reed.

Drew Pescaro is from Massachusetts and graduated from Middle Creek High School in Apex and is a communications major at UNC Charlotte. He is a sportswriter for the student newspaper the Niner Times and a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Sean DeHart is from Shelton, Connecticut and graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh. He is a member of the class of 2021.

Rami Al-Ramadhan is a freshman student studying engineering from Saihat, Saudi Arabia, a city located on the east coast of the country.

Emily Houpt is a global studies major from Charlotte and a member of the class of 2019. She was recently named a spring intern for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.