Charlotte alumni Gene and Vicki Johnson have donated $2 million for our new marching band, which will eventually be 350 members.

Today was the groundbreaking for the marching band's new building.

Gene Johnson is also leading a fundraising campaign (that hasn't been formally announced, but has already kicked off) with a goal of $40 million for athletics and a lot more for academics (although I don't remember the exact amount).

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/10...C3B1xaLWwQ

Quote:A Charlotte couple who say they “love UNC Charlotte” has donated $2 million to the university to help launch a marching band in time for the school’s move to big-time NCAA football next fall.
UNCC alumni Vickie and Gene Johnson made the announcement Thursday at the site of a future marching band center that will be named for the couple.

Quote:“Vickie and I love UNC Charlotte, and it’s a privilege to be able to invest in its young people.”
Vickie Johnson, a 1971 UNCC graduate, has two degrees from the school and has served on the Alumni Board of Directors. Gene Johnson, from the UNCC class of 1973, has been president of the Alumni Board and a member of the Board of Trustees. Last May, he became the first UNCC alumnus to be awarded an honorary degree.

Can't say enough good things about Gene and Vickie. Gene was a driving force behind us getting football started.

(10-02-2014 04:33 PM)Niner National Wrote:  Charlotte alumni Gene and Vicki Johnson have donated $2 million for our new marching band, which will eventually be 350 members.

Today was the groundbreaking for the marching band's new building.

Gene Johnson is also leading a fundraising campaign (that hasn't been formally announced, but has already kicked off) with a goal of $40 million for athletics and a lot more for academics (although I don't remember the exact amount).

Congrats! It's great news for your school.

Good news.

Congrats!!!

That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

Congrats, glad y'all got a band! Gameday just isn't the same without a band. Jealous you guys get your own Marching Band building though, will you guys get to practice on Richardson field?

$2M is a fantastic donation. Congratulations.

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

I could be wrong but I wouldn't say so. The pep band at 49ers basketball games does a great "You can call me Al" though.

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

No.

Arts aren't a big thing at Charlotte. Business, Engineering, and Architecture are really our most notable programs.

(10-03-2014 09:41 AM)Niner National Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

No.

Arts aren't a big thing at Charlotte. Business, Engineering, and Architecture are really our most notable programs.

is this something that they are trying to change or just a marching band fan that wants the school to have one?

(10-03-2014 09:52 AM)NTTHOR Wrote:  

(10-03-2014 09:41 AM)Niner National Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

No.

Arts aren't a big thing at Charlotte. Business, Engineering, and Architecture are really our most notable programs.

is this something that they are trying to change or just a marching band fan that wants the school to have one?

I think it's just that one of our wealthy alums wants us to have the full football experience and he has the funds to make sure that is possible.

With Carolina Crown right in your backyard, there's a lot of potential talent to fill the slots for sure. Way to step up the game 49ers!

(10-03-2014 09:41 AM)Niner National Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

No.

Arts aren't a big thing at Charlotte. EDUCATION, Business, Engineering, and Architecture are really our most notable programs.

FTFY

(10-03-2014 12:11 PM)919R Wrote:  

(10-03-2014 09:41 AM)Niner National Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

No.

Arts aren't a big thing at Charlotte. EDUCATION, Business, Engineering, and Architecture are really our most notable programs.

FTFY

Well yeah, but every state school in NC is going to claim that. Our Nursing program is pretty well regarded.

(10-03-2014 09:58 AM)Niner National Wrote:  

(10-03-2014 09:52 AM)NTTHOR Wrote:  

(10-03-2014 09:41 AM)Niner National Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 05:45 PM)NTTHOR Wrote:  That's awesome! Is Charlotte a known school for music in the area?

No.

Arts aren't a big thing at Charlotte. Business, Engineering, and Architecture are really our most notable programs.

is this something that they are trying to change or just a marching band fan that wants the school to have one?

I think it's just that one of our wealthy alums wants us to have the full football experience and he has the funds to make sure that is possible.

that's really cool...good to have alumni like that

Inquiring minds want to know if Charlotte plans to compete in the QC battle of the bands

(10-03-2014 03:07 PM)mj4life Wrote:  Inquiring minds want to know if Charlotte plans to compete in the QC battle of the bands

No idea, but I kind of doubt it. Seems to be a HBCU thing.

2 million dolla for band?

every troy state fan on the sunbelt board just popped a boner.