Mary Lynne Calhoun, dean of the College of Education, recently launched the college’s 40th anniversary celebration by describing the long-term benefits of a new fund-raising campaign that will recognize and honor influential educators.
           
“Forty years ago this semester, the College of Education - first known as the College of Human Development and Learning  -  was launched at UNC Charlotte,” she told about 200 people at a kick-off event earlier this month. “Now, in the great scheme of human history 40 years is a mere blink. But in the history of UNC Charlotte – and in this history of those of us in this room today – 40 years is very significant, and we gather today to mark the moment.”
            
The year-long celebration will include events that will take place throughout 2010 and 2011 with invitations being extended by alumni groups from Boston to Atlanta and throughout North Carolina. Presentations by college leaders and local alumni will provide updates on activities at the college. 
            
Calhoun also introduced a new three-year College of Education campaign and shared her personal thoughts on what it will mean to the future of the college. “We will grow the size, scope and impact of our important work,” she stated.
           
As part of this campaign, supporters will be invited to make a gift that will recognize a great teacher whose names will be permanently inscribed on a beautiful work of art that will be installed outside of the College of Education building.
           
“Each day, future educators like you will walk by that work of art, see those names and remember the power of great teachers,” Calhoun said. “Someday, your former pupils will tell stories like this about you.”
           
The audience also heard from three faculty and staff members - Jack Culbreth, associate professor of counseling; Jim Watson, assistant professor, educational leadership and former superintendent of Lincoln County Schools; and Chip Rossi, executive director of alumni affairs - who shared their own story about the life-changing impact a teacher had on their life.
            
The College of Education was established at UNC Charlotte in 1970. Today, the college is one of the three largest professional education programs in North Carolina, and it attracts more than 3,000 students annually. Faculty members, now 117 strong, lead teaching, research, consulting and mentoring initiatives that enrich the learning experiences of students and increase the effectiveness of school systems throughout North Carolina. 
           
As part of North Carolina’s urban research university, the college has a particular commitment to prepare great educators for urban and other under-resourced schools and has been honored by the Council of the Great City Schools with its Urban Impact Award.