Danielle Kucera

News

Lie-in comes year after Va. Tech

By Danielle Kucera | April 15

The one-year anniversary of the shootings at Virginia Tech is sparking student action at UNC and across the country in the form of lie-in protests. At noon Wednesday, the N.C. chapters of Million Mom March will ask students to call for "more sensible" gun laws by lying down near Gardner Hall in Polk Place. The 75-chapter organization speaks out against gun violence. Any student that lies down in Wednesday's protest represents one person killed by a gun in the U.S. So far, 80 lie-ins in 33 states have been organized this year.

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Diverse views key in search

By Danielle Kucera | February 28

When Robert B. House became the University's first chancellor in 1945, he paved the way for a group of people who would help shape UNC into a renowned institution for higher education. That group of chancellors, including House, consisted of nine white males. Since its formation, the chancellor search committee has made it a goal to stay open-minded about candidates, said Nelson Schwab, chairman of the committee.

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Case may be suicide attempt

By Danielle Kucera | February 15

A 26-year-old woman was transported to N.C. Memorial Hospital on Wednesday night after a possible suicide attempt, Department of Public Safety Lt. Steve Thornton said. A maintenance worker found the woman lying face-down and unconscious near the elevators of the fourth level of the Dogwood parking deck, located on Manning Drive, a University police report stated. University police arrived on the scene at 11:22 p.m., and the woman was conscious when transported to the hospital by Orange County EMS, Thornton said.

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Sorority marks 100 years

By Danielle Kucera | January 16

Despite strong winds and nearly freezing temperatures, the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. gathered together in the Pit on Tuesday to celebrate the women who began the nation's first black sorority 100 years ago. "This day is like bliss - just being part of an organization that is so significant," said Latoya Cherry, a professional student who was a member as an undergraduate. "There have not been many organizations that have been around since 1908, and being able to share that with other people that are a part of it is really special."

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Fee referendum passes

By Danielle Kucera | October 31

Students voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to allow themselves to have more say in student fee increases. There were 1,927 votes cast, with 1,585 students, or about 82 percent, voting to support an amendment to the Student Constitution. The amendment requires a majority of students to approve increases for four fees: student activity, Student Legal Services, Undergraduate Teaching Award and APPLES fees. Students could not vote previously on these fees.

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Walk for peace

By Danielle Kucera | October 29

More than 100 people "broke the silence" about domestic violence Sunday as they strolled together down Franklin Street in the Walk for Family Peace. Walkers wearing T-shirts that read "Break the Silence" aimed to show their support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month's mission to end the ongoing problem of family violence. "It's a way to honor those who are struggling," said Linda Frankel, executive director of the Family Violence Prevention Center of Orange County, which organized the event. "It's a hidden issue that needs to be brought out to the community."

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Campus reacts to smoking ban

By Danielle Kucera | October 24

The impending ban on smoking within 100 feet of all campus buildings is receiving responses ranging from agitation to delight from UNC students, employees and faculty ablaze with opinions about the issue. The ban, which will go into effect Jan. 1., was formally announced Monday by Chancellor James Moeser. "I dislike smoking, and I dislike secondhand smoke, so as a person I'm thrilled, but as a citizen I'm slightly less sure," biology major Katherine Brown said. Brown said she thinks the policy might infringe upon the rights of students.

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Dean Smith ready for flu season

By Danielle Kucera | October 17

Dean Smith was cheered on at Homestead Road’s Robert and Pearl Seymour Center on Tuesday – just not for his legendary basketball coaching. “Wave your hands. Stomp your feet. Roll up your sleeve and get a flu shot,” three adult cheerleaders chanted to Smith as he received the first flu shot of the day, leading the way for other seniors to do the same. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services put on the flu shot drive to stress the importance of the vaccine for people older than 50.

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Attention aimed at breast cancer

By Danielle Kucera | October 10

Campus are joining forces to get college women talking about breast cancer. The Carolina Women's Center, Campus Recreation and Campus Health Services are sponsoring Breast Cancer Awareness Week, which aims to educate young women on the importance of keeping their bodies healthy, maintaining a positive self-image and fighting the disease. "Many women as undergraduates don't really worry about breast cancer because we think of it as something our moms have to worry about," said senior Elizabeth Mosley, chairwoman of the women's health and campus safety committee.

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Students discuss proposed smoking ban

By Danielle Kucera | September 27

View the slideshow Students aimed to clear the smoke surrounding a controversial proposal to ban smoking within 100 feet of all campus building by voicing their concern at two forums held this week. The student advisory committee to the chancellor hosted the forums to inform students about the possible smoking policy change.