JERRI SIMMONS

News

Space is the place for researchers

By JERRI SIMMONS | April 18

Self-healing is a concept that might soon be a reality not only for living organisms, but also for space vehicles — and UNC could have a hand in the technological revolution. Three years ago, NASA selected UNC and several other schools to develop new materials that will revolutionize space travel and the way astronautic machines are built. The collaboration — which includes Northwestern University, Princeton University and the University of California-Santa Barbara — is called the University Research Engineering Technology Institute.

News

Seniors stroke toward the end

By JERRI SIMMONS | April 18

Dozens of sleepy, somber-faced students lined the Bowman Gray Memorial Pool at 9:30 a.m. Friday, many of them seniors waiting to plunge into the last obstacle standing between them and a diploma. With only a few weeks until the May 15 Commencement exercises, they scrambled all day Friday to pass the swim test, the final one offered this year. Mark Zaruba, a senior business and economics major and a swimmer since age 5, had no trouble passing and only expressed his unfavorable view of the exercise.

News

Passion propels dancers

By JERRI SIMMONS | April 14

An energetic group of women tapped their feet, swung their arms and moved their hips in elegant synchronization Wednesday evening as they rehearsed for the Carolina Style Spring Showcase, held later that night. Extensive experience and enthusiasm drive the dazzling performances delivered by members of UNC’s many dance organizations.

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Archaeologists unearth pieces of UNC history

By JERRI SIMMONS | March 29

A recent campus excavation unearthed some interesting findings — pottery fragments almost 2,000 years old and beer bottles dating to the 1800s. The artifacts were found at the site of the James Love house, named after the former UNC professor and located on East Franklin Street. Before the house existed, the site was home to University presidents Joseph Caldwell and David Swain. “It’s pretty interesting. We found a lot of artifacts relating to our University history,” said Paul Kapp, UNC’s campus historic preservation manager.

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UNC student competes on "Jeopardy"

By JERRI SIMMONS | February 24

Bernard Holloway can regularly be seen on UNC’s STV news and talk-show program “Feedback Live,” but Wednesday night, he grabbed the spotlight as a contestant on the national game show “Jeopardy.” Holloway, a sophomore political science and economics double major, competed in the Ultimate Tournament of Champions, a 15-week tournament that reunites the greatest players in the show’s 21-year history. Holloway said he was intimidated, but more by the categories than the other competitors.

News

Degrees given to honored guests

By JERRI SIMMONS | February 21

Bill Clinton, James Earl Jones, Billy Graham, Bill Cosby and John Edwards all have one thing in common: All have received honorary degrees from the University. These people are just a few among many distinguished others who have received this honor given out at Commencement each May. The Honorary Degrees and Special Awards Committee works each year to reward outstanding individuals who deserve such honorable awards.

News

Position opens doors for SBPs

By JERRI SIMMONS | February 15

With only a few months until he finishes his career at UNC and his term as student body president, Matt Calabria isn’t sure what he’ll do when graduation comes — but he knows his experiences in office will help in whatever he pursues. “It’s the end of one chapter,” he said. Student body presidents take on a large role when they step into office — one that teaches them important professional skills.