Bonnie E. Cone oral history interview 21, 1988 May 3

In this sixteenth and final of a series of interviews conducted by Dr. Ed Perzel (former Chair of the Department of History and Associate Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UNC Charlotte), Bonnie Cone continues to discuss the history of UNC Charlotte. She tells the story of Mary Alexander's gift of land to Charlotte College and returns to the topics of the Owls and 49ers mascots as well as one of the tax levy elections to support the school. Ms. Cone describes the contributions of Bill Mitchell to the honors and awards program at the institution and recalls recruiting staff and faculty, including librarian Jim Ramer, professors Sherman Burson and Robert Rieke, Sam Simono to found the Counseling Center, Don MacKay, and others. She shares her evaluation of Robert Rieke's history of UNC Charlotte and how her recollection of certain events differs from what is depicted in his book. She briefly mentions the political climate relating to East Carolina University and working with administrative staff members within the University of North Carolina System. Ms. Cone concludes by reflecting on the purpose of UNC Charlotte and the role of innovation in its mission.