UNC Campus Connections
Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Campus Connections.
NASA astronaut, UNC grad Zena Cardman begins mission aboard International Space Station
If you look up into the sky at just the right time, you might catch Hampton Roads native Zena Cardman native orbiting by. Aboard the International Space Station for the first time, the NASA astronaut has a view very few get to see. The SpaceX Crew-11 blasted off from Florida last Friday, with Cardman, 37, serving as the mission's commander. (
WTKR.com)
A first-of-its-kind garden comes to life at UNC in testimony to NC's Native presence
Lying nestled in the plants and trees across the street from the UNC American Indian Center is a project finally coming to fruition. An American Indian Cultural Garden is being constructed just a 10-minute walk from UNC landmarks, like the Old Well. It is a collaboration between the UNC American Indian Center and the North Carolina Botanical Garden. (
WUNC)
A look into music venue Cat’s Cradle’s storied history
For over 55 years, Cat’s Cradle has been the leading concert venue within UNC’s vicinity, hosting a variety of events including musicians, philanthropic benefits, stand-up acts and more. One of Cat’s Cradle’s most notable shows includes Nirvana’s 1991 show, which took place 10 days after the release of their most famous studio album, “Nevermind.” (
Daily Tar Heel)
A New Bar, ‘Extension’ of Al’s Burger Shack, Is Now Open in Downtown Chapel Hill
Al’s Burger Shack is expanding in Chapel Hill — although, not with another restaurant location. The popular burger joint at 516 West Franklin Street added another business to its operations, with the opening of Puddin’s Beer Shack on July 29. The bar is at 104 North Graham Street, and serves another side to the outdoor seating offered at Al’s Burger Shack. (
Chapelboro.com)
Beloved UNC Professor, Provost Dick Richardson Dies at 90
Richard “Dick” Richardson, who was a faculty member at Carolina for more than 30 years, died peacefully at home with his family June 23. He was 90. After stints teaching at Tulane, Western Michigan University and the University of Hawaii, Richardson came to Carolina in 1969. He quickly established himself as a revered political science professor. (
Carolina Alumni Review)
UNC alum Zena Cardman leads NASA's SpaceX mission to International Space Station
The International Space Station is welcoming its newest crew this weekend, led by a commander with deep ties to Hampton Roads. Zena Cardman, a Bruton High School graduate, guided a four-person U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew to the orbiting laboratory after launching from Florida on Friday. She received a Bachelor of Science in biology from UNC. (
13 News Now)
New Pizza Restaurant Opens in Carrboro; Sports Bar Holds Grand Opening in Chapel Hill
Over in Chapel Hill, another business offering pizza options held its grand opening on Saturday. One40 Social is a new sports bar at 140 West Franklin Street in Suite 190 — a space long left vacant since Old Chicago Pizza permanently closed in 2017. After an extensive renovation, the space is redecorated with vibrant murals and a dozen televisions. (
Chapelboro.com)
10 Chapel Hill mainstays that tie Tar Heels together
Every Tar Heel has a favorite spot to gather with friends, grab a meal, or shop for Carolina gear in downtown Chapel Hill. While many establishments have come and gone over the years, there are a handful that, while they may have a new name or updated address, still serve students and locals with a smile and offer a twinge of nostalgia for all. (
UNC.edu)
Watch as double Tar Heel, NASA mission commander Zena Cardman heads to space
Zena Cardman is heading out of this world. The astronaut, who delivered UNC's 2024 Spring Commencement address, is the mission commander for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 12:09 p.m. July 31 from Kennedy Space Center. A livestream of the launch is available on several streaming platforms. (
UNC.edu)
UNC campus stars in Season 3 of Amazon Prime series
Amazon’s wildly popular “The Summer I Turned Pretty” series, based on the young adult romance trilogy by Carolina distinguished alumna Jenny Han, was already being filmed in North Carolina, in and around Wilmington. When main character Isabel “Belly” Conklin went to college, why wouldn’t she study and party on the same campus as her creator? (
UNC.edu)