UNC Campus Connections

Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Campus Connections.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Openings, Closings and Updates in July-September 2025

The top story of July, and one of the biggest of all 2025, is the historical rainfall and flooding caused by Tropical Depression Chantal in North Carolina. Many spots in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and beyond saw intense flash floods wreck properties on July 6 — with many businesses among them. Few businesses went unscathed at Eastgate Crossing shopping center. (Chapelboro.com)

University Day at Carolina

Each year on Oct. 12, Carolina celebrates University Day, which marks the laying of the cornerstone of Old East — the campus’ first building and the oldest state university building in the nation. The day is a celebration of our mission as the country’s first public university and our service to North Carolina, the nation and the world. (UNC.edu)

Franklin Street is a revolving door for closing and opening restaurants

The Purple Bowl is an acai restaurant that has been on Franklin Street for about eight years. McClaren Hopper, the restaurant’s general manager, said community loyalty is a key factor in their continued success, which they built through partnerships like catering events at UNC and hosting fundraisers for local organizations. (Daily Tar Heel)

Professor Dwayne Dixon reinstated by UNC following 'thorough threat assessment'

UNC Asian and Middle Eastern Studies professor Dwayne Dixon was reinstated on Friday by University administration after being placed on administrative leave on Monday. The University cited "recent reports and expressions of concern regarding alleged advocacy of politically motivated violence" as the reasoning behind his suspension. (Daily Tar Heel)

Lucas: Eric Church’s public service makes him ideal for UNC's 2026 Commencement

Eric Church has been all over the world. He’s played the biggest stages in music. He’s hosted the largest concert in North Carolina’s history. He’s one of three country artists ever to play multiple nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. He packed three shows at Denver’s famed Red Rocks this summer. And through it all, his heart has never left North Carolina. (UNC.edu)

Country star Eric Church is UNC's 2026 Spring Commencement speaker

World-renowned country musician and avid Tar Heel fan Eric Church will deliver Carolina's 2026 Spring Commencement address. The ceremony will be held in Kenan Stadium at 7 p.m. May 9, 2026. “A proud North Carolinian and one of country music’s most influential voices, Eric Church has long been a devoted Tar Heel fan and supporter of our University." (UNC.edu)

UNC alum, legendary sportscaster Marty Brennaman immortalized with statue at Reds' stadium

Marty Brennaman has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Reds Hall of Fame and the Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame, but he called being immortalized with a bronze sculpture outside Great American Ball Park his greatest honor. Brennaman’s bronze likeness is seated behind the microphone with his scorebook nearby. (MLB.com)

Seven Tar Heels selected for 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Each University Day, UNC honors alumni for their outstanding contributions to UNC and society. This year, the University will present seven Distinguished Alumni Awards at a celebration Oct. 12 at Memorial Hall. Here are this year’s winners: Kristin Acquavella ’93 is an active-duty rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and 4-time national soccer champion at UNC. (UNC.edu)

Local Latin American food truck opens brick-and-mortar restaurant in Chapel Hill

The Latin Effect officially opened its doors at 504 West Franklin St. While the brick-and-mortar restaurant is new, The Latin Effect has been serving customers through their food truck since 2020. Husband-and-wife duo Alberto and Rebecca Chedrani co-own the brand and food truck, but Alberto is the owner of The Latin Effect's brick-and-mortar restaurant. (Daily Tar Heel)

Musician and UNC Alum Tift Merritt, a True North Carolina Gem, Still Has Plenty of Material to Mine

Although born in Texas, Tift Merritt was raised in Raleigh and is a North Carolina girl through and through. She waitressed in Wilmington for a stint after high school before enrolling at UNC in the late ‘90s, where she immersed herself in the creative writing department, studying under Doris Betts and intending to become a fiction writer. (Indy Week)

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