Alumni Receive Special Awards
On Thursday, May 14, the Belk College hosted a reception at the UNC Charlotte Harris Alumni Center at Johnsons Glen to celebrate alumni service and generosity over the past year in support of the College and our students. Dr. Steven Ott, Dean of the Belk College, shared, “Support from our alumni directly impacts the scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities we offer for our students.”
The Belk College of Business takes pride in the success of our graduates in their professional careers and through their civic involvement with the College and in the community. Dean Ott thanked alumni serving on the Alumni Council, Board of Advisors, Real Estate Alumni Association Board and Department of Accounting Advisory Board. The Dean then recognized four alumni who are the, “epitome of service to the College.”
Two alumni who have distinguished themselves through consistent volunteer leadership, service and participation in the Belk College Alumni Council and alumni network activities were recognized as an Outstanding Alumni Advocate.
Kirk Beatty ’87, ’10 MBA has two degrees from UNC Charlotte. He received a bachelor of science degree in computer science with a minor in business in 1987, and his MBA in 2010. He is principal and owner of Datatech Information Services, Inc. He has 30 years of professional experience in roles from executive leadership to technical expertise, and he is a valued member of our Alumni Council. Kirk consistently supports the Council through involvement with his committee, Commencement receptions, Alumni Coffees, Belk College Day and philanthropy.
Tina Enrique ’12 MBA graduated from the Ohio State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Medicine. In 2011, she completed her MBA at UNC Charlotte. Currently, she splits time managing a commercial real estate company, Timetech Holdings, LLC, and volunteering, especially active on our Alumni Council. Tina consistently supports the Council through attendance and participation in meetings, community service projects, Belk College Day, student mentoring, Alumni Coffees, and philanthropy.
Two alumni who have distinguished themselves through years of indelible loyalty, support and leadership on behalf of the Belk College of Business in the areas of board membership, philanthropic leadership, alumni and college pride, and representation in the business community were also recognized as an Outstanding Alumni Ambassador.
Dave Wedding ’80 serves as the Chairman for Grant Thornton’s Partnership Board, and he is the Managing Partner for the Mid-South Region, which includes the Carolinas and Georgia. He has more than 30 years of experience in public accounting in external audit and many of Grant Thornton’s Advisory Services practice areas, including internal audit and forensic accounting. Dave has extensive manufacturing experience and has worked with large multinational companies throughout his career. He has worked with many of our firm’s largest and most complex clients. He received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from UNC Charlotte and his MBA from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Dave serves on both the Belk College’s Board of Advisors and Accounting Advisory Board.
Manuel Zapata ’69, ’72 MBA, P.E. is President of Zapata Engineering. He studied civil engineering in his native Chile and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In fact, he was a member of the first class at the Belk College to earn an MBA in 1972. He believes in strong civic engagement. Through the NC Department of Commerce, the Charlotte Chamber and Sister Cities program, he has worked to strengthen Charlotte’s economic ties to the world. Manuel brings great perspective and insight to our Board of Advisors.
The Belk College of Business is proud to recognize alumni who are truly role models, and plans are being made to employ this year’s alumni recognition reception as a catalyst for future Belk College alumni awards. The College is in the early planning stages for an exciting program that will engage our entire community. Dean Ott concluded the first Belk College alumni recognition reception by thanking the alumni for giving so generously of their time, expertise, and financial resources over the past year and in the future.