I am only one, but I am one.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.” -Edward Everett Hale

Above is the motto of our late founder, Bonnie Cone, who passed away in 2003. Miss Bonnie dedicated much of her life to UNC Charlotte and I can see where these words came into her life. Bonnie joined the staff of the Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina (CCUNC) in 1946, becoming its director a year later. She would go on to fight to save CCUNC, creating Charlotte College in 1949. In the early 60s, she would help Charlotte College achieve 4 year University status, creating the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Bonnie dedicated her life to a cause, ignoring the fact that she was just one person, in pursuit of closing the education gap in the Charlotte region.

Miss Bonnie understood her abilities as one person to make a difference in the world. This is where I can relate to Bonnie Cone. In my time at UNC Charlotte, I’ve been involved in this organization called SIFE, the Students in Free Enterprise. We believe that if we apply business concepts and an entrepreneurial spirit to service projects, then we can  change the world. We have a fundamental belief that philanthropy and community service isn’t simply volunteering in a food drive or a cancer walk, but that it is much more. We believe in creating our own opportunities through our entrepreneurial spirit.

In all honesty, this is exactly what Miss Bonnie did. Bonnie made opportunities and she made UNC Charlotte.

As you continue your collegiate career, look for opportunities to help one another. And try not to do just one good deed a day, create something that will allow others to do countless good deeds every day. Think outside the box and find something that you are passionate about, just like Miss Bonnie did in 1946. And if you need a little inspiration, just wander over to the Van Landingham Glen, you’ll find a pleasant surprise waiting on you there. 

Stay Green and Go Niners,

-Matthew G. Murrow

Follow Matt on Twitter: @Matt_Murrow. The Facebook event is here. 

Don’t forget to vote for Homecoming at homecoming.uncc.edu from February 6th-10th.