Memories of Bonnie Cone

This collection consists of interviewees recounting their memories of Bonnie Cone.

James G. Babb, Jr. oral history interview 1, 2013 July 18
In this interview, James G. "Jim" Babb, long-time Charlotte resident and student at Charlotte College in the 1950s, recalls his early years in New York City, Boston, and Charlotte, North Carolina; his school days at Dilworth Elementary School, O'Donohue School, and Central High School in Charlotte; his employment at The Charlotte News, The Charlotte Observer, and WBTV; his service in the United States Army during the Korean War; and his education at Newberry College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Belmont-Abbey College, and Charlotte College. Specifically, he shares about the circumstances that led to each of these associations throughout his life and comments on memorable individuals he met along the way. He describes Bonnie Cone and Edyth Winningham from Charlotte College and discusses fellow students John Kilgo, Ken Harris, and Merwin Foard. He speculates about the origin of Dr. Cone's tenacity and compassion, shares his opinion of her being passed over for the chancellorship of the newly created University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and identifies what he believes is her legacy. Other topics include Mr. Babb's parents' occupations, his opinion of segregation, his first relationship with an African-American individual as a child, his assessment of World War II's effect on his family and community, his involvement from childhood in playing and reporting on sports, his opinion of Chancellor Dean Colvard, and his association with political campaigns, including the pioneering use of television in local campaigning.
Genevieve Barnhart oral history interview, 2014 July 24
In this interview, Bonnie Cone's niece Ann McWhirter, her great-niece Genevieve Barnhart, and Ann's husband Bill McWhirter share their memories of Bonnie Cone. They describe her persuasiveness and enabling of others, her motivation and work ethic, her positivity, her vision for Charlotte College and UNC Charlotte, and her sense of fashion. They recall Bonnie's teaching years, her homes in Charlotte, her caring for her mother, and her involvement in Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. They reflect on how she represented women, on her reaction to not being chosen as Chancellor of UNC Charlotte, and on her and her family's feelings about her being buried on campus. Ms. Barnhart recounts how she came to live with and help care for her Great-Aunt Bonnie and attend UNC Charlotte. Mrs. McWhirter recalls a cross-country road trip with Bonnie and explains how Bonnie was like a mother to her. Other topics include Bonnie Cone's education at Duke, her favorite sayings, what her opinion would be of football at UNC Charlotte, and her friendships with people such as Oliver and Marie Rowe, Woody Kennedy, J. Murrey Atkins, and Chancellors Dean Colvard, E. K. Fretwell, and James Woodward.
H. Parry Bliss, Jr. oral history interview, 2015 October 22
In this interview H. Parry Bliss, Jr., alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares memories of his time as a student at the university, particularly of his senior year in 1969. He recalls his impressions of Bonnie Cone and recounts an interaction between her and Stokely Carmichael during an event Mr. Carmichael held on UNC Charlotte's campus. He comments on civil rights at the university, the decision to bring fraternities and football to UNC Charlotte, particular faculty that influenced him, student opinion on Bonnie Cone not becoming chancellor, the relationship among the student body, the student newspaper and yearbook, and his role in founding the UNC Charlotte chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi. Other topics include Mr. Bliss’s involvement with the alumni association, his career in insurance finance and employment with Ernst & Ernst in Charlotte, and his donation of artwork to the university in memory of his colleagues that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Jack Claiborne oral history interview 2, 2012 March 28
In this interview, Jack Claiborne, long-time reporter and editor with The Charlotte Observer and former director of public relations at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares his recollections of Bonnie Cone, Charlotte College's early years, and its transition into the fourth campus of the University of North Carolina System. He remembers Ms. Cone's engaging personality and profound influence on particular students when she was a teacher at Central High School and director of the Charlotte Center of UNC, the precursor to Charlotte College. He discusses the educational climate of Charlotte in the post-World War II era, including the city-wide conviction that Charlotte needed a university, and traces the history of what is now UNC Charlotte from the perspective of Ms. Cone's tireless direction and advocacy. Other topics include Ms. Cone's leadership style, female friendships, and her time attending and teaching at Duke University; selection of a site for Charlotte College; the debate over inclusion in the UNC System and Mr. Claiborne's coverage of it; and numerous members of Ms. Cone's advisory board and the Board of Trustees, such as George Everett, Addison Reece, Clarence Kuester, and Pete McKnight. Mr. Claiborne discusses the decision to bring in Dean Colvard as the first chancellor of UNC Charlotte in place of Bonnie Cone. He gives his perspective on how the decision affected Ms. Cone, and describes her relationship with Dr. Colvard. He also relates his own educational and occupational background, reveals the behind-the-scenes view he had of Bonnie Cone's leadership, and explains his role in her being buried on UNC Charlotte's campus.
Ellison Clary oral history interview, 2012 May 25
In this interview, Mr. Ellison Clary, Charlotte native and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, tells of his experience growing up in Charlotte in the 1950s, attending Charlotte College and UNC Charlotte during the pivotal years of 1963 to 1968, and interacting with Bonnie Cone. He describes his neighborhood and his high school days at Harding and Garinger high schools, recollects his start in the newspaper business, and explains his first impressions of Bonnie Cone and Charlotte College's new campus off Highway 49. He recalls his involvement as columnist and editor of the university's student paper and as class representative in student government. He describes several memorable professors, such as Jamgotch, Wade, Brenner, Winningham, Rieke, Randazzo, Ellis, Robbins, Morrill, and Witherspoon; African-American students, such as Betty Potts, Ben Chavis, and Ron Caldwell; and other influential students, such as Frank Jones, Larry Keith, Gene Johnson, and Joe Price. He reflects on the Civil Rights movement and his understanding of it from Dorothy Counts' arrival at his high school (Harding High School), to Stokely Carmichael's visit to UNC Charlotte, to his interviewing Reginald Hawkins for a class. Mr. Clary also comments on the Vietnam War and the sentiment concerning both the war and civil rights issues among young Southerners. Other topics include student response to Charlotte College's inclusion in the UNC System and to Dean Colvard's appointment as Chancellor instead of Bonnie Cone, the rivalry between UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte, the original student union (now Cone University Center), the creation of a football program at UNC Charlotte, Hugh McColl and Bank of America's relationship with the university, coach Harvey Murphy and the growth of the athletics program, student life in the 1960s, and Mr. Clary's involvement with the alumni association. Regarding Bonnie Cone, he shares how she would explain why she could not be Chancellor, remembers her persistence and determined vision for the college, and recounts excursions with her to Charlotte businesses and to Raleigh for her to "show off" her students and raise support. Finally, he speculates about her opinion of present-day UNC Charlotte and whether or not it would exist without her.
Mildred English oral history interview, 2012 September 17
In this interview, Mildred English, Monroe native and long-time employee of Charlotte College and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, tells of her personal history and shares her first-hand knowledge of Bonnie Cone. She begins by speaking of her parents' occupations and her early education during the Great Depression. She recalls her first post-college job working at the American Association of Junior Colleges in Washington, D.C., and describes life in the city in the late 1940s and early 1950s. She explains her decision to go to graduate school and work with students and how she came to work as Business Manager at Charlotte College with Bonnie Cone. She describes the college's campus at Central High School, the circumstances surrounding its move to the new campus off Highway 49, and its induction into the UNC System. She discusses the politics of this inclusion, of Bonnie Cone's being passed over for the chancellorship, and of the UNC System in general. She recalls opposition to Charlotte College's growth and to Bonnie Cone's vision for the school and describes Miss Cone's management style, personality, work ethic, and passion for students and their success. Other topics include Ms. English's duties at Charlotte College, the contrast between faculty at Charlotte College and UNC Charlotte, Bonnie's Boys, the Charlotte College bell and barn, and festivities surrounding the new campus. Ms. English also relates the story of two female students, Martha Price and Rose Erwin, who completed their bachelor's and master's degrees solely through evening and summer classes at Charlotte College and UNC Charlotte.
John Erickson oral history interview, 2014 July 17
In this interview, John Erickson, the first dormitory student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares an anecdote of the then Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Bonnie Cone. He recalls her bringing him a plate of brownies his first night in his room, his mistaken assumption that she was custodial staff taking special care of new students, his surprise to realize her real identity during student orientation, and Dr. Cone's recollection of the event some twenty years later when she met his wife--also a UNC Charlotte graduate. Mr. Erickson also explains what led him to return to UNC Charlotte for graduate school and comments on his graduate and undergraduate experience at the university.
Merwin Edsel Foard oral history interview 2, 2014 February 28
In this second of two interviews, Merwin Edsel Foard, native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 1957 graduate of Charlotte College, continues to share about his experience attending the school. He begins by mentioning his service in the Korean War and Bonnie Cone's advocacy for veteran education. He comments on the benefit he received from his degree and on the influence Ms. Cone and faculty members Mary Denny, Edyth Winningham, Herbert Hechenbleikner, and Loy Witherspoon had in his life. He recounts his extracurricular involvement at Charlotte College, where he was on the basketball team. He was also a member of the Sigma Lambda Chi fraternity and served as the vice president in student government. He recalls social life at the college and several classmates in particular, such as John Kilgo and Bill Reid. Mr. Foard also discusses his contributions as a student through the Speakers Bureau to raise support for Charlotte College and his continued advocacy as an alumnus. He tells of his singing activities at Charlotte College, with the Charlotte Opera Association, and at Carver College where he sang for a baccalaureate service. He also reflects on the social climate of the time and the civil rights movement. Other topics include Mr. Foard's career with the Bell Telephone System, his activity surrounding the acceptance of Charlotte College as the fourth campus of the University of North Carolina System, and memorable interactions with Bonnie Cone.
Merwin Edsel Foard oral history interview 1, 2014 February 4
In this first of two interviews, Merwin Edsel Foard, Charlotte native and graduate of Charlotte College, reflects on his life history and his conviction of divine providence throughout his life. He recounts the Foard family's deep rooted connection to the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, area, including the circumstances surrounding their emigration from Ireland during the colonial era. He tells of his grandparents, of his mother's strength, and of his father's service in World War I and time spent working construction at the nuclear facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during World War II. Mr. Foard recalls growing up in Charlotte, his school days at Harding High School, and his early employment as a boy and a young man. He also shares about a particularly influential teacher who encouraged him to meet with Charlotte College Director Bonnie Cone and to continue his education at the college, and about the local banking industry in the 1950s. Other topics include his impressions of segregation, his singing at the local African American Carver College's graduation ceremony, his involvement in garnering support for Charlotte College to become the fourth campus of the University of North Carolina System, and his recollections of various men on the Board of Trustees for Charlotte College.
William C. Friday oral history interview, 2012 May 1
In this interview, William "Bill" Friday, long-time president of the University of North Carolina System, shares his memories of Bonnie Cone, the founder of Charlotte College. He describes Ms. Cone's drive to establish a university in Charlotte, her motives behind the endeavor, her ability to bring together individuals of influence and persuade them to join her cause, and her perceptive leadership. He also discusses the nature of his relationship with Bonnie Cone, comments on their similar background, and reflects on his decision to choose Dean Colvard as the first chancellor of UNC Charlotte instead of Bonnie Cone. Other topics include the political aspects of public higher education and the circumstances surrounding Charlotte College's becoming UNC Charlotte (the fourth campus of the UNC System), including the Carlyle Commission, administrator Arnold King's influence on Bonnie Cone, and the different dynamics of the UNC campuses at Charlotte, Wilmington, and Asheville.
Cameron Morrison Harris oral history interview, 2014 June 12
In this interview, Cameron Morrison Harris, long-time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, and alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, discusses his experience growing up in Charlotte and his involvement with UNC Charlotte and its predecessor Charlotte College. He describes his grandfather Cameron Morrison, the former governor of North Carolina, and comments on his father James Harris's development of Governor Morrison's estate in what is now Cotswold, South Park, and Ballantyne in Charlotte. He recalls meeting Bonnie Cone for the first time and describes her determination and motherly care for students as well as what it was like having her as an academic advisor. He reflects on Bonnie Cone's legacy, shares his opinion of her not being selected as chancellor of UNC Charlotte, and provides his estimation of whether her vision for Charlotte College has been fulfilled. Mr. Harris also discusses his philosophy of higher education and the circumstances surrounding the creation of a football program at UNC Charlotte. Other topics include prominent Charlotteans such as Oliver Rowe, J. A. Jones, and Woody Kennedy; professors that made a particular impression on Mr. Harris, such as Loy Witherspoon and Ruth Blackwelder; his involvement with the golf team while he was a student; and the role he played in bringing the Niner Miner and Self-made Man statues to UNC Charlotte's campus, including the Miner statue's connection to the development of the university's Distinguished Service Award.
Moutaz Khouja oral history interview, 2014 June 09
In this interview, Dr. Moutaz Khouja, professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, reminisces about Bonnie Cone, his friend and neighbor from the College Downs neighborhood in Charlotte. He recalls his first impressions of Ms. Cone at a neighborhood dinner hosted by the previous owner of his house, Dr. Herbert Hechenbleikner, and comments on the modesty, positivity, generosity, and respect for others that Ms. Cone exhibited throughout the years he knew her. He shares some of Bonnie Cone's iconic sayings, recalls her sharing stories about her childhood and days at Duke and in Washington, D.C., and describes her leadership style, her involvement with UNC Charlotte when he first met her in the early 1990s, and her relationships with Chancellor Woodward, Dr. Hechenbleikner, and Dr. Loy Witherspoon. Dr. Khouja also discusses the College Downs neighborhood, his memories of Dr. Hechenbleikner, and his understanding of Bonnie Cone's vision for UNC Charlotte. Other topics include restaurants that Bonnie Cone frequented, her caretakers in her later years, and the College Downs Garden Club.
James William Kirk oral history interview 2, 2013 November 26
In this interview, James William Kirk, neighbor and alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares his knowledge of the institution's present site on Highway 49 and the history of the surrounding area, including his family's involvement in the site's selection and the area's development. He reflects on Bonnie Cone, recounting his first interaction with her when she visited his family's home to recruit his father to lobby the site selection committee. He comments on her leadership style, discusses the advantages and disadvantages her gender gave her, and speculates as to why she was passed over for the chancellorship of UNC Charlotte. Mr. Kirk explains his motivation for beginning college in his 50s and his experience as a non-traditional student at UNC Charlotte. He also discusses community opinion on issues relating to the college, such as the selection of the Highway 49 site, Charlotte's need for a university, the campaign for Charlotte College to be included in the Consolidated University of North Carolina, and the development brought to the campus area including the controversial public housing project. Other topics include his family's land and its buyers, his service on UNC Charlotte's alumni board, the Charlotte business community's posture toward UNC Charlotte, the neighboring Mecklenburg County Home, and Charlotte College's groundbreaking ceremony at the Highway 49 site, including his father's estimation of its historical importance for the county.
Emil Kratt oral history interview, 2012 March 22
In this interview, Emil Kratt, long-time attorney, Charlotte resident, and member of Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, shares his memories of Bonnie Cone. He recalls their shared service on the Board of Deacons of Myers Park Baptist Church, how he selected her as his vice-chair for her fundraising capabilities, and how he recommended her to be his successor as chair in 1974. Mr. Kratt also discusses Bonnie Cone's leadership style, personal interests, and character qualities along with the influence of her Baptist faith on how she lived her life.
Mary Norton Kratt oral history interview, 2012 March 22
In this interview, Mary Norton Kratt, award-winning author and adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, recalls her knowledge of and interactions with Bonnie Cone from her high school years at Central High School when Miss Cone was director of Charlotte College to their time together serving as deacons at Myers Park Baptist Church in the 1970s. Mrs. Kratt discusses Miss Cone's leadership style, especially as it relates to the context of her time, and reflects on Miss Cone's significance for Charlotte, her apparent preference for working with men, and her capability of leading UNC Charlotte as chancellor, a position which was not granted to her. Other topics include controversial decisions of Myers Park Baptist Church and the perception of Baptists by the larger Charlotte community.
Larry Mellichamp oral history interview 2, 2014 June 1
In this second of two interviews, Dr. Larry Mellichamp, long-time faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, continues to share about his experience managing the university's botanical gardens and describes his relationship with Bonnie Cone. He recalls her love of gardening and interest in the gardens on campus, comments on her relationships with donors such as the McMillans, recounts some of her common sayings and the lessons he learned from them, and describes her empathy, thoughtfulness, positivity, and advocacy for students as well as her home and behavioral quirks. He explains the attitude of some in the university administration toward Ms. Cone and the gardens, briefly comments on general feelings regarding her not being given the chancellorship, discusses the circumstances surrounding her burial on campus, and reflects on her legacy and how best to remember her. Dr. Mellichamp also describes Dr. Herbert Hechenbleikner, comparing and contrasting him with Bonnie Cone.
Dorlan D. Mork oral history interview 1, 2014 July 7
In this first of two interviews, Dr. Dorlan D. Mork, long-time employee of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and close friend and neighbor of Bonnie Cone, reflects on his own career and on the life and legacy of Dr. Cone. He begins by commenting on his early life during the Depression and tracing the history of his education and career before discussing how he came to UNC Charlotte in 1972 and came to know Bonnie Cone. Dr. Mork describes what UNC Charlotte's campus was like in the 1970s, both in structure and spirit, and recounts the shaping of the university from the perspective of the administration, faculty, and students. He shares personal anecdotes about Bonnie Cone concerning conversations he had with her, some of her common sayings, and her relationship with his children and with the students at UNC Charlotte throughout her life. He describes her character and consistency and explains how her parents and upbringing shaped her values. He shares his opinion of the chancellorship going to someone other than Bonnie Cone and recounts the treatment of her by university administrators and the athletic department through the years. Dr. Mork also recalls his efforts to find her an office on campus around the time of her retirement. Other topics include the philosophy and development of the College of Human Development and Learning (later College of Education) at UNC Charlotte; the College Downs neighborhood where Dr. Mork, Dr. Cone, and Dr. Loy Witherspoon lived; Bonnie Cone's relationships with Oliver Rowe, Elmer Garinger, and her great-niece Genevieve Barnhart; her affinity for roses and UNC Charlotte basketball; her fundraising efforts; her involvement with the Boy Scouts; her declining health in her later years; and her burial on campus.
Dan L. Morrill oral history interview 5, 2012 March 6
In this interview, Dr. Dan Morrill, long-time history professor and marshall at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Consulting Director of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, describes how he came to work at Charlotte College in 1963, and why the position attracted him. He shares memories of several personal encounters with Bonnie Cone and comments on how each reflected different parts of her character, describing her as "an iron fist in a velvet glove." He remarks on her dedication to the success of Charlotte College, her support for students in need, and her religious and social convictions, including her stand against alcohol. Dr. Morrill also reflects on the chancellorship being given to Dean Colvard instead of Bonnie Cone, sharing both the broader faculty's and his personal feelings on the subject in addition to Ms. Cone's response. Throughout the interview, he also discusses civil rights, touching on several topics, including the climate of North Carolina as contrasted with the rest of the South, Dr. Colvard's work in Mississippi, Bonnie Cone's positive attitude toward African-American students, and civil rights activities on the UNC Charlotte campus in the late 1960s.
Dan L. Morrill oral history interview 6, 2012 March 28
In this follow-up interview to his interview of March 6, 2012, Dr. Dan Morrill continues to reflect upon Bonnie Cone and the transition of the university from Charlotte College to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He recalls a spontaneous celebration on campus when the news arrived that Charlotte College had become the fourth campus of the University of North Carolina system. Students started ringing the old school bell that was erected for a time in the courtyard in front of the Kennedy building. Dr. Morrill also discusses the significance of having Miss Cone buried on the university's campus and the importance of institutional history to a university community. Finally, he summarizes the significance of Miss Cone's career at Charlotte, remarks on how he would like students to learn about her, and observes the difference between the early faculty of Charlotte College and the faculty of the early twenty-first century.
Harvey Murphy oral history interview, 2012 August 15
In this interview, Dr. Harvey Murphy, long-time faculty member and athletic director at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, discusses his career at the university. He begins by recalling his first impressions of the fledgling campus in winter 1964 and of the contagiously optimistic director, Bonnie Cone, who recruited him to join the faculty and coach basketball--the latter of which he was reluctant to do. Dr. Murphy describes Dr. Cone's "hands-on" leadership style, her "love and care of students," and the "political miracle" of securing the college's survival and eventual acceptance into the University of North Carolina System. He also comments on how Dr. Cone was passed over for the position of chancellor of UNC Charlotte, when Dean Colvard was appointed to the position in 1965. He reflects on how Dr. Cone's vision for UNC Charlotte has been realized and comments on her and Dr. Colvard's involvement in civil rights events on campus, speaking also of T. J. Reddy's and Ben Chavis's positions as African-American athletes at UNC Charlotte. From his own experience, Dr. Murphy recollects observing racism from competitors while he was basketball coach as well as receiving late-night calls attempting to intimidate him. He goes on to describe the logistics of running an athletics program with no on-campus facilities and the later tension between academic and athletic departments over use of the Belk Gym. Transitioning to speak of the period after he stepped down as athletic director, Dr. Murphy defines kinesiology, discusses applied exercise physiology and how he came to be interested in the field, and shares his view of the kinesiology department's mission. He gives examples of his research including a project with the local fire department to institute a fitness program and evaluations. Other topics include the university's colors and mascot and his involvement with planning the Student Activity Center, investigating the cost of starting a football program during the Colvard years, and developing an intramural program. He concludes with brief remarks on then-athletic director Judy Rose.
Billy J. Reid oral history interview 1, 2012 September 13
In this interview, Bill J. Reid, one of "Bonnie's Boys" and a Charlotte College alumnus, reflects on growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the Great Depression and on Bonnie Cone's influence in his life. He recalls his education at Dilworth Elementary School, Alexander Graham Junior High, Central High, Queens College, Charlotte College, and Davidson College. He explains his understanding as a high school freshman of the Charlotte Center (later Charlotte College) that met in Central High School, and he traces his involvement with the college from that point through his years as an alumnus. Topics related to his college career include memorable professors such as Pierre Macy, Edyth Winningham, and Herbert Hechenbleikner, fellow students such as Merwin Foard, meaningful field trips, and the contrasting educational cultures of Charlotte and Davidson Colleges. He recalls being part of a group of students led by Miss Cone who used their own time and resources to encourage community support to fund the college, participating in the groundbreaking at the Highway 49 location, and writing the Charlotte College alma mater, which he sings during the interview. Mr. Reid stresses the vital role Bonnie Cone played in his success, describes her positivity and persistency, shares his continuing personal relationship with her after graduating from Charlotte College, and speculates on what she would think of UNC Charlotte today. Earlier in the interview, he also describes his family, comments on childhood relationships with African Americans in segregated Charlotte, and summarizes his Air Force service during and after the Korean War.
J. Kenneth Sanford oral history interview, 2012 April 17
In this interview, J. Kenneth (Ken) Sanford, long-time Director of Public Information and Publications at UNC Charlotte, shares his perspective of the process of Charlotte College becoming the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, first as an outsider reporting on the state legislature for the Winston-Salem Journal, then as an insider working at the college. He recounts how he came to work for Bonnie Cone as her public relations director and describes the selection of UNC Charlotte's first chancellor, including community and stakeholder reactions to the selection of Dean Colvard instead of Bonnie Cone. He comments on the relationship between Ms. Cone and Chancellors Colvard, Fretwell, and Woodward and describes how Ms. Cone, Chancellor Colvard, faculty, and staff met the challenges of building a university. Other topics include Bonnie Cone'”s attachment to and advocacy for the college, her leadership strengths and weaknesses, her perspective on the feminist movement, and her role in addressing civil rights issues on campus. Mr. Sanford also explains his own speech-writing duties for Bonnie Cone and the chancellors and recalls an incident where Ms. Cone stood up to activist Stokely Carmichael regarding his attempts to prevent her and others from entering the room where he was speaking at UNC Charlotte. Mr. Sanford concludes the interview by sharing how he wants Bonnie Cone to be remembered by current students and by relating his estimation of her as the "founding mother" of UNC Charlotte.
Bonnie Cone Sawyer and Faye Reynolds oral history interview, 2013 December 5
In this interview, Bonnie Cone Sawyer, niece and namesake of Bonnie Cone, and Faye Reynolds, friend of both the aunt and niece, share their memories of Bonnie Cone and give insight into her personal life. Mrs. Sawyer recalls her childhood memories of Ms. Cone including family get-togethers at her grandparents' home. She explains Ms. Cone's family background, including education, religion, relationship with her parents, and her hometown of Lodge, South Carolina. Describing Ms. Cone as competitive and a perfectionist, Mrs. Sawyer traces Ms. Cone's life from Lodge to Coker College, comments on how these experiences shaped her, and explains how she came to be in Charlotte. She recalls Charlotte College's transition to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares the family's reaction to Ms. Cone's not being given the chancellorship, and describes her later years, including the decision for Ms. Cone to be buried on campus. Mrs. Reynolds discusses her connection to Bonnie Cone at Central High School in Charlotte as well as Ms. Cone's influence in getting her to Coker College and introducing her to Bonnie Cone Sawyer, who became her college roommate. Other topics include Ms. Cone's recreational pastimes and love of nature and music, her property in Lodge, her living arrangements in Charlotte and her neighbors including Moutaz Khouja and Loy Witherspoon, her first car, her political and religious persuasion and views on romance; and Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. Mrs. Sawyer concludes the interview by reading a piece she wrote for her children explaining what her Aunt Bonnie meant to her.
Loy H. Witherspoon oral history interview 7, 2010 June 3
Loy Witherspoon was a 80-year-old man at the time of interview, which took place on the campus of UNC Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was born in Catawba, North Carolina in 1930. He graduated from Duke University with a BA and a BD degree, and from Boston University with a PhD in the New Testament. He was employed with UNC Charlotte from 1964 to 1994, where he led the Department of Philosophy and Religion, then established and chaired the Department of Religious Studies when it split off from philosophy beginning in 1972., In this fourth of seven interviews given by Loy Witherspoon and conducted by Christina Wright, Dr. Witherspoon focuses the conversation on Bonnie Cone, the founder of UNC Charlotte. He discusses Ms. Cone's long relationship with UNC Charlotte, including her efforts to make Charlotte College a four-year institution and part of the University of North Carolina system during the 1940s-1960s, her vision for Dr. Witherspoon to serve a ministerial role on campus, and her being passed over as Chancellor of the university in the 1960s, which he speculates may have been because of her gender. Dr. Witherspoon also describes his concern for an ecumenical approach to ministry on campus, and how he, Ms. Cone, and other faculty members settled in the College Downs neighborhood, adjacent to the university., Loy H. Witherspoon papers, J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections and University Archives, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (https://findingaids.uncc.edu/repositories/4/resources/233)
James H. Woodward oral history interview 3, 2013 November 19
In this interview, Dr. James Woodward, chancellor emeritus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, reflects on Bonnie Cone and the history of UNC Charlotte. Describing Ms. Cone as a giant in a small body, Dr. Woodward recollects his first knowledge about and impressions of her, discusses his relationship with her and the other previous chancellors, Dean Colvard and E. K. Fretwell, and describes Ms. Cone's role at the university during his tenure. He comments on the unusual circumstance of all of UNC Charlotte's previous chancellors remaining in Charlotte after their retirement and on the mythical aspects of the university community's perception of Bonnie Cone. He explains Ms. Cone's role in defining the culture of UNC Charlotte, in engaging the community, and in overcoming political challenges facing the university. He also discusses her talent and motivation as well as the role her gender played in her accomplishments. Other topics include gender-related pay inequity in higher education during the 1970s and 1980s particularly at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the context surrounding the decision to choose someone other than Bonnie Cone to be the first chancellor of UNC Charlotte, and the process of having her buried on UNC Charlotte's campus.