Well, that was us!

To enhance your experience, we’ve said goodbye to the traditional Student Call Center - so gone are the days of endless phone calls! Not to say we won’t call, but now we’re also reaching out in new and exciting ways, like personalized videos, emails, and text messages, all tailored to find the best time for us to connect with you.

What do we do?

We're the SDXOs, and each year, we reach out to amazing Alumni, parents, and friends like you. We’re here to:

• Keep you updated on how UNC Charlotte is growing and evolving to meet the needs of a booming student body and rapidly advancing technologies.
• Talk about your Charlotte experience and learn about your passions.
• Get you plugged into programs or areas that matter most to you, from Alumni Affinity groups and events to lifelong learning opportunities.

Why does it matter?

Your support is what keeps the Niner Nation thriving! From state-of-the-art classrooms to innovative student programs, every gift - big or small - helps the university keep pace with today’s challenges. Whether you choose to contribute to scholarships, or a specific program that inspired you, your impact is felt far and wide.

And if giving isn’t in the cards right now, that’s okay! You can still make a difference by sharing your expertise, volunteering your time, mentoring students, or participating in Alumni Networks. Whatever your contribution, our SDXOs are here to guide you, ensuring your involvement makes the greatest impact on current and future Niners!

Want to learn more?
Read more about each of our talented SDXOs in the section below!

meet the Team!

Ranessa Gopie '26

Student Donor Experience Officer (SDXO)

Ranessa is a junior at UNC Charlotte, majoring in Finance with minors in Economics and Management Information Systems. She co-founded "Niners for Social Impact," helped launch "CLT HACK," and joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ranessa also holds leadership roles with the Campus Activities Board and various student organizations.
Fun Fact: She graduated from high school a year early, finishing in the top 5 of her class!
After graduation, she plans to pursue her MBA in Finance and Economics and start her own investment banking practice. As a first-generation college student, she understands the importance of alumni support and wants to bridge the gap between current students and those who came before them, emphasizing the crucial role these networks play in shaping the future.

Kirti Tallapaneni '27

Student Donor Experience Officer (SDXO)

Kirti is a sophomore majoring in Business Analytics and Management Information Systems with a minor in Data Science at UNC Charlotte. She is involved as an ambassador for the Women in Business Initiative, an associate for Beta Alpha Psi, and a member of the Association for Information Systems.
Passionate about fitness, Kirti is preparing to participate in the 49er Gold Rush 5K and enjoys exploring Charlotte, where she hopes to stay after graduation for its many opportunities.
Kirti emphasizes that even small donations from alumni and parents make a significant impact, enriching the student experience through scholarships and campus initiatives. 

Gracyn Dwyer '25

Student Donor Experience Officer (SDXO)

Gracyn is a senior and early-entry graduate student in Exercise Science and Health Systems Management, also working toward her Master of Health Administration. She is the President of the Exercise Science Student Organization and is involved in the University Honors Program.
Fun Fact: She graduated from the same high school as Michael Jordan!
Gracyn plans to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy and work in an outpatient setting. "As someone who has paid for two-thirds of my college education with scholarships—many of them donor-sponsored—I’ve seen firsthand how alumni and parental support can change lives. Your contributions, whether big or small, truly make a difference."

Frequently Asked Questions

I missed the opportunity to talk to a Student Donor Experience Officer, but would love another call!

That's GREAT! If you'd like to speak to a member of our SDXO program, please email Sharon Horinka at shorinka@charlotte.edu. She'll be happy to schedule a call with one of our SDXOs at a time that works best for your schedule.

Where can I learn more about the campus updates?

To learn more about our campus updates, simply visit charlotte.edu.

You have the wrong information for me.

To update your Alumni records with UNC Charlotte, simply visit go.charlotte.edu/updateinfo.

If you're a Parent or Friend and wish to update your information, please email Sharon Horinka at shorinka@charlotte.edu.

I no longer wish to receive phone calls, texts, emails, etc. from UNC Charlotte.

We're sad to see you go, but respect your preferences. Simply email Sharon Horinka at shorinka@charlotte.edu and she will be happy to remove you from, or add you to, whichever communication channels you'd prefer.

To learn more about the UNC Charlotte Student Donor Experience Officer Program, or other ways to stay involved with UNC Charlotte, please contact Sharon Horinka, the Associate Director of Annual Giving and Donor Experience at shorinka@charlotte.edu or by phone at (704) 687-7368.

Sharon Horinka '11

Associate Director of Annual Giving and Donor Experience