EEGS students named as graduation speaker and bell ringer

Two EEGS students will be honored at this years graduation ceremonies.

Fatima Ghaleb is the class speaker for the commencement ceremony at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 10, for the Graduate School. She will be presented a Master of Science in Earth Sciences.   Fatima has been an important member of EEGS’s MS program, an undergraduate mentor, and a TA. Her work links water quality to urban development in the Charlotte region that emphasizes the importance of not only understanding the current impacts of urbanization but also future ones.

“One thing I have loved about my time at UNC Charlotte is walking through the Botanical Gardens and visiting the McMillan Greenhouse,” Ghaleb said.

Sonia Birla, Bell Ringer — May 9, 10 a.m.

Sonia is a triple major, and is graduating from the Belk College of Business in finance and the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) in geography and international studies. She is also graduating with a minor in German.

On campus, Sonia was the president and founder of the Campus Sustainability Alliance student organization, and participated in Student Government Association as their sustainability liaison. She was also named the Student Organization Leader of the Year in 2024 for her efforts as president of South Asian Student Association.

In her bell ringer application, Sonia wrote about the lasting impact she hopes her works will have on the campus community.

“Through my work, I not only advanced sustainability efforts but also fostered a sense of collective action, which has led to tangible projects,” Birla said. “The impact of this collaboration will be felt  long after my time at UNC Charlotte, and I am proud to have been able to make such a deep impact.”