From left to right: Karunya Karthikeyan, Cassietta “Cassie” Broadhead and Anum Hafiz
By Wyatt Crosher, Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs
Karunya Karthikeyan, Cassietta “Cassie” Broadhead and Anum Hafiz were chosen as the bell ringers for UNC Charlotte’s 2025 Fall Commencement, which takes place Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13.
The bell ringer performs the longstanding tradition of ringing the Charlotte “victory bell”, which was gifted to Ms. Bonnie Cone in 1961 when Charlotte College moved from its original site at Central High School to the current University City location. Students chosen as bell ringers are outstanding student leaders who have demonstrated exemplary 49er spirit within organizations, volunteerism and/or service to others.
Karunya Karthikeyan — 10 a.m., Dec. 12
Karthikeyan is graduating from the College of Computing and Informatics as a computer science major with minors in mathematics and film studies.
During her time at the University, Karthikeyan was heavily involved as a Niner Guide, leading campus tours and eventually helping to mentor new guides. She also worked as coordinator of marketing for Undergraduate Admissions. Karthikeyan served as vice president and treasurer of the Hindu YUVA and Tamil student organizations, respectively, and was a member of the archery club.
In her bell ringer application, Karthikeyan referenced her first days as a Charlotte student, and how a mindset of staying genuine shaped her college experience.
“When I first set foot on UNC Charlotte’s campus, I wrote in New Student Orientation that Niner Pride means being myself. To this day, that sentiment has guided my journey,” Karthikeyan said.
“To me, being a Niner means embracing my authentic self while lifting others along the way. Being chosen as bell ringer would not only be an incredible honor, but also a chance to represent every student who stepped out of their comfort zone, tried new things and found belonging and pride here.”
Cassie Broadhead — 3 p.m., Dec. 12
Broadhead is a psychology major with a minor in communication studies. She is graduating from the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences.
Much of Broadhead’s on-campus involvement focused on Enrollment Programs and Communications. She was an orientation counselor before moving to orientation intern, where she helped facilitate training for the 29-member team. She is currently the front desk assistant for EPC, and is also a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) leader for the University Center for Academic Excellence.
“As I move toward the end of my journey here at Charlotte, I look back on my time here with a great fondness,” Broadhead wrote.
“There is no doubt that I will take the tools I have learned here and transfer them to a world beyond this University and city as a whole. On my path forward, as I continue to transform and grow, I will never forget the place where I learned to lead, found family and became a person I can be proud of.”
Anum Hafiz — 10 a.m., Dec. 13
Hafiz is earning her master of science in cybersecurity from the College of Computing and Informatics, which will be her second degree in as many years from the University after graduating with a bachelor of science in computer science last fall.
At Charlotte, Hafiz has presided over two student organizations: The Pakistani Student Association and the Charlotte chapter of Women in Cybersecurity. She has also been involved with Girls Who Code and has served as a panelist for NC Women in Tech.
Hafiz states in her application how surprised she was about the impact Charlotte had on her life, but looking back, she appreciates both the University itself, as well as everyone who helped along her path.
“When I first arrived at UNC Charlotte, I never imagined how deeply this University would shape who I am. Over the past several years, I’ve grown from a student curious about technology into someone committed to helping others find their place in it,” Hafiz said.
“I’m grateful for the people and opportunities that helped me grow into a leader, a mentor and a proud Niner. Ringing the victory bell would be a way to honor all of them — and to celebrate the spirit that has made this chapter of my life so meaningful.”