From left to right: Sonia Birla, Tye’Quez Wilkins, Uriah West and Justyn Ramseur
By Wyatt Crosher, Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs
Sonia Birla, Tye’Quez Wilkins, Uriah West and Justyn Ramseur were chosen as the bell ringers for UNC Charlotte’s 2025 Spring Commencement, which takes place Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.
The Bell Ringer performs the longstanding tradition of ringing the UNC Charlotte “victory bell”, which was gifted to Ms. Bonnie Cone in 1961 when Charlotte College moved from its old 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.
Sonia Birla — May 9, 10 a.m.
Birla 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, Birla 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, Birla 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.”
Tye’Quez Wilkins — May 9, 3 p.m.
Wilkins is graduating from the College of Arts and Architecture with a major in architecture.
Enlisted as a member of the National Guard since 2022, Wilkins is a Charlotte ROTC member and is commissioned as an engineer officer. He has also been involved on campus as a Students Achieving First-Year Excellence (SAFE) mentor and a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) leader for precalculus.
In his application, Wilkins highlighted his first-generation experience and the full effort he gave to the University as reasons for his selection as a bell ringer.
“As a first-generation college student who worked on and off campus to sustain myself, I have worked relentlessly to overcome the challenges of higher education while pursuing my passion for architecture,” Wilkins said. “Cuts from X-Acto knives, burns from hot glue guns, plenty of all-nighters and immense hard work have all been part of my path to success in architecture school.”
Uriah West — May 10, 10 a.m.
West is graduating as a double major from CHESS, earning degrees in criminal justice and psychology.
A former member of the Charlotte football team, West wrote that his experience walking onto the team required “unwavering determination, discipline and confidence” in himself. He also became vice president of the Mu Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is part of the colitian chair for the Black Organization Alliance Board, and also works as a community service student ranger with UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety.
In his application, West wrote that his experience as a transfer student can be an inspiration to future Niners on what can be achieved with enough dedication.
“I have done everything here at UNC Charlotte, from being a scholar-athlete to campus leader, employee, intern and scholar, all while making chancellor's list and maintaining a high gpa. My experience is proof that with determination and persistence, everything is possible,” West said. “I hope that by standing on that stage, I help others feel like they can do anything they set their minds to at UNC Charlotte and beyond.”
Justyn Ramseur — May 10, 3 p.m.
Ramseur is a graduate student, earning his master of science in management.
He graduated from the University in May 2024 with a bachelor in industrial and systems engineering, as well as a minor in mathematics. Since then, Ramseur became a graduate hall assistant, advising members of the Resident Students Association and National Residence Hall Honorary. He has also been a photographer for the Niner Times and is heavily involved as a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Ramseur said his experience at Charlotte meant more than the ultimate end goal of graduating, and that becoming a bell ringer is a symbolic way for his journey to end.
“My journey at UNC Charlotte has not been just about earning degrees, it has been about creating a lasting impact on this community,” Ramseur said. “Being the Bell Ringer would be a full-circle moment, symbolizing not just my personal achievements but the unwavering commitment I have had to this university.”