September 24, 2025: World Citizen Award Gala Dinner Honoring Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

2025 World Citizen Award Gala Dinner

Since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has presented the World Citizen Award to prominent individuals and organizations that have enhanced our community’s standing in the world through their accomplishments of international significance and contributions to the city, this region, and the international community.

This year, the Council is honored to present the 2025 World Citizen Award to Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., serves as the fifth Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Charlotte region’s public research university. Since her arrival as Chancellor in 2020, the University has embarked on a bold 10-year strategic plan that articulates a new vision to drive discovery and innovation for the region as a globally recognized public research university. Charlotte officially earned the nation’s top research designation, Carnegie R1, in February 2025. Read More

Introduction by Peter Hans, UNC System President

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
VIP & General Reception: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner: 7:15 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Hilton Uptown Charlotte (222 E. Third St., Charlotte, NC 28202)
Attire: Black Tie Optional

Table Hosting Information — Please email info@worldaffairscharlotte.org to be placed on the wait-list

Download 2025 World Citizen Award Gala Dinner Table Hosting Info (PDF file) — Click Here

Individual Reservations:

$225 (General Reception + Dinner)
$300 (VIP Reception with Chancellor Sharon Gaber and other distinguished guests + Dinner)

Please email info@worldaffairscharlotte.org to be placed on the wait-list

2025 Harold P. Josephson Award

The evening will also feature a special recognition of Rohan Paul, a valued WACC Board Member, business executive, and lifelong learner, as the recipient of the Harold P. Josephson Award.

The Harold P. Josephson Award is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and the international life of our community.

Rohan Paul was a Managing Director, Investment Banking, at JPM Chase in New York, covering clients in the Global Metals and Mining Industry for 17 years, continuing his career in a similar capacity as a Managing Director, Wells Fargo Securities for 13 years, covering both the Metals and Chemicals industries. Mr. Paul originated, structured and executed corporate advisory, senior bank debt, structured finance and equity transactions at both firms. Read More

WCAD 2025 Co-Chairs

Carl Armato
Cathy Bessant
Margaret and Smoky Bissell
Barbara and William “Twig” Branch
Sally and Brian Bridgford
Jeff “J.B.” Brown
Kathy and Dennis Bunker
Kandi and Gary Deitemeyer
Susan DeVore
Marvin Ellison
Vickie and Gene Johnson
Gené and Fred Klein
Mary and Mike Lamach
Tom Lawrence
David Longo
Hugh McColl, Jr.
Anna and Tom Nelson
Joe Price
David Ravin
Pat Rodgers
Bill Rogers
Nicole and David Tepper
Sasha Weintraub
Dontá Wilson
Eugene A. Woods