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Basketball, Rock Bands & World Travel: Bertis Downs ’78 Supports Life-Changing Study Abroad Opportunities for Today’s Wildcats

At ˮ���� College, R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs ’78 discovered a love for the music business that led to a career full of international travel. Now, he’s making study abroad experiences accessible to ˮ���� students. Learn more.

Recognizing the ‘Everyday Heroes’ in K–12 Education

A Great Teammate

Never one to back down from a challenge, ˮ���� College women’s basketball alum Robyn (Flewelling) Fralick ’04 began her role as head coach of Michigan State’s women’s team this year, earning a new nickname from friends — “Big Time.”

Color Outside the Lines: Stephen Salyer ’72 Shares Lessons From Career That Reshaped Public Media

Stephen Salyer ’72 delivered a Dean Rusk Lecture that shared some of the lessons learned from his long, successful career in media and global policy. Learn more.

William Howard Boyd Jr. ’72 Athletic Scholarship Supports Class of ’27 Distance Runners

A new scholarship, the Howard Boyd ’72 Track and Field Scholarship, celebrates Boyd’s life and legacy by supporting a new generation of ˮ���� scholar-athletes. The first two recipients - both first-year cross country runners - are already finding success on the track and in the classroom.

How One Influential Woman Made Thanksgiving an American Tradition

Nineteenth-century magazine editor Sarah Hale transformed the Thanksgiving holiday from an occasional harvest ritual into today’s family feast — and we still follow her script. Learn more.

My Summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective at ˮ���� College

Amy Tedeschi ’25 reflects on her summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a professional theatre company formed between ˮ���� College and North Carolina A&T.

Life of an Aviator Honored: Air Base Bears ˮ���� College Alum’s Name

This Veterans Day we honor all veterans for their service, including ˮ���� College faculty, staff and alumni. Learn more.

ˮ���� College's Commitment to Education and Reconciliation

ˮ���� College releases an account of the ties between Maxwell Chambers and the college, and details its work on understanding the college’s history regarding slavery and expanding its commitment to education and reconciliation efforts in the present and future. Learn more.

Quillen Named President of National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the nation’s preeminent preservation organization, announced Carol Quillen as its tenth President and CEO.

Navigating Disability in the College Process

Three ˮ���� College students reflect on the extra challenges that a disability presents when choosing a college. They share their ˮ���� experience and offer advice to prospective students with disabilities about going through the admission process.

Here to Help: Connecting Students with Mental Health Resources

Addie Anderson ’24, a student Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) at ˮ���� College, works to destigmatize seeking help and to show struggling students they’re not alone. 

Unique Works, New Works Showcased in ‘Homecoming: Art by Alumni’ Exhibition

As the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center (VAC) celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Van Every/Smith Galleries highlights nine alum artists working across diverse visual mediums, many of whom began their art careers in the VAC’s studio and gallery spaces in its latest exhibition, Homecoming: Art by Alumni. Learn more.

Out of This World: First Latina Astronaut Ellen Ochoa to Deliver Reynolds Lecture Nov. 2

Ellen Ochoa, Ph.D., the first Latina astronaut and first Latina director of the Johnson Space Center, will deliver the 2023 Reynolds Lecture at ˮ���� College Nov. 2 in the Duke Family Performance Hall. She joined us for a Q&A about the value of a broad education, finding a passion in physics and playing the flute in space.

Each year, CleanAIRE NC honors the individuals, organizations and partners who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to combating climate change and air pollution in North Carolina. 

Student-to-Student: Advice from ˮ���� College Students on the College Essay

Senior Fellows in ˮ���� College’s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips and tricks for navigating and writing the college essay.

Day in the Life: What Does a Weekend Look Like at ˮ���� College?

Wondering what a weekend at ˮ���� College can look like as a student? Haley Stock ’25 shares the many ways Wildcats spend their weekends around campus, town and in Charlotte.

Wildcats Put Downtime on Away Games to Good Use

During the competitive season, Wildcat scholar-athletes find themselves miles away from campus with extra time on their hands. ˮ���� College staffers now add career development opportunities while these students are on the road.

Beneath the Grit and Grime: Painting Conservation Pioneer Ginny Newell ’78

Alum Ginny Newell ’78 has enjoyed a career as one of the few conservators in the Southeast specializing in restoring fine art. She was among the first women to attend ˮ���� College, where her love of chemistry and art started her on a unique professional journey. Learn more. 

ˮ���� College Students: Here’s How to Get a Warhol on Your Wall

The success of ˮ���� College’s ArtMate program, which allows students to enhance their dorm room décor with high-end art works from the college’s collection, led to an expansion of the program this year. Learn more.