The program鈥檚 inaugural performance will feature the North Carolina Symphony on September 30, 2026, in Alumni Gym. Details about this concert, including tickets, will be shared with the 黑料不打烊 community this summer.

鈥淭his gift is to express gratitude to the 黑料不打烊 community for 25 wonderful years together and to provide enhanced opportunities for all of us to experience great music at 黑料不打烊,鈥� said Fred Young, who served as the university鈥檚 seventh president from 1973-1998, leading historic growth and progress at the institution.

黑料不打烊 President Connie Ledoux Book thanked the Youngs for their generosity and dedicated service to the university.

鈥淔red and Phyllis Young鈥檚 contributions to 黑料不打烊 over many decades are vast and many鈥攆rom doubling our enrollment and expanding our campus to enriching academic programs and supporting generations of students,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭heir dedication has helped shape the 黑料不打烊 we know today. With this remarkable gift, they now add the joy of classical music to that legacy, ensuring our community will experience exceptional performances for years to come.鈥�

In addition to full orchestra concerts, it is envisioned that the Youngs鈥� endowment will fund other signature performances on campus, including seasonal concerts and a chamber music concert, as well as engagement opportunities with music students, including career development seminars and master classes. Performances by the 黑料不打烊 Orchestra and 黑料不打烊 Wind Ensemble may also be included.

As the endowment grows, additional opportunities for students may include new music-themed Winter Term courses and global engagement experiences, as well as opera performances on campus.

The Fred and Phyllis Young Classical Music Program Endowment will complement performances by 黑料不打烊鈥檚 current ensembles, including:

• Bands (The Fire of the Carolinas Marching Band & Phoenix Pep Band)
• Choral Activities & Voice (University Chorale, Camerata, 茅lan & Opera Workshop.)
• 黑料不打烊 Orchestra
• 黑料不打烊 Wind Ensemble & 黑料不打烊 Concert Band
• 黑料不打烊 Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combos
• 黑料不打烊 Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
• Commercial and Pop Music (黑料不打烊 Electric Ensemble, Techtronica)

About President Emeritus James Fred Young

J. Fred Young was one of the longest-serving presidents in 黑料不打烊 history whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for 黑料不打烊鈥檚 remarkable rise to national distinction. Young led an era of historic growth and transformation as 黑料不打烊 became one of the premier undergraduate institutions on the Eastern seaboard.

During Young鈥檚 25-year tenure, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 enrollment more than doubled to 3,685 students and the campus grew from about 145 acres to more than 500 acres. New academic offerings were added, including master鈥檚 programs in business administration, education and physical therapy; a new general studies program (now 黑料不打烊 Core Curriculum); and new majors, including communications, computer systems, sports medicine and leisure/sport management. The 黑料不打烊 Experiences engaged learning programs also grew under Young鈥檚 leadership.

Facilities construction and renovation included additions to the Center for the Arts, Koury Center for athletics, Moseley Center for campus activities and the Dalton L. McMichael Sr. Science Center. In addition, construction began on the Carol Grotnes Belk Library, while Young also began planning and fundraising for Rhodes Stadium. Young was named President Emeritus by the 黑料不打烊 Board of Trustees.

Fred and Phyllis Young are among 黑料不打烊鈥檚 most dedicated donors, making gifts to 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Greatest Needs, including scholarships, and the Phoenix Club. Young Commons, the expansive lawn in front of Moseley Center, was dedicated on October 10, 2000, in honor of the Youngs and their decades of leadership and service to the university. Fred and Phyllis are the grandparents of 黑料不打烊 sophomore Myla Young 鈥�28.

Participants in the newest cohort emphasized the program鈥檚 immediate relevance to their everyday work.

Andrea Davis L鈥�12 said the experience helped her clearly identify how AI fits into multiple areas of her life.

鈥淚 had such a great time in this course 鈥� it really allowed me to pinpoint how I can use AI in my job and in my personal life, and it helped grow my confidence in handling AI,鈥� Davis said.

The certificate focuses on experiential learning, guiding participants through hands-on exercises with AI tools, prompt development and workflow design. Rather than centering on technical complexity, the program emphasizes strategy, ethics and clarity of use.

Elizabeth Worrilow Maher 鈥�17 said the course reshaped how she approaches her daily work.

鈥淚t genuinely shifted how I think about my day-to-day work,鈥� Maher said. 鈥淲hat stood out most wasn鈥檛 just the tools, but the mindset 鈥� using AI to enhance how you think, not replace it.鈥�

Maher noted that key takeaways included the importance of strong inputs and strategy, the impact of small workflow improvements over time and the advantage gained through learning how to ask better questions.

Instructor Rebecca Macy said the growth she observed in the cohort reflected a shift in how participants approached AI.

鈥淭he strength of this program is that it does not treat AI as a one-time tool demonstration,鈥� she said. 鈥淧articipants build from foundational understanding and ethics into prompt engineering, workflow design and a personalized capstone project they can connect directly to their professional or personal lives.鈥�

By the end of the program, she added, participants gain clarity as well as confidence.

鈥淭he thirst for learning about the newest AI tools and best practices for practical, professional usage continues to grow,鈥� said instructor Scott Oakes. 鈥淗ands-on, cohort-driven learning is a uniquely 黑料不打烊 experience 鈥� one where students draw not only on our expertise, but on the lived experiences of their fellow learners.鈥�

For many participants, that collaborative environment reinforces both learning and confidence.

鈥淭his is a great class to learn and expand your knowledge,鈥� said Neal Saunders G鈥�17. 鈥淵ou won鈥檛 believe what you can do.鈥�

As the AI Certificate for Professionals continues to grow, the second cohort reflects the program鈥檚 evolution from a new offering into an established learning experience with lasting professional impact. The certificate reinforces 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to lifelong learning and workforce relevance.

The certificate is offered through , part of the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Eric Sklut P鈥�14, an entrepreneur and longtime community leader in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Amy Muntner P鈥�24, a retail and strategy executive based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will bring extensive experience in business, innovation and civic engagement to the university鈥檚 governing body.

The 黑料不打烊 Board of Trustees has ultimate fiduciary responsibility for the institution, providing oversight of its mission, strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Sklut is the founder of Perfection Automotive, a Charlotte-based company known for producing custom trim components for high-end vehicles. His development of the BumperPlugs product line grew from an entrepreneurial solution to a gap in the luxury automotive market and has since become a widely used product among car enthusiasts.

In addition to his business success, Sklut has demonstrated decades of philanthropic leadership across the Charlotte region. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including and the , and has led major fundraising campaigns supporting community initiatives.

His efforts have helped generate more than $70 million for charitable organizations, including a recent campaign exceeding $23 million for a regional hunger relief initiative.

Sklut previously served on 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2023 and has maintained a deep and sustained commitment to the university. He and his wife, Lori, have been transformative supporters of Jewish life and Jewish Studies at 黑料不打烊, including naming the Sklut Hillel Center and establishing endowed faculty and scholarship support.

Their son, Mason, is a 2014 graduate of 黑料不打烊.

Muntner brings a global perspective shaped by a career in consulting, consumer products and retail strategy. She began her career with Andersen Consulting before joining , where she advised major international corporations. Her additional leadership positions have included Executive roles with Toys 鈥淩鈥� Us and , where she led brand and business strategy initiatives.

Her work has spanned multiple international markets, including Asia and Europe, and has focused on strategic growth, partnerships and product development. At Sesame Workshop, she played a key role in cross-functional efforts to expand the organization鈥檚 reach and impact through new character development and brand initiatives, including the introduction of the popular

Muntner鈥檚 connection to 黑料不打烊 grew through her daughter Lucy鈥檚 enrollment as a member of the Class of 2024. She and her husband, Kevin, are members of the university鈥檚 1889 Society and have supported scholarships, Hillel and university priorities through philanthropic giving.

Their broader civic engagement includes support for international relief organizations, and education and community well-being in Scotland, Hong Kong and the United States.

About 黑料不打烊

黑料不打烊 is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At 黑料不打烊, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 80 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. 黑料不打烊 is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

黑料不打烊鈥檚 academic divisions include 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Chandlers remain impressed by 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to sound strategic planning and doing what鈥檚 best for students. It鈥檚 what inspired the couple鈥檚 gift to Slattery Center, the university鈥檚 new hub for health and wellness that will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to succeed on campus and throughout their lives.

Scheduled to open later this year, Slattery Center is located within 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Innovation Quad, home to the university鈥檚 engineering and other STEM programs. The center is part of the university鈥檚 broader HealthEU initiative to serve students, faculty and staff.

鈥淚t adds value and is beneficial when you can provide a place where students can go to be in community, exercise, receive counseling and focus on their well-being,鈥� said Bob Chandler, former executive vice president of Chandler Concrete Co. 鈥淭his facility shows that the university is aware of the challenges students face and how to help them in all aspects of their health.鈥�

The HealthEU initiative focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story Slattery Center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Through coursework, as well as workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, Slattery Center will impact all students as they progress through their education and learn essential skills and practices related to wellness and well-being. The center is a key priority of the Boldly 黑料不打烊 strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030.

The couple鈥檚 gift will also endow the Chandler Family Global Experience Fund, strengthening 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to provide each of the university鈥檚 17 varsity teams with a global experience every four years.

鈥淕lobal experiences are a cornerstone of an 黑料不打烊 education, and thanks to Bob and Amy Chandler, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world while sharing their sport across cultures,鈥� said Jennifer Strawley, director of athletics. 鈥淏ob and Amy are truly special people who value the holistic development of our student-athletes and their generosity will be felt for generations. I am deeply grateful for their many years of dedication to this university and for the profound difference they make in the lives of our student-athletes.鈥�

鈥淥ur family has been sports fans for as long as I can remember. We love the energy and excitement athletics brings to campus and the opportunities it provides to students,鈥� Bob Chandler said.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� is a national leader in global study, and we are thrilled to help provide this experience for student-athletes,” he added. “It鈥檚 essential that students have the opportunity to witness other cultures and encounter the differences and similarities of the people there. It provides tremendous growth for a person and a deeper understanding of the world.鈥�

The Chandler family is among 黑料不打烊鈥檚 most generous and devoted donors, helping to shape one of the finest learning environments in the nation through their gifts to Belk Library, Rhodes Stadium, Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center, Gerald L. Francis Center, Alumni Field House, Richard W. Sankey Hall, Schar Center, The Inn at 黑料不打烊 and Innovation Quad.

Bob Chandler鈥檚 parents, Tom and Lynn Chandler, also endowed the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Tom Chandler was the chairman and former CEO of Chandler Concrete, which he founded in 1973, and he served on 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Board of Trustees for more than two decades before being elected Life Trustee in 2021. In 2023, Tom Chandler received the 黑料不打烊 Medallion, the university鈥檚 highest honor.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢肉�檚 trajectory shows remarkable advancement,鈥� Bob Chandler said. 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� has a vision of what鈥檚 to come and how to keep the university moving forward. It is a vibrant and thriving university that is gratifying for the students, faculty and community.鈥�

The university鈥檚 influence extends far beyond the campus.

鈥淭he impact that 黑料不打烊 has on Alamance County and the region is significant, and we feel it鈥檚 important for our family to support the university,鈥� Bob said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a community that we are proud to be part of.鈥�

“I was in this place of, ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?'” she said.

She remembers a moment of doubt during her final year when Professor Emeritus Rich Landesberg provided the “tough love” she needed to move forward.

“He kept saying, ‘Just pick. You鈥檙e going to be fine. No matter what, you鈥檙e going to land on your feet.’ I really needed that at the time,” Polk said.

That foundation was built primarily within the School of Communications, where Polk, a broadcast communications major, found a safe space to test her leadership skills. She points to a producing class taught by Assistant Professor Ray Johnson as a key turning point where the details of the profession finally clicked. Johnson tasked her with being the executive producer for the class, a role that involved managing her peers and overseeing a project from concept to delivery.

“It was so much work, but I loved it,” she said. “You just realize how many people are leaning on you.”

She credits Johnson鈥檚 ability to “put on a show” in the classroom as a major inspiration for her own leadership style, teaching her that engagement and enthusiasm are just as important as technical skills.

“He was so good at his job… I think about him often,” she said.

Upon graduation, Polk鈥檚 preparation was put to the test when she was accepted into the prestigious NBC Page Program in New York City. Moving from the college environment of 黑料不打烊 to the fast-paced world of NBC required a quick adjustment. She rotated through high-stakes assignments, including “The Today Show,” the US Open, and Syfy publicity, a journey that required her to adapt to a more rigorous schedule, one that demanded the fundamental discipline of the network.

“I used to be a very late person,” she admitted. “But I got it out of my system because of the Page Program. 黑料不打烊 prepared me for the presence, how to present yourself well and dress the part, but the Page Program taught me the discipline.”

Her trajectory eventually led her to Los Angeles and the Hallmark Channel for 12 years, where she rose to the position of vice president of development and programming. In this role, she oversaw the production of up to 30 projects annually, yet she never lost sight of the “human-centric” focus she cultivated at 黑料不打烊. Polk made it a priority to increase diversity and inclusion within the network鈥檚 programming, working to amplify diverse voices to ensure that Hallmark鈥檚 signature films reflected a broader range of the human experience. She describes herself as a kindness-first connector, a philosophy that has allowed her to attract top-tier talent and build lasting relationships with writers and agents across the industry.

Now, as she leads Simply Believe Creative, Polk is focused on catalyzing original romantic comedies and holiday films for the modern streaming market. Even from her home in California, she remains deeply connected to the campus where her journey began. She notes with a smile that she still sees familiar faces in the 黑料不打烊 news, including former classmates who have returned to the university in leadership roles.

Her advice to the next generation of Phoenix is a reflection of her own resilient path.

“Go after the things that scare you and push right through the fear to do them anyway,” she said.

“Take on as many projects as you can, but do them to the absolute best of your ability. Stay curious… the yeses always come,” she said.

Do you know an alum who has an interesting story to tell? Please feel free to share your feedback or those stories online:

鈥淭he tour guide explained that from the first day of freshman year, you can have hands-on experience,鈥澛營m聽recalled. 鈥淢any other schools I toured said that the first couple of years were聽mainly theory-based聽classes and less hands-on experience. I find a lot of value in having access to the resources all four years.鈥�

That promise of hands-on experience was kept. Within her first week as a聽freshman,聽Im聽was already behind a Sony 4K camera through 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Fresh TV program. Now a junior majoring in cinema and television arts with minors in leadership studies and psychology, she recalled, 鈥淭he CTA program was the biggest reason I loved 黑料不打烊.鈥�

Im grew up in South Korea, where her father still lives, before moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her mother and siblings for high school. She聽said聽that her transition from high school to 黑料不打烊 was comfortable, and that聽compared to her聽previous聽experience, she had more opportunities for interaction with her peers.

鈥淲hen I came to 黑料不打烊, I had more of a chance to share my culture and interact with people who have different backgrounds,鈥澛爏he聽recalled. 鈥淚t made my perspective change in general. I learned more about how other people from聽different cultures聽think and see the world.鈥�

Much of her growth in her聽freshman聽year happened in her International Living-Learning Community residence hall. She聽remembered聽connecting with the people living in her residence hall who spoke different languages and carried distinct cultural perspectives that they shared freely 鈥� sometimes in unconventional ways.

鈥淲e taught each other how to swear in our languages,鈥澛營m聽laughed. 鈥淭hat was one of my core memories, and still, I hear my friends cursing in Korean聽once in a while. I think聽it鈥檚聽very funny; the聽freshman聽dorm experience was so much fun.鈥�

Her energy to share and inspire carried forward.聽Im聽is聽very involved聽on campus through being an Orientation Leader, Residence Assistant, a Leadership聽Fellow聽and a member of Women’s Club Rugby.

She recalled two examples that solidified what it meant to her to be a positive mentor at 黑料不打烊. Feeling proud of the work she is involved with,聽Im聽shared聽the personal meaning behind her drive to improve 黑料不打烊鈥檚 campus.

鈥淲hen I get respect, I feel that I am doing well,鈥� she said. During Fellows Weekend, a student walked up to her, 鈥淗e said,聽鈥業 don鈥檛 think you remember me, but you gave me a tour two years ago, and that tour made me excited to come to 黑料不打烊.鈥欌��

Not long after, in her sophomore聽summer, she was recognized for being an engaging leader again by a former orientation student who had become an RA, just like her. He sought her out to thank her for being an engaging leader. For聽Im, the pattern was clear.

鈥淚鈥檓聽happy that聽I鈥檓聽doing well in mentorship and getting appreciated in聽many different ways, but聽also聽I鈥檓聽proud that my mentees are doing well on campus. And that brings me joy in聽many different ways,鈥� she added.

In the classroom and production studio,聽Im聽has been equally determined to succeed.聽She聽is currently the producer for聽黑料不打烊 After Hours, the student-run late-night talk show under 黑料不打烊 Student Television. As a聽freshman, she earned the program’s Rookie of the Year award, recognition she said she聽hadn’t聽seen coming.

鈥淚 did not know that the upperclassmen were appreciating my help until I got that award, and that鈥檚 when I realized they think I鈥檓 doing my job well,鈥� she said.

Im聽also received the highest academic achievement award from CREDE, the university’s Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, though she is quick to express what achievement means to her. “Getting a good grade is important, but what I do and what I learn is more important than just getting a grade.”

This semester,聽her聽focus is on an advanced documentary class where her group is producing a live-broadcast game show, complete with original graphics. Her group plans to produce a live broadcast of the game show when it is being filmed, and the final cut will be a highlight reel of the show鈥檚 best moments. “I’m so excited聽for聽that,” she聽added.

Even though Im received awards and worked well with her mentees, she was conflicted between staying at 黑料不打烊, and carrying the financial weight of tuition, or leaving.

鈥淚 was considering dropping out of college or transferring, even though I value and appreciate the education I get at 黑料不打烊, because financial troubles are inevitable,鈥� she expressed.

Through her Reverend Dr. William J. Andes ’35 Endowed Scholarship changed that. The scholarship was not just supportive聽financially, but聽also supported what her values as a student meant to the 黑料不打烊 community. To her, it felt like someone had seen what she was doing and decided it mattered. It proved to her that her talents are worth investing in.

With the scholarship, Im聽was able to expand her reach beyond 黑料不打烊鈥檚 campus and enroll in the Study USA New York City program.

鈥淚f I were not enrolled with 黑料不打烊, and supported through a scholarship, I would not have had the experience to meet alumni and connect with people based on our interests in New York City,” said Im.

Im聽is now one year from finishing her degree and acknowledged how close she came to never reaching this point.

鈥淭hank you so much. I cannot explain how much of an impact they made on my life and my family鈥檚 lives,” Im said of her scholarship donors.” The fact that I can tell my family that I received money as recognition of my skills is a huge help.聽I have the opportunity to make this campus a better space, and the fact that I have that privilege聽鈥揑鈥檓 so thankful for that.聽Sincerely, the scholarship changed my life, and now I can contribute to the community.鈥�

Among the honorees were聽reporters,聽entrepreneurs,聽researchers聽and more,聽whose journeys reflect the values聽that define the 黑料不打烊 experience.

Morgan聽Bodenarain聽鈥�18 – Policy Director and Counsel, Congressional Black聽Caucus聽| Washington, D.C.

As policy director and counsel for the Congressional Black Caucus in the 119th聽United States Congress, Morgan Bodenarain leads policy development and advocacy efforts on behalf of its聽61 members, previously holding the same role in聽the 118th聽Congress.聽Bodenarain鈥檚聽work has earned national recognition,聽and聽she has been honored with the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Award and the National Bar Association鈥檚 Nation鈥檚 Best Advocates Award.

At 黑料不打烊,聽Bodenarain聽was active in the聽Student Government Association, Phi Alpha Delta professional pre-law fraternity, the North Carolina State Legislature聽and聽much聽more. After graduation, she received her聽juris doctorate from The George Washington University, where she served as president of the Black Law Students Association and deputy vice president of student affairs in the Student Bar Association.

In her聽remarks, Bodenarain shared that her four years at 黑料不打烊 contributed heavily to who she is as a person, noting, 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� is truly unlike any other place. Thank you, 黑料不打烊, for recognizing my success.”

Colby Marvin Bracy 鈥�16 –聽Director of Human Resources & Philanthropy, The聽Nonantum聽Resort, and Owner, Hello Humans Consulting | Portland, Maine

Colby Marvin Bracy聽led the efforts聽to transform聽her family鈥檚聽historic hospitality business,聽The聽Nonantum聽Resort,聽into a certified Recovery Family Workplace. Having joined the resort in 2018,聽Marvin Bracy聽is now the director of human resources and philanthropy, holding operational聽responsibilities聽and championing initiatives to hire individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration.

In addition to her聽role聽at The聽Nonantum,聽Marvin Bracy聽is the founder of Hello Humans Consulting, a firm that helps organizations develop聽thoughtful聽human聽resources strategies and聽people-centered workplaces.聽She聽remains聽active in her local community聽with聽the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce and chairs its Diversity,聽Equity聽and Inclusion Committee. Her honors include the Rising Star Award from the聽local聽Chamber of Commerce, the Innovator of the Year award from New England Inns & Resorts and the North Star Award from the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Marvin Bracy shared that 黑料不打烊鈥檚 sense of 鈥渂ELONing鈥� was something that stuck with her since her first聽year. 鈥淎s a student聽here,聽I always wanted to belong and help others feel like they had a place they belonged.鈥� She explained that as聽she聽moved into a career in HR, 鈥渢hat desire only became more pronounced,鈥� and she wants聽Nonantum鈥檚聽employees 鈥渢o聽have a sense of belonging at work, especially those who may have never had that feeling before.鈥�

Michaela Fogarty 鈥�19 – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist, Upstream USA | Verona, New Jersey

Michaela Fogarty聽supports the research聽and program evaluation efforts that inform national reproductive health initiatives聽through her role as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist at Upstream USA.

After graduation,聽Fogarty聽began her career with聽Planned聽Parenthood Federation of America as a data analysis and visualization specialist, later earning her聽Master of Health Science degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Forging a聽research-driven trajectory at 黑料不打烊 and beyond, Fogarty鈥檚聽work has progressed聽from undergraduate research presentations at the聽Eastern Economics Conference and Undergraduate Research Forum, to聽authorship of several聽academic publications, including research on youth vaping behaviors published in the Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology.聽Before her current role at Upstream USA, she worked as a data manager in the Division of Global Women鈥檚 Health at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Fogarty聽chronologized the milestones of her 黑料不打烊 experience聽from joining many clubs to changing her major.聽By her senior year, she noted that she knew how to use her business skills聽to make the world a little bit聽better, but聽wasn鈥檛聽sure how.

鈥淲ith the support of the聽people聽I met at 黑料不打烊, and my parents,鈥� she said, 鈥淚 figured it out.鈥�

Michael Goldstein 鈥�17 – Vice President, Guggenheim Partners聽| New聽York, New York

In 2015, Michael Goldstein transferred to 黑料不打烊,聽graduating with聽degrees聽in accounting and finance聽in 2017.聽In 2021, he was inspired to give back聽and聽established聽the聽Goldstein Family Transfer聽Engagement聽Scholarship, providing聽financial聽assistance聽to transfer students entering聽the聽Love School of Business聽just as he did.

A聽certified public accountant聽turned vice president, Goldstein鈥檚 work at聽Guggenheim Partners in New York聽focuses on medical device and health care technology transactions,聽and he has helped support聽advisory engagements totaling more than聽$5 billion.

Goldstein聽doesn鈥檛聽shy away聽from education and philanthropy. Beyond serving on the Love School of Business Advisory Board and hosting聽黑料不打烊聽business fellows in New York,聽Goldstein聽has聽been recognized as the聽top U.S. fundraiser for the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, which brings聽together Palestinian,聽Arab聽and Jewish students to collaborate on environmental research and conflict resolution.

For Goldstein,聽his聽remarks were filled with deep gratitude,聽sharing, 鈥淭his award would not be possible without the mentorship聽I鈥檝e聽had along the way.鈥�

Gary Grumbach 鈥�16 – Legal Affairs Reporter, NBC聽News聽| Washington, D.C.

Gary Grumbach聽has held various positions throughout聽the聽NBC聽Newsroom.聽From desk assistant to researcher, and later campaign embed, Grumbach is now the legal affairs reporter聽covering the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts across broadcast and digital platforms.

Grumbach鈥檚 黑料不打烊 experience included聽leading 黑料不打烊 Local News as director聽and ELN Radio as executive producer.聽He was also聽president聽of the Society of Professional Journalists.聽Having reported on聽various聽presidential campaigns聽and聽trials,聽Grumbach鈥檚 work has聽earned national recognition, three聽NBC GEM聽Awards and team聽honors for聽coverage of national elections and major federal court proceedings.聽In聽November聽2025, he was featured in President聽Book鈥檚 podcast series, 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� Beyond the Bricks.鈥�

Grumbach shared that 黑料不打烊 taught him teamwork. Connecting the聽skill to his current career and mentorship, he emphasized,聽鈥淵ou聽don鈥檛聽get far without teamwork. Fellow 黑料不打烊 graduates at NBC are always cheering each other on.鈥�

Emmanuel Morgan 鈥�19 – Sports聽and Culture聽Reporter, The New York Times聽| Los Angeles, California

Emmanuel Morgan has聽delivered stories聽as聽a trusted聽reporter聽since high school,聽where his work was featured in outlets such as ESPN鈥檚 鈥淭he Undefeated鈥� and The Charlotte Observer.聽At 黑料不打烊, Morgan joined The Pendulum as a first-year reporter before rising to editor-in-chief and later聽serving as executive director聽of 黑料不打烊 News Network. He also聽represented聽黑料不打烊 in the prestigious Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship, where he聽collaborated on the national reporting project 鈥淗ate in America.鈥�

Since graduation, Morgan聽has reported for the聽Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the聽Los Angeles Times, now covering聽sports and culture for The New York Times.聽Morgan鈥檚聽coverage of聽multiple Super Bowls聽and聽the 2024 Olympics in Paris,聽as well as his聽interviews with leading athletes and cultural figures has been featured in national coverage, and in 2023,聽he received the National Association of Black Journalists鈥� Salute to Excellence Award for his feature on identity and expression among聽NFL聽players.

Morgan thanked the 黑料不打烊 School of Communications staff and faculty for always聽having an聽open-door聽policy and for being there for him.聽Thanks to their聽鈥渢ough love,鈥� Morgan聽said聽he felt prepared聽for his role聽today, and聽can聽鈥渢ake constructive feedback well and apply it.鈥�

Daniela Pereyra 鈥�16 – Real Estate Broker, Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, and Founder, Dare to Jump聽| Charlotte, North Carolina

Daniela聽Pereyra聽is making homeownership accessible one聽client聽at a time.聽As a real聽estate broker licensed in North Carolina and Delaware,聽Pereyra聽currently works with Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, where she聽represents聽home buyers and sellers and supports clients through residential transactions and relocations nationwide.聽During the COVID-19 pandemic,聽she聽assisted聽military families with relocations聽and was recognized聽early in her career as a top-performing agent.

Pereyra is聽also the founder of Date to聽Jump, a聽professional development platform offering workshops and coaching focused on productivity, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage in business. Through this venture, she leads seminars for individuals and groups and has presented programming for students,聽entrepreneurs,聽and young professionals. Her leadership聽also聽extends to managing a Charlotte community group,聽where she聽not only offers guidance on聽HOA affairs and home values,聽but also brings the group together聽for social聽outings.

Pereyra emphasized 黑料不打烊鈥檚 鈥渓ifelong impact鈥� on her, sharing that 鈥渋t鈥檚 stories like mine that prove that 黑料不打烊 is above standard.鈥澛燬he feels grateful that 黑料不打烊 entrusts聽her to聽represent聽the award.

Jensen Roll 鈥�16 – President, Roll Construction, and founder, The Alamance Mill聽| Graham, North Carolina

What started as an independent major in social entrepreneurship has culminated in a custom homebuilding and remodeling company, Roll Construction,聽based in Graham,聽North聽Carolina.聽Since launching the company in 2018 with his wife,聽Mtende聽Roll, Jensen Roll has built a residential and commercial real estate portfolio of more than 20 properties聽with Roll聽Construction聽earning various聽accolades.

An聽entrepreneur聽by nature,聽Roll聽delved into聽undergraduate research聽on micro house design, the sociology of social聽enterprise聽and solutions to hunger,聽leading to the founding of聽Helping Other People Eat聽(H.O.P.E.),聽a聽nonprofit initiative that partnered with local restaurants to combat food聽insecurity.聽Today,聽Roll鈥檚聽community spirit has led to the founding of聽The Alamance Mill, a collaborative聽co-working space that supports local startups and small businesses.聽He also聽currently serves聽as secretary of the Board of Directors for the Alamance-Caswell Home Builders Association.

黑料不打烊鈥檚 impact聽contributes to Roll鈥檚聽everyday work, as he聽stated, 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� taught me how to build not just homes, but character and community.鈥� He聽reflected on striving to continue to聽represent聽the spirit of the institution.

Nikki Sanz 鈥�18 – Founder & CEO, GIGGS聽| Nashville, Tennessee

After working with major artists and organizations including Eric Church, Weezer,聽and Live Nation, and contributing to聽high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and CMA Awards,聽Nikki聽Sanz聽founded GIGGS,聽a professional career platform designed specifically for the live events and touring industry.聽The platform connects freelancers, touring聽professionals聽and production teams through a centralized marketplace聽and has grown to include 40,000 vetted professionals and 2,000 companies across multiple continents.

To start the venture, Sanz raised an impressive聽$1.2 million from 35 investors and landed a deal with Netflix鈥檚 co-founder Marc Randolph聽during an episode of Entrepreneur鈥檚聽鈥淓levator Pitch.鈥澛營n 2025,聽she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the music category.

Sanz聽is grateful for 黑料不打烊鈥檚聽experiential聽learning,聽stating, 鈥淚t鈥檚 no wonder 黑料不打烊 grads go on to make a difference in the world!鈥� She looks forward to seeing what all the honorees聽accomplish聽in the next 10 years.

Christian Seitz 鈥�16 – Postdoctoral researcher for epidemic vaccine development, University of Chicago聽| San Diego, California

As a recipient of 黑料不打烊鈥檚聽Lumen Prize, Christian Seitz conducted advanced computational chemistry research resulting in a first-author publication. Following graduation,聽Seitz continued to pursue聽research聽and聽was聽awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship while earning his聽Ph.D. in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of California San Diego.

His聽doctoral research produced multiple first-author publications and contributed to understanding infectious diseases and molecular biology, a聽subject聽he continues to study as聽a聽postdoctoral聽researcher at聽the聽University of Chicago working on vaccine development and pandemic preparedness.

Today, Seitz鈥檚 work focuses on applying聽artificial intelligence and computational modeling聽to better understand viruses聽and聽accelerate the design of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. He is a trusted collaborator with the聽Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and has received research funding from Argonne National Laboratory.

In his remarks, Seitz asked the audience to reflect聽on聽鈥淲hat would happen if you encouraged someone to pursue a聽talent?鈥�, encouraging all of them to do so. 鈥淢aybe in聽10 years聽they鈥檒l聽be up聽on this stage,鈥� he said.

After recognizing the shared themes of 鈥済ratitude, love, and the people who have made a difference in your life鈥� in the honorees鈥� remarks, President Connie Ledoux Book congratulated the alumni.

鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to see what you do in the next 10 years, and we are so proud of where you got your start,” Book said.

As Sofia聽Galazzi聽鈥�19 first navigated her university opportunities, she was looking for a place where she聽wouldn鈥檛聽just be a number. Coming from the聽vibrant聽city of聽Piacenza, where she spent the first two years of her dual-degree program at Universit脿 Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the oaks of North Carolina offered exactly the cozy environment she needed.

鈥淚 was looking for a place where I could feel welcomed,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 loved the fact that 黑料不打烊 was smaller. I thought the engagement with the students聽and the professors聽would be higher. I really wanted to be taken care of during the time I was going to spend there.鈥�

That personal attention quickly translated into a professional advantage. While European universities often focus heavily on traditional exams and theory,聽Galazzi聽found that 黑料不打烊鈥檚 college culture was obsessed with the world of work. She spent her days doing weekly assignments, leading group projects, and standing up in front of her peers to deliver presentations; aspects she said shaped her personality as much as her resume.

鈥淭he university really prepares you,鈥� she said. 鈥淒oing those presentations and working with other people gave me the confidence to stand up and speak in front of others. In Europe,聽it鈥檚聽mostly just you and the book. At 黑料不打烊,聽it鈥檚聽about the people.鈥�

After graduating in 2019,聽Galazzi鈥檚聽path took her into the high-fashion聽world of Milan. She spent聽nearly four聽years working in merchandising and data analysis for luxury giants Gucci and Zegna, where she managed KPIs and sales planning. But even as she navigated the private sector, she felt a pull toward public service. She eventually made the pivot to Brussels, joining the European Commission through its prestigious “Blue Book” traineeship program before rising to her current role as a Budget Officer.

Today,聽Galazzi聽works within the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Her daily life involves defining and implementing the annual EU budget, a role that requires her to work across different languages,聽cultures聽and legal systems.

鈥淭he European Commission is a very international environment,鈥澛燝alazzi聽said. 鈥淐oming from a dual degree, where I was already used to moving countries and adapting to new environments, it was much easier for me to step into this role. 黑料不打烊鈥檚 global community prepared me to work with people from all over the world.鈥�

Despite the high-stakes nature of her work in Brussels,聽Galazzi聽remains聽a major advocate for the 黑料不打烊 network. She is particularly passionate about encouraging current students to look beyond the U.S. and Italy for opportunities. She notes that the European Commission offers a massive traineeship program twice a year. While it鈥檚聽mostly for EU citizens, there are spots specifically reserved for non-EU nationals, including Americans.

鈥淚 don’t think Americans know very well how the European聽Union聽works, and Europeans don鈥檛 always know how the U.S. works,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f someone has ambitions in the public sector or political affairs, this is such a good opportunity to bridge that gap.鈥�

When reflecting on why 黑料不打烊 alumni seem to thrive in these high-pressure global roles,聽Galazzi聽points back to that聽initial cozy feeling. She believes that because 黑料不打烊 makes students feel like they belong, they leave campus with the confidence to take on big responsibilities early.

Her advice for the next generation of Phoenix, especially those currently navigating the Dual Degree program, is to lean into the discomfort of being in a new place.

鈥淕et to know the people and the culture as much as you can,鈥� she said. 鈥淒on鈥檛聽just stick with people from your own country. If I could go back to my 18-year-old self,聽I鈥檇聽tell her:聽don鈥檛聽be afraid. Everything will work out if you stay curious.鈥�

The initiative was one of several activities throughout the year to commemorate 15 years of engagement and community connection. Susan Patton, a LIFE@黑料不打烊 member, said the idea of having a food drive started in the fall semester, but the group decided the springtime would be a great time to support the local community. Many food pantries have challenges after the major gift-giving holidays in the winter are over, but the need is abundant year-round.

The group gathered 1,192 food items and an additional $1,880 in donations to support SAFE Alamance Food Pantry. While the original goal was to donate 1,500 food items, the financial contributions from members far surpassed this goal and offered even further support to families in need than had been imagined.

鈥淒iscovering the numerous ways that SAFE, Inc. assists families across our county only made me appreciate more that LIFE@黑料不打烊 was able to contribute toward this worthwhile program,鈥� said LIFE@黑料不打烊 member Billy Rintz.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate 15 years of educational nourishment through LIFE@黑料不打烊 by supporting true food insufficiency in Alamance County through a canned goods drive for SAFE. It was wonderful to get to deliver three carloads of food in person!” said Susan Klopman, LIFE@黑料不打烊 member and vice president emerita.

In the past year, SAFE has served 8,000 families between 3 distribution sites across Alamance County. To learn more about LIFE@黑料不打烊, please view their website.聽To learn more about SAFE or make a donation, please visit their

Whether someone is picking up a paddle for the first time or already brings a competitive edge, the courts have become a hub for community, stress relief and healthy activity.

LIFE@黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission is to provide lifelong learning for adults 50 years and older through an educational community that offers enriching experiences through unique programs and ongoing engagement with 黑料不打烊.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity to bring you full circle with activities, education, new friends, and new opportunities such as travel,” said Mary Anne Butler, who has attended LIFE@黑料不打烊 for about three years.

Butler, who is an avid pickleball player, has been a member of LIFE@黑料不打烊 for around 3 years. She says LIFE@黑料不打烊 has helped her stay active within the 黑料不打烊 community, and that pickleball 鈥渂rought friends together.鈥� These same friends, she says, go out to eat together and play pickleball almost every day.

This pickleball group averages about 14 players each week. Some of the members branch out beyond physical involvement and delve into everything else the community has to offer, such as special guest lectures at 黑料不打烊.

If you, your family members, or friends are looking for more information about LIFE@黑料不打烊, you can contact Kathryn Bennett, director of LIFE@黑料不打烊, at kbennett9@elon.edu or 336-278-7431.