Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural 黑料不打烊 Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Festival on Wednesday evening, July 22, at 6:30 p.m., at the historic Sony Pictures Studios lot, in Culver City, California.

The festival will feature the world premieres of short films from three 黑料不打烊 Los Angeles area alumna who were recipients of last fall鈥檚 黑料不打烊 Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition funds.

Julia Boyd 鈥�15, Bex Evans 鈥�16 and Mirai 鈥�07 each received grants of $3,000 for the production of their original short films. Their projects were selected for funding from among numerous submissions received. A selection committee comprised of industry professionals and 黑料不打烊 alumni reviewed, ranked and voted on all of the submissions received; Boyd, Evans and Mirai鈥檚 projects were the three top selections from this process.

The short film festival will also feature a conversation with 黑料不打烊 alumni Lindsey Emerson, vice president of streaming, global strategy & operations at Paramount Skydance and Alex Stevenson, account lead at Creative Artists Agency, about the current state of the entertainment industry and the impact these shifts are having on students transitioning from college to the professional world, as well as how current working professionals might navigate the new landscape for new opportunities.

A reception will follow the festival presentation with the opportunity for current 黑料不打烊 Los Angeles summer students to connect with 黑料不打烊 alumni and other industry professionals.

Limited availability tickets for the film festival are $25 each, with 100% of all ticket revenue designated to support next year鈥檚 grant competition.

For information and ticket purchases, and for contributions to the grant competition fund, please visit the .

Applications will be accepted starting Sept. 1, 2026.

The ABA approval clears the way for 黑料不打烊 Law to expand its nationally recognized model of full-time legal education to North Carolina’s largest city. At that point, 黑料不打烊 Law will offer three pathways to a law degree in North Carolina: a full-time program in Greensboro, a full-time program in Charlotte and the part-time 黑料不打烊 Law Flex Program in Charlotte.

“This comes at an incredible moment for 黑料不打烊 Law,” said 黑料不打烊 Law Dean Zak Kramer. “Within the last year, we’ve celebrated historic bar passage rates and employment outcomes for our graduates, along with record enrollment and student applications. The ABA’s approval of our Charlotte program builds on that momentum, allowing 黑料不打烊 Law to bring our signature approach to legal education to one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.”

The inaugural Charlotte class, consisting of up to 75 students, will begin studies in August 2027 on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte. The charter cohort will graduate in December 2029, following 黑料不打烊 Law’s existing 2.5-year, seven-trimester academic calendar in Greensboro. The 黑料不打烊 Law Flex Program will also begin holding its part-time evening classes on the Queens campus in Fall 2027.

The full-time Charlotte program will replicate the innovative curriculum established at 黑料不打烊 Law’s Greensboro campus. The hallmark of 黑料不打烊 Law’s experiential, skills-based, community-centered approach to legal education is the Residency-in-Practice Program: a course-connected placement that pairs every student with a practicing attorney or judge during the winter or spring of their second year.

That experience moves students beyond studying the law to begin living it 鈥� working alongside attorneys and judges, serving clients and communities, and developing the professional judgment and practical skills expected of new lawyers. Students return to campus with greater confidence, stronger professional connections and a clearer sense of the kind of lawyer they will become.

黑料不打烊 Law is in the early stages of hiring a full complement of professors, administrators and student support personnel who will lead the full-time program in Charlotte. The move aligns with the proposed merger of 黑料不打烊 and Queens University, which remains subject to final approval from SACSCOC and the U.S. Department of Education.

黑料不打烊 leaders are working closely with Queens University to ensure law students benefit from a vibrant campus experience and the resources of a thriving university community.

The expansion also builds on 黑料不打烊 Law’s longstanding relationships throughout Charlotte’s legal community. Already, more than 10 percent of the law school鈥檚 alumni live and work in the Charlotte area. Law school leaders plan to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new connections and grow opportunities for students to serve in a region with a need for legal talent, legal services and innovative legal education.

Through clinics, residencies and community partnerships, 黑料不打烊 Law students regularly work alongside attorneys, judges, nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help address unmet legal needs.

“We’ve been in Charlotte all along through our students, alumni and community partnerships,” Kramer said. “This approval gives us an opportunity to deepen our commitment to Charlotte. We’re excited to invest here, build new partnerships and help shape what comes next.”

Additional information about admissions, faculty hiring and program development will be announced in the coming months.

About 黑料不打烊 Law

黑料不打烊 Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school鈥檚 distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

黑料不打烊 Law has graduated more than 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in downtown Greensboro in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 500 students. The law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings, maintaining an A+ rating each year since 2023. 黑料不打烊 Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

The 黑料不打烊 Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study, launched in Charlotte in 2024. Designed for students balancing work, family and other commitments to earn their J.D. in under four years, it will enroll its third cohort in Fall 2026.

The 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� Dance Team Send-Off鈥� video, directed and edited by Peter Sillitto 鈥�26 and produced in collaboration with the 黑料不打烊 Dance Team, received a Sports Video Group (SVG) College Sports Media Award for Outstanding In-Venue Video 鈥� Collegiate Student Championship. The award was presented May 27 in Atlanta during the 18th annual SVG College Sports Media Awards ceremony.

The honor came just weeks after the 黑料不打烊 Dance Team captured two national titles at the 2026 National Dance Association College National Championships, winning the Division I pom and Division I hip hop competitions. The back-to-back victories marked a historic achievement for the program, including 黑料不打烊鈥檚 first national championship in the pom category.

Produced for the team鈥檚 trip to nationals, the video took a more narrative approach than previous send-off productions.

鈥淧roducing a send-off video is something we do every year, with the final piece being shown in the Schar Center and shared across social media,鈥� said Sillitto, a cinema and television arts major. 鈥淭his year, we wanted to take a more story-driven approach by focusing on the team鈥檚 journey to nationals. Our goal was to showcase not only their performances, but also the hard work, dedication and experiences that led them there.鈥�

In addition to Sillitto, the student production team included Kristen Pearson 鈥�27 and Meghan McGarrigle 鈥�28 as producers; and Zack Golub 鈥�26 and Colin Dorroh 鈥�27 as creative producers and camera operators.

across multiple locations, capturing both cinematic visuals and authentic moments from practices, workouts and team activities.

鈥淥ne of the biggest challenges was making sure we told the team鈥檚 real story, which meant being present and ready to film during genuine moments,鈥� Sillitto said. 鈥淐apturing those authentic interactions and experiences was an important part of the creative process and helped make the final video feel more personal and meaningful.鈥�

For Sillitto, the award reflects months of collaboration and effort from both the dancers and the production crew.

鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the project because every year our goal is to create the best video possible, and we have a lot of creative freedom to experiment with new ideas and push ourselves creatively,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he final video represents months of hard work from both the dance team and the production crew, so we鈥檙e excited and grateful that the project has been recognized.鈥�

Sillitto graduated from 黑料不打烊 in May and recently accepted a position with Booz Allen Hamilton as a videographer and social media content creator.

Sillitto and Dorroh attended the 2026 SVG College Summit in Atlanta alongside Anthony Bamford 鈥�25, coordinating producer for 黑料不打烊 Sports Vision; Patrick Cunningham, director of live broadcast production for 黑料不打烊 Athletics; and students/recent graduates Philip Doherty 鈥�26, Anthony Eppolito 鈥�27 and Joey Marinello 鈥�28.

This year marked another strong showing for 黑料不打烊 at the national competition 鈥� the university won its first-ever award in 2025. In addition to the winning 黑料不打烊 Dance Team send-off video, four other 黑料不打烊 productions were recognized as finalists in the Collegiate Student Championship division: 鈥淔ootball: 黑料不打烊 vs. North Carolina A&T,鈥� 鈥淪trength Beyond the Game 鈥� Brodie Carroll,鈥� 鈥淲in The Moment 鈥� Asher Cunningham鈥� and 鈥淲hat It Takes 鈥� 黑料不打烊 Men鈥檚 Basketball Halftime Hype.鈥�

Sixty-eight percent of American adults say they are proud to be American, and 79% agree the United States plays a uniquely important role in world history. At the same time, 69% believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would feel more disappointment than pride about modern American democracy.

The survey of 1,000 adults in the United States, conducted April 30-May 4, 2026, explores how Americans view the nation鈥檚 past, present and future as the country prepares to commemorate its semiquincentennial.

鈥淎s the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans have complex and diverse feelings about America 250,鈥� said Jason Husser, director of the 黑料不打烊 Poll and a professor of political science and public policy. 鈥淲e found several points of optimism among Americans, including pride in being American and belief that the United States has a uniquely important role to play in world history. At the same time, many Americans expressed significant concern about the health of American democracy today, and the country is split on its outlook over the next 50 years.鈥�

More than half of Americans (52%) say the United States is unsuccessfully living up to its founding ideals, while only 30% say the nation is successfully living up to them. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) rate the overall health of U.S. democracy as only 鈥渇air鈥� or 鈥減oor.鈥�

The survey also found widespread concern about political instability and civic division:

• 68% believe elected officials today are worse than leaders of the past
• 80% say they at least sometimes feel no political party or movement represents their views
• 70% say the country is more turbulent than average compared with other periods in U.S. history
• 64% say they have little or no confidence that U.S. political institutions will make mostly good decisions over the next 50 years
• 68% predict America will become more politically divided by 2076

Americans are also pessimistic about the country鈥檚 long-term future in several key areas. Majorities predict that by 2076 the nation will have less freedom, less economic equality, a lower standard of living, and more pollution. More Americans also believe technology will create more harm than benefit over the next 50 years.

Despite those concerns, the poll found Americans still hold strong connections to the nation鈥檚 democratic ideals and history.

When asked which event best represented American democracy at its highest ideals, respondents most frequently selected the Civil Rights Movement and World War II. Abraham Lincoln was named both the historical figure who best exemplified democratic ideals and the greatest president in U.S. history.

The survey also revealed broad bipartisan resonance for many historic presidential messages when respondents were not told who made the statements. More than three-quarters agreed with quotations from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while large majorities also agreed with statements from John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Looking toward the nation鈥檚 semiquincentennial celebrations, Americans expressed greater interest in reflection than pageantry. Nearly seven in 10 (68%) said America250 should focus more on reflecting on U.S. history and values than simply celebrating national achievements, and 71% said smaller local events would feel more authentic than large national celebrations.

The survey found Americans entering the anniversary with mixed emotions. The most common feeling was pride, cited by 38%, followed by gratitude at 17%. But 21% said they have no strong feelings, 12% described themselves as conflicted, while others reported disappointment or frustration.

The margin of error for the 黑料不打烊 Poll survey is +/- 3.95%.

Poll Methodology

Access the poll topline and methodology at:聽www.elon.edu/elonpoll. The survey was developed by the 黑料不打烊 Poll and fielded by the international marketing and polling firm YouGov as an online, web-based survey, self-administered with online panels. Between April 30 and March 4, 2026, YouGov interviewed 1,077 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. These respondents were then matched down to a sample of 1,000 to produce the final dataset.

The matched cases were weighted to the sampling frame using propensity scores based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, years of education, and home ownership. The margin of error for this poll (adjusted for weights) is +/-3.95%.

About the 黑料不打烊 Poll

Established in 2000, the 黑料不打烊 Poll conducts national and North Carolina surveys on issues of importance to voters and residents. Information from these polls is shared with media, citizens and public officials to facilitate informed public policy making through the better understanding of citizens鈥� opinions and attitudes. The poll is fully funded by 黑料不打烊 and operates as the neutral, non-biased information resource.

The 黑料不打烊 Poll is a charter member of in 2014 to educate polling firms on ways to better share how they collect and interpret their information. The 黑料不打烊 Poll鈥檚 voluntary participation in this initiative signifies a willingness to clearly state in its reports how questions were asked, in what order, who funded the poll and then conducted it, and a definition of the population under study, among other details.

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.

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A Donning of the Kente Ceremony at 黑料不打烊 celebrated the African heritage, achievements and resilience of Black graduates in the university鈥檚 Class of 2026 during an evening filled with expressions of cultural tradition, reflection and joy.

Held on the eve of Commencement ceremonies, the annual event honored graduating students with handmade Kente stoles woven in Ghana, a symbol of heritage, wisdom and shared responsibility to be worn at graduation.

Family members and the wider university community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 21, 2026, to recognize the graduates鈥� accomplishments and the communities that supported them throughout their college journeys.

鈥淭onight, we do more than congratulate our graduates,鈥� said Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education. 鈥淭onight, we bear witness to them. Tonight, we affirm them.鈥�

The 10th annual ceremony highlighted the importance mentorship in the graduates鈥� success. In his remarks to graduates, Williams recognized the 鈥渧illage鈥� of parents, grandparents, mentors, faculty and staff, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their university studies.

Alex Bohannon 鈥�17, president of the 黑料不打烊 Black Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to remain engaged with the university and support future generations of students.

鈥淎s you look ahead, carry this charge: build community, mentor intentionally and stay engaged. 黑料不打烊鈥檚 strength is its people showing up for one another, again and again,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ngagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

鈥淭he next generation鈥檚 experience will be shaped by what you choose to do from this point forward.鈥�

Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the 黑料不打烊 Black Alumni Network

Bohannon also highlighted the role of the 黑料不打烊 Black Alumni Network in mentoring students and supporting initiatives such as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. He noted that the ceremony鈥檚 continued growth reflects a vision established a decade ago and sustained through alumni engagement and philanthropy.

During the donning ceremony, each graduate was joined on stage by a person who played a meaningful role in their 黑料不打烊 experience. Supporters presented the stoles while tributes celebrating each graduate鈥檚 accomplishments and future aspirations were read aloud.

Graduates were praised for perseverance, leadership and cultural pride as families, mentors and faculty members reflected on the challenges many students overcame to earn their degrees. Presentations highlighted stories of first-generation college graduates, international students, and campus leaders who balanced academics with research, athletics and service while supporting others along the way.

Another popular feature of the evening program: A rhythmic dance of celebration performed by served to open and conclude the ceremony.

黑料不打烊’s event is made possible by the Kelli E. Palmer 鈥�98 Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment supports the program, including the purchase of the kente stoles.

In her own remarks to graduates, La’ Tonya Wiley 鈥�97, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 assistant director of affinity alumni engagement, described the evening as a way to not only honor accomplishments, but to honor who celebrants have become.

鈥淵ou are scholars, changemakers, leaders and living examples for those who will follow behind you,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ay you always remember that your excellence is not defined solely by titles or degrees, but by how you uplift others, how you remain rooted in purpose and how you continue building community wherever your path leads.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:

In the midst of finals week, inside a second-floor conference room in Schar Hall overlooking the Historic Neighborhood, 黑料不打烊 seniors presented communications campaigns for one of the world鈥檚 most recognizable digital brands: TikTok.

The May 15 presentations marked the culmination of a semester-long partnership between students in Professor Lee Bush鈥檚 Strategic Campaigns course, TikTok and 黑料不打烊 alumna Julia Denick 鈥�15, a brand partnerships manager in media and entertainment for the company. A second class taught by Bush shared its presentations remotely with Denick via Zoom a few days later.

Throughout the semester, students were challenged to think beyond TikTok鈥檚 identity as an entertainment platform and instead position it as a powerful marketing tool capable of driving discovery, engagement and purchasing decisions for brands and small businesses. For students, the project offered an opportunity to tackle the kind of real-world strategic communications challenge they may encounter after graduation.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� gave me so much,鈥� said Denick, explaining her decision to partner with current students. 鈥淭his felt like a small way to give some of that back. I also remember being in their shoes and how much I would have loved working on a project like this.鈥�

A 2015 graduate of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Denick now works with NBCUniversal and other major media partners, helping brands develop creative and data-driven campaigns on TikTok.

鈥淚鈥檓 responsible for building strategic partnerships with NBCU and helping them drive business results on TikTok,鈥� Denick said. 鈥淢uch of that work is blending creativity and data 鈥� advising on media strategy, measurement, creative and building custom campaigns around their biggest tentpole moments.鈥�

Bush explained that the partnership challenged students to look beyond their everyday use of the platform and consider how brands strategically connect with audiences through TikTok.

鈥淪tudents are, of course, prolific users of TikTok,鈥� Bush said. 鈥淭his was a great opportunity for them to experience the platform from a different perspective 鈥撀爐hat of a business or brand manager who needs to reach their customers through the platform.鈥�

Bush said the project reflected the experiential learning focus that defines the Strategic Campaigns course, which serves as the capstone experience for strategic communications majors.

鈥淲e are so grateful to Julia for agreeing to be the client for not just one, but two Strategic Campaigns classes and for flying in from New York to see student presentations in person,鈥� Bush said. 鈥淲hat a thrilling culminating experience for our graduating strategic communications seniors.鈥�

For Tori Tyson 鈥�26, one of those graduating seniors, the class project highlighted both the strategic thinking and collaboration required to develop a successful campaign.

鈥淥ur assignment was to work with TikTok to create a strategic campaign that repositioned the platform as more than just an entertainment app,鈥� Tyson said.

Tyson noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the semester was working alongside classmates who each brought different ideas and strengths to the campaign process.

鈥淓veryone on our team brought different strengths, perspectives and ideas to the table, which made the project more creative and well-rounded overall,鈥� Tyson said. 鈥淭eamwork played a huge role in our campaign, especially when it came to brainstorming, problem-solving and refining our ideas into one cohesive strategy.鈥�

She also credited Bush with encouraging students to think creatively while maintaining a professional approach to client work.

鈥淧rofessor Bush created an environment that encouraged collaboration and pushed us to think more strategically and creatively throughout the semester,鈥� Tyson said. 鈥淪he gave us the confidence to take risks with our ideas while still guiding us in a professional and supportive way.鈥�

The experience also challenged students to narrow broad research and ideas into focused, achievable strategies.

鈥淭ikTok is such a fast-moving platform with so many opportunities,鈥� Tyson said, 鈥渟o it took a lot of collaboration and problem-solving to create a campaign that was both creative and strategic.鈥�

For Denick, the project reinforced the value of experiential learning opportunities before graduation and offered a meaningful way to give back to her alma mater.

鈥淕roup projects don鈥檛 end after college 鈥� life is one big group project,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd what better prep for post-grad than the real thing.鈥�

This work represents an important step forward in the planned merger, which is awaiting a vote from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That accreditation approval is the first step in a two-step federal approval process before 黑料不打烊 assumes operational oversight of Queens.

As the approval process continues, 黑料不打烊 and Queens are planning to align a number of administrative and operational functions through shared services, beginning June 30. The goal of the shared services model is to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of the future combined institution while ensuring that students continue to receive strong support throughout the transition.

鈥淭his next stage is about building the foundation for a stronger future,鈥� said Jeff Stein, chief integration officer and executive vice president. 鈥淟eaders from both institutions are working collaboratively and deliberately, and drawing on the strengths, talents and traditions of 黑料不打烊 and Queens to design shared functions that serve students well and position the combined institution for long-term success.鈥�

The shared services model will bring together teams in areas such as admissions and financial aid, advancement, career services, communications and marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, academic advising, facilities, library services, study abroad and other key administrative functions. These areas support the daily operations of both campuses and play an important role in the student experience. Leaders have emphasized that the design process is not simply about combining existing structures, but about creating stronger teams and practices that reflect the best of both institutions.

The merger also builds on 黑料不打烊鈥檚 growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of 黑料不打烊 Law and future graduate programs. Queens鈥� deep roots in the city, distinctive undergraduate experience, Division I athletics program and legacy of civic engagement will remain important parts of the combined institution鈥檚 future. Athletics programs at 黑料不打烊 and Queens will continue to operate as distinct and separate Division I programs.

For employees, the transition will include direct communication, HR support and detailed information about next steps. Queens employees whose roles are part of the shared services areas will transition to 黑料不打烊 employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. Queens employees who transition will move to 黑料不打烊鈥檚 benefits program.

A small number of positions will not continue as part of the shared services structure. Employees in those roles are receiving direct support, including information about open positions at 黑料不打烊 in which they are eligible to apply and career transition resources.

The transition plan also includes onboarding, professional development and culture-building opportunities designed to help newly integrated teams build relationships and establish shared practices. Planned supports include department retreats, leadership workshops, employee resources, buddy programs and ongoing opportunities for feedback and questions.

Throughout the process, Queens will continue to have dedicated leadership guiding campus operations, helping ensure continuity for students, employees and the Charlotte community while federal approvals are pending.

For 黑料不打烊 and Queens, this stage of the work is both practical and forward-looking. It is about aligning systems and teams, but also about shaping a shared future grounded in student success, institutional strength and a commitment to Charlotte.

鈥淭he promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,鈥� Stein said. 鈥淚t is that, together, we can create something stronger 鈥� an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.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.