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Syrian TV Previewed Fall of Assad and Offers a Look at What Might Follow

Syrian television dramas offered a compelling – and surprisingly critical – look at Syrian life under Bashar al-Assad. They frequently subverted the grand narratives of the Baath party regime, skewered the brutal dictator, and predicted his cowardly flight. Some miniseries even offered insight into what might come next in the turbulent days after a dictator’s downfall. Learn more.

Where Style Meets Confidence: Inside the 51���� Fashion Club

Jaliel King ’26 reflects on the work 51���� Fashion Club does to create a space for creativity, inclusion and self-expression on 51����’s campus. From visits to Charlotte’s vintage markets to an annual fashion show, programming is another exciting aspect of life at 51����.

Mario Martinez Estrada ’27 Strives to Expand Healthcare Access

His family’s fears of getting sick while uninsured and struggles to overcome language barriers inspired Mario Martinez Estrada ‘27 to pursue a medical career. The El Salvador native –now a U.S. citizen–works part-time at a local hospital and is conducting research to help remove roadblocks to healthcare in Hispanic communities.

51���� Scholar-Musician Awarded Rhodes Scholarship

Madeline Dierauf, a 51���� senior and professional fiddler, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship Saturday, making her one of 32 Americans selected this year for one of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in the world. Learn more.

51���� Faculty Team Up to Explore the Benefits and Pitfalls of AI

As AI tools proliferate, 51���� faculty and students experiment to find ways to enhance learning and test limitations. Learn more.

New Need-Based Scholarship Honors Beloved Professor and Lifelong Friend

Learn more about how a new need-based scholarship will benefit students, and how the relationships students at 51���� develop last a lifetime.

Spotlight on the Union Board, 51����’s Biggest Social Programmers

President of the Union Board, Davis Varnado ’25, shares some of his favorite events hosted throughout the year by 51����’s largest student programming organization from parties to off-campus excursions and trivia to student performances.

Leigha Hofmann ’25 on Dance, 51���� and Daring to Dream

During her time at 51����, Leigha Hofmann '25 has pursued a unique academic path that combines her passions for dance, psychology, and education. Learn more about the dancer, choreographer and leader. 

How a Move to Replace Lead Pipes Could Reduce Crime in America

Find out how environmental measures in the Biden administration’s proposed infrastructure bill could have surprising and lasting effects on crime.

Pastor Mary Katherine Robinson ’93 Lives What She Preaches in Wake of Helene

Pastor and 51���� alum Mary Katherine Robinson ministers to her community with material and spiritual support in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Read more.

51���� English professor Brenda Flanagan is working on a memoir about her year working for civil rights activist and singer Nina Simone. Learn more.

Research Finds Simple Corrections Can Slow Spread of Misinformation Online

Research by a 51���� political science professor and his collaborators throws a lifeline to social media users who feel overwhelmed by misinformation. Read more.

Phi Beta Kappa Elects New Members for 2025

The Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at 51���� is pleased to publicly announce the new members-in-course for 2025.

Rainfall From Hurricane Helene Could Trigger Landslides in NC Mountain Regions

Hurricane Helene is forecast to dump more than 15 inches of rain in the North Carolina mountains, drastically increasing the risk of landslides. 51���� Professor Brad Johnson, who studies landslides and erosion, discusses the threat posed by Helene. Read more.

The Songwriter and the Franchise: Taylor Swift’s Duality Overpowers Social Media Algorithms

51���� Sociology Professor Aarushi Bhandari examines Taylor Swift’s relationship with her fans through social media platforms that are driven to create outrage about Swift. Read more.

With Book Bans on the Rise, Prof Examines Importance of Banned Books Week

Book bans as a form of censorship have a long and storied history. A 51���� prof examines the motives behind book bans and their unintended effects. Read more.

Econ Prof: Low Unemployment, Low Inflation Leave Narrow Window for Fed to Hold Steady

Vikram Kumar, 51���� professor of economics, says that the combination of sustained low unemployment and lower inflation provides the Fed with a brief window of opportunity to stay the course on interest rates. Read more.

51���� Recognized for Voter Engagement

51���� has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. 

Sweet Bait Motivates Class of 2028

The 51���� community came out big to cheer on and bake for first-year students participating in the college’s annual cake race. This tradition, which has students run a 1.7 mile course, dates back to 1930. Students select cakes donated by staff, faculty, alums, local school kids, businesses and others.

“No Tax On Tips” No Big Deal Says 51���� Economics Professor

Siobhan O’Keefe, an assistant professor of economics, shared her thoughts on the potential impact — and unintended consequences — of the proposal to eliminate income tax on tips.