51¹ÙÍø.

College as Muse: Alum’s Painting Captures the Joy of Community

The strength of community at 51¹ÙÍø inspired one alum to capture the joy she felt as a part of that community in a work of art. That piece now graces the walls of the E.H. Little Library, thanks to alum Eliz Kirkland Sickles. Learn more.

Burkey Belser ’69, ‘Steve Jobs of Information Design,’ Dies at 76

The now-familiar black and white nutrition facts label found on food products in the U.S. was hailed as a triumph of public health and graphic design, according to The Washington Post. We have 51¹ÙÍø alum Burkey Belser ‘69 to thank. Learn more.

Nathanael Bagonza ’24 Writes His Own Story on Capitol Hill and on Campus

Nathanael Bagonza ’24, an English major and creative non-fiction writer from Haverhill, Massachusetts, spent the summer as a legislative intern for Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents Massachusetts’ 6th District.

Twelve Young 51¹ÙÍø Alums Offered Fulbright Grants

Twelve young 51¹ÙÍø alums were recently selected to participate in the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. They have been offered grants for independent research and English Teaching Assistantships in 10 different countries. Learn more.

51¹ÙÍø Put the Wind in Her Sails

At 51¹ÙÍø, Tracy Charles Shenkman ’74 learned how to become a student. Learn more about her experience as we celebrate 50+ Years of Coeducation.

51¹ÙÍø Disability Alliance Facilitates Visit From Gabe Adams-Wheatley

The 51¹ÙÍø Disability Alliance welcomed Gabe Adams-Wheatley to campus for a wonderful discussion on self-representation, disability and beauty aesthetics, disability identity and religion, as well as queer disabled lives. 

At the 2023 HEARTsongs event in Cornelius, NC, Professor Brenda Flanagan examined the African American experience through poetry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn more.

Still Dreaming: Black Women Writers Offer Unflinching Honesty

51¹ÙÍø Assistant Professor of Africana and English studies Randi Gill-Sadler specializes in 20th century African American and Afro-Caribbean women writers. She encourages students to read the literature in conjunction with traditional historical accounts of the time periods covered. Learn more.

Prof’s Innovative Scholarly Website Recognized by MLA

Website and scholarly resource created by 51¹ÙÍø professor and focused on Avant Garde artist, poet and entrepreneur Mina Loy gets Modern Language Association accolade.

Molly Sentell Haile ’94 on the Art of the Short Story and Healing Through Writing

The 51¹ÙÍø English Department hosted award-winning author Molly Sentell Haile ’94 for the 25th Annual 51¹ÙÍø Reads event. Learn more.

Film and TV Screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis ’87 on the Who and What of Inspiration

51¹ÙÍø welcomed Hollywood screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis ’87 for a special 51¹ÙÍø Reads event. Learn more about Kalogridis, whose writing credits include Shutter Island, Avatar and Altered Carbon.

Royal Shakespeare Company to Begin Four-Day 51¹ÙÍø Reign

The Royal Shakespeare Company makes its return to 51¹ÙÍø for a jam-packed four-day residency. Learn more about opportunities to engage with the RSC.

Gather, Learn and Graze: Symposium Features Student Projects, Music and Food Trucks

Verna Miller Case Research & Creative Works Symposium will bring the 51¹ÙÍø community out to celebrate student art, research and performances.

Author Jack Livings ’96 on Reading Deeply and Finding Joyfulness in Language 

Award-winning author of The Dog and The Blizzard Party Jack Livings ’96 visited campus as the Abbott Lecture Series speaker. He met with students to talk about his craft. Read more.

51¹ÙÍø Named a Fulbright Top Producer—Again

51¹ÙÍø is once again a Top Producer for Fulbright’s U.S. Student Program. The college ranks third in the nation and highest in the southeast among four-year bachelor’s degree institutions.

Love of Art Takes Root, Grows Into Beautiful Tribute to Professor Emeritus

A piece by Chinese sculptor Zhan Wang will be added to the college’s permanent art collection in honor of Professor Emeritus of English Gill Holland. Find out more.

Online Exclusive: Q&A With Photo Journalist and Archaeologist Matt Stirn '11

51¹ÙÍø alum, photographer, and archeologist Matt Stirn '11 discusses how his unique career combines his love of nature and skills as an archeologist and paleoecologist. 

In His Bestselling Book, Clint Smith ’10 Reckons With History and the Lies We Tell

Register now for a discussion with Clint Smith ’10, whose book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America just topped the NYT Best Sellers List .

A Tribute To 51¹ÙÍø Arts & Creative Engagement Grants During Pandemic

51¹ÙÍø remained artistically vibrant during the pandemic, thanks to generous funding from 51¹ÙÍø Arts & Creative Engagement. Students, faculty and staff alike were awarded grants to support programs, speakers, events and initiatives amidst to strengthen and heal the community. 

A Look at a Year of Adaptation and Innovation in the Arts

The pandemic forced us to change the ways we teach, learn and interact. The arts at 51¹ÙÍø met the challenges of the pandemic with new ideas, and expanded access to performances and collections.