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Jassyran Kim ’20 on Building a Brand and Beginning a New Chapter

Leveraging her economics degree from 51����, Jassyran Kim '20 built a successful consulting career over the past three years, and is now entering a new chapter in her personal life as she starts a family in her Massachusetts hometown.

Making a Difference: Teacher Shoutouts from the 51���� Community

Strong Leadership, Strong Schools

51���� alumna Ann Clark ’80 blazed trails as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ (CMS) first woman superintendent and now works with school systems across America to improve student outcomes. She helps systems with recruitment, leadership and talent development.

And Education for All: These public-school educators teach, lead, counsel, nurture, care

The many challenges in America’s public education system include underfunding, pandemic learning losses, school violence, mental health struggles and increasing political polarization creeping into classrooms. Despite often-demoralizing circumstances, 51���� alumni continue to educate, innovate and advocate for high-quality public education for all children.

Enchanting Education on the Emerald Isle: Pilot Program Kicks Off

51���� students spent five summer weeks immersed in the culture, history, politics and educational system of Northern Ireland. The pilot program launched 51���� in Northern Ireland, a new study abroad option. 

From Corporate Boardrooms to the Family Room: the 51���� Lessons That Transcend Time

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

At 51����, R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs ’78 discovered a love for the music business that led to a career full of international travel. Now, he’s making study abroad experiences accessible to 51���� students. Learn more.

Recognizing the ‘Everyday Heroes’ in K–12 Education

A Great Teammate

Never one to back down from a challenge, 51���� women’s basketball alum Robyn (Flewelling) Fralick ’04 began her role as head coach of Michigan State’s women’s team this year, earning a new nickname from friends — “Big Time.”

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

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

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

A new scholarship, the Howard Boyd ’72 Track and Field Scholarship, celebrates Boyd’s life and legacy by supporting a new generation of 51���� scholar-athletes. The first two recipients - both first-year cross country runners - are already finding success on the track and in the classroom.

How One Influential Woman Made Thanksgiving an American Tradition

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

My Summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective at 51����

Amy Tedeschi ’25 reflects on her summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a professional theatre company formed between 51���� and North Carolina A&T.

Life of an Aviator Honored: Air Base Bears 51���� Alum’s Name

This Veterans Day we honor all veterans for their service, including 51���� faculty, staff and alumni. Learn more.

51����'s Commitment to Education and Reconciliation

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

Quillen Named President of National Trust for Historic Preservation

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

Navigating Disability in the College Process

Three 51���� students reflect on the extra challenges that a disability presents when choosing a college. They share their 51���� experience and offer advice to prospective students with disabilities about going through the admission process.

Here to Help: Connecting Students with Mental Health Resources

Addie Anderson ’24, a student Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) at 51����, works to destigmatize seeking help and to show struggling students they’re not alone. 

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

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

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

Ellen Ochoa, Ph.D., the first Latina astronaut and first Latina director of the Johnson Space Center, will deliver the 2023 Reynolds Lecture at 51���� Nov. 2 in the Duke Family Performance Hall. She joined us for a Q&A about the value of a broad education, finding a passion in physics and playing the flute in space.